Quandry

[Chatham Lady]

Well ladies I've just found out that my boss is taking early retirement and leaving by late summer.  Now do I get out there and try to get a new role now or stay put and wait and see what life is going to bring me here.  I've no idea who will be replacing him.  Bearing in mind we have had a major restructuring at my place of employment (and who knows whether there will be more) I am really not sure of my best options.  My gut instinct is to at least try for some roles and have a go at interviews if I get that far....what do you think?

[gee4]

I would ensure your CV is up to date.  There is no harm in looking elsewhere just to see what is available.

What makes you think your boss won't be replaced?  Restructuring might offer you a position in another department perhaps.

I would wait and see what happens but in the meantime you could ask HR how your boss's retirement affects you.

[Chatham Lady]

Thanks Gee.  Trouble is mine is now the only PA and admin job here and I'm not sure what's going to happen in the future.  There aren't any other depts that I can go to as they've either closed or been moved to another location.

[gee4]

Well you can do one of two things -

1)  Wait until HR approach you to discuss the matter
2)  Approach HR yourself and find out sooner rather than later

You have the right to be kept informed.  If your job is being made redundant, ensure you are given notice and you receive all that you are entitled to.

[msmarieh]

Gee, I'm afraid, unfortunately things are a little different here in the U.S. Unless she has a contract or is a union employee, she might not receive any notice at all. Most of our states are "at will" employment, which means the employee can quit or the employer can release you with no notice and no reason (other than not letting you go for protected reasons - like certain types of discrimation).  It's not uncommon to receive only two weeks severance when being terminated, though some companies treat their employers better. The exception would be if a large number of employees or an entire location are being closed, which trigger a law requiring 60 days notice.

Chatham, if it were me, I would update my resume, get my interviewing suit cleaned, and just put out gentle feelers that you are keeping your eyes open. You don't necessarily have to kick a job search into high gear, but you certainly don't want to be caught flat footed if something does happen. Keep a very close ear on the office grapevine.

I wouldn't be too quick to jump ship, as you have the luxury of time to find something that suits you well. Plus you never know, there may be great opportunities remaining for you with this company if they do bring in a new person.

How long have you been at the company? You mentioned other layoffs. What kind of severance packages did they offer those employees? That might influence your decision as well. If they were particularly generous, it's wise to stay put and see what you would get offered.

Good luck.

Marie
Peer Moderator

[dettu]

I'm with Marie, only more so. Do you like your job currently? I had an admin job years ago that I tolerated but did not like. When the boss's retirement was announced, friends at the company urged me to stay and see what the new boss was like. Those of you who knew me back then when I was new to DD will recall that the new boss was awful to work for, the job became a nightmare, and I was so sorry I hadn't taken the opportunity to go elsewhere. So...if there's another place you'd consider applying, I'd say now is a good time to look.

[Cozwaz]

I am with Gee on this, make sure you are kept informed Chathamlady.  I gather yo are in the UK so check out the ACAS website to see what noticed you are entitled to if you aren't sure.

[mlm668]

Definately put your resume out there.  Right now, you have a steady paycheck so you are in a position of being a little more particular about what you apply for (versus someone who may have been out of work for months or not seen the signs and needs a job last week).  I would also take this as an opportunity to examine the direction you want your career to go, if you might want to look in a different industry, more education, etc.  

As for approaching HR, I'm the kind of person who would definately be speaking up and asking how bossies retirement affects my role.  In this economy, I would think HR would expect the question.  Just be sure to remain calm and level headed when you approach them.  Do not get emotional, but let them know you just want to be prepared and assist with any transition related to your bosses retirement(I'm sure someone will have to take over at least a portion of your bosses duties).





Michelle

[peaches2160]

I agree with msmariah.  Never hurts to be prepared and get the feelers out.  Check with HR too incase there another opportunity coming along that you are not aware of.  howeve, with boss taking early retirement, he may see the writing on the wall.  have you talked with boss about the situation?

[gee4]

Marie,

Chathamlady is in the UK so US laws would not apply.  She is entitled to notice and statutory redundancy at the very least if she has been with her company for 2 years.

If she has been employed for longer she is entitled to a week's pay for every year she has been employed.

Although redundancy in the UK supercedes any employment contract, we are entitled to redundancy of some sort.
My last company were kind enough to offer me a package but because I had been there for less than 2 years, I should have only received statutory redundancy.  They paid me in lieu of notice plus holidays that I was entitled to but hadn't yet taken.

Chathamlady there is a lot to take in here but I would advise you so speak to HR sooner rather than later to put you at ease.

The workers recently paid off at Ford staged a 6-week sit in to get the redundancy they were legally entitled to.  They were not given notice but expected to go home without a job, without work and without pay.  They held out and received what was rightfully theirs.  I applaud them for doing so.  It must have been quite a strain on both them and their families.

[Chatham Lady]

Thanks to everyone for their responses.  My CV/resumé is being brushed up this weekend.  I've contacted our HR director who's told me that there's no set answer yet but that "nothing changes for you".  I have seen one vacancy which on paper sounds interesting and I'm going to have a go just to find out how I get on.  I've been in this role for 7+ years and feel a bit "rusty".  Thanks again for your input.

[msmarieh]

Gee, boy, I wish we had those same protections in the US. I have seen so many workers get shafted in reductions in force.


Marie
Peer Moderator

[Atlanta Z3]

I'd talk to my boss first - after seven years you must have a rapport with him.  Does the company have a succession plan - can you get a look at it?  I would take a two prong approach.  Quietly network what your situation is and that you are open to opportunities.  Of course dust off the resume.  If it has been a long time since interviews, play act with a friend (or go to a temp agency and use that experience as  practice - if you get a co-operative interviewer ask questions and for feedback).  I would even suggest having a few extra eyes review your resume to make sure it is up to date with key words and phrases.
As for the current job - I would give the total impression that I'm staying for the "long haul".  However the company can use my skills, who they want me to support, even in a temporary position until a replacement is found.  Remind them of the seven years of knowledge you have about the company and position and how valuable you can be to assist the replacement get a running start.