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The Upside of Downsizing
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| The U.S. jobless rate hit a nine-year high in June, reaching 6.4 percent for the first time since the spring of 1994. The unemployment picture is even bleaker in California’s Silicon Valley, home to the dot-com boom that went bust. Unemployment has run as high as 10 percent in some parts of the area this year. While most workers find losing their jobs devastating, some are discovering an upside to their downsizing. | |||
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Fred Johnson has been downsized four times in his career. It doesn’t get easier. Five months ago, at age 57, Johnson lost his job as vice president of operations for a Silicon Valley biotech firm.
Fred Johnson: “We go through our lives thinking we’re in control. And what happens is you find out, no, you’re not really in control after all. “
Johnson says it’s tough when his wife Peggy heads off for work, and he’s left at home. Besides seeking help with the mechanics of his job search, this time around Johnson looked for emotional support.
He found what he was looking for at a United Methodist church in Los Altos, Calif. Jerry Gist helped start this support group for unemployed men.
Jerry Gist: “Quite a bit of our fragile ego is hooked up with our ability to earn, and a lot of our self-esteem comes from working.”
Natsound (man in group): “I’m here to see what I can pick up and hopefully get some tips.”
The group takes on issues like health care, dwindling bank accounts and unemployment’s effect on families.
Fred Johnson has found positive lessons in this experience. He now defines himself less by what he does and more by who he is. He finds deeper meaning today in being a husband, a father and a grandfather. Job-hunting from home does give him more time with his grandson.
Fred Johnson: “We’re bonding. I guess that’s the word for it. It’s really given us a chance for me to get into his world.”
Johnson says that’s been a gift, and an unexpected upside of being downsized.
Upside of Downsizing – Tag:
Los Altos United Methodist Church recently started a group for women who are unemployed. The two groups are planning activities together in the future.