I`ve been RiF`d out, 20 years erased in a 3 minute phone call. Pretty cold for sure.

We were acquired in 2007 by a mid size med Device company and they left us alone for 4 years, we ran on our own, had our own leadership and things were ok.

In 2011 we get moved into a division that sells direct to the Hospital market, we sell through distribution to the DR office, Dentist, Veterinarian and Podiatrist- Talk about square peg-round hole this is not a fit, in 2014 they pull marketing support, reduce trade shows and cut down on just about everything we need to service our customers and business.

Fast forward to 2017 we get a new division president and he promptly misses the number for the 1st 3 quarters, time to roll heads including mine even though I`m the Sales Director of the year 2 years running and have it won for this current year. Ironically our little group called Alt site hit every quarter but the larger part of our division missed so the overall result is a miss for the year.

My Directors good friend keeps his job and basically gets mine, what does my Director say to me? " this RIF wasn't done on performance". To add insult to injury the person who took my job calls me and say" Mike man I`m sorry man but we just couldnt have a job change right now, we are in the middle of an adoption" Nice huh? I`ll never know how much this little bit of info played part in me loosing my job but could it have?

They did give me a decent package-a week per year served(20), I hit both full year and Q4 bonus and I had 192 hours PTO accrued so i should be able to find a job but man this one hurts. I grew up in an industry and in a job where performance mattered and performance trumped all other measurements, my reviews were good, never put on a PIP and my accounts liked and respected me. I took on all they asked, developed new markets and also stepped up to help manage reps.

I`m glad its over as I`ve been miserable working for this company for the last 4 years and I really feel for the people that are still there as they also cut half the field reps and added their territories to the survivors.

Happy New year,

UPDATE

My last day was 1-1-18, I signed my severance package which pays me 20 weeks, received my PTO of 192 hours and started a job search. I just got home from Dallas and believe I have found the company I want to work for, I had six interviews yesterday including four with VP`S and really liked them, the company and culture. They all told me multiple people from the largest account I handled in my old job called them, texted them and emailed them. I`m getting chills typing this knowing these people cared about me enough to provide with personal and professional references. I know realize how broken the culture was at my old company, two of my former coworkers resigned and misery reigns and honestly i`m glad i am gone. The guy that that ended with up much of my responsibility is struggling and has called me no less than 20 times. I`ll help him until I get my check and once that is in the bank I`m done- no contact period.

Thanks Sig forum members for the comments and advice and I will update keep you updated. I have a meeting this week with a local guy from the potential new company as a formality and I hope to have an offer next week. I do have a friend at this new company and she told me I crushed the interviews and I`m the number 1 candidate. So god willing I get this job, bank the bonus/severance and do a job for people I respect.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: liner,

There's never a good time for something like this but I have a feeling that in six months or so you will look back from a much better place.
The good news is that the economy is on an upswing and may offer you opportunities you might have been reluctant to reach for from a secure position.

I have been in almost exactly your shoes. 20 years in my current industry. Down-sized once. Acquired / merged once also.

Your resume sounds good. You will be fine. Keep your head up and you will come out smelling like a rose.

And don't take it personally - it's a cliche - but it's business.

Plus - as you mentioned - they may have done you a favor.

Good luck in the new year!

-------------------------

Suck Ass way to end the year!

Brother, I'm sorry to read that. You may end up with a much better gig. That's what happened for me in a similar situation.

Companies that choose to do this kind of thing during the Christmas/New Year's holiday period, which is stressful enough for some people already, deserve to go down in flames.

Sounds like you're better-off out of there, anyway. Good luck, sir!

Well, if that isn't the biggest bag over the head, punch in the face...

That certainly blows especially this time of year. I'm sorry to hear it, man. Sounds like you should land on your feet though.

Sorry to hear that, OP. End of year is the worst time to loose a job..... I've BTDT.

With your stellar sales record and an increasing stronger economy, you'll soon find a job.

Sorry to hear that. There is no good time to lose a job but around Christmas makes it rally suck.

We have rumblings around our company too but things are pretty tight lipped. A lot of my co workers are on edge not knowing what to expect when they come to work every day.

Good luck in your new search.

When you are miserable working for a company, usually you get laid off or fired before too long. As someone above said, in six months you will be glad it happened.

May the New Year bring you many blessings and opportunities!

Very best,
J

quote:

Originally posted by Balzé Halzé:
Well, if that isn't the biggest bag over the head, punch in the face...

“G*******t! (Mumble, mumble) Hey! If any of you are looking for last minute gift ideas for me...”

Sorry to hear about the job loss. Here’s to a better job in the new year!

Been there. I'm sorry to read this, but genuinely wish you all the success as you move into 2018!

It sounds like you have the potential to now screw it to them and work for another company in the same field. Maybe even a few questions a few questions to an attorney about the friend getting your job after being told its a downsize, depending on your state. This smells like nepotism

Keep moving forward, always forward. Best wishes to you for the new year.

About 7 years ago met a Sears guy 27 years appliance service, who told a chilling tale of what they did to him/oldsters like himself.

Since then I've seen 3 large stores & 2 catalogue order stores simply fold up entirely.

Stay calm. You know how to use your business skills, this is improving economy now.

That sucks. Sorry to hear this.

Line, I'm sorry to hear this. A successful sales director will not have a hard time finding work in this economy. First places I would be sending resumes to would be your former competitors. If you were hitting your numbers they will surely know it. Hang in there, you WILL end up in a better position.

It is a blessing in disguise. It may not look or feel like it now, however you will see later in 2018. Prayers sent. God Bless