Devastation

His boss called him this morning and told him that he was being laid off.

His last day is the end of next month.

He is beyond devastated.  In tears.  He is taking it personally and it's a numbers game for his company.

All I can do is comfort him and support him.  He is not alone.  3 other managers in his department were hit as well.  The common factor was that they all 4 qualify for early optional retirement.  He just doesn't want to be forced into retirement.

Frankly, I'm so surprised this didn't happen 3 years ago.  I had advised him to go to HR and sign up under Americans with Disabilities Act.  He did not do that.  He has already applied for 3 other management positions internally today.  And I know he will need to go through the grief process.  No speedy decisions. But it does sort of put our life in limbo.