Kenn and I both retired from federal civil service in 2019 (me in April, him in December). In August of 2020, Kenn started a job at the local agricultural research center. As time passed, he asked if I would be interested in similar job. I wasn’t opposed to the idea, but I also wasn’t necessarily looking for a job. As an introvert, it’s easy for me to go into hermit mode; I’m perfectly fine being at home for extended periods. However, Kenn talked me up to one of the scientists, I met with him, and I started my job at the research center in July 2022.
Even though I wasn’t looking for a job, I’ve really enjoyed mine. I get out of the house a couple of days a week, my boss and coworkers are great, I get to spend time outside (as opposed to a cubicle), and I get to perform a variety of tasks. The atmosphere is extremely laid back and my schedule is flexible. If Kenn and I decide to take a road trip for a month, there isn’t any drama; our bosses just say, “See you when you get back.”
Due to the types of positions we have, our bosses have to renew our jobs each year – which has never been a problem until now. Why now? Well, we work on a government facility. I’ll let you put the pieces together. As a matter of fact, I had already been notified that my position had been renewed for another year only to be told a couple of weeks later that I wouldn’t be renewed after all. I don’t blame my boss, he has done all he can; these decisions are being made by individuals further up the chain. Kenn has been told that his position likely will not be renewed in August.
We’re fortunate. Kenn and I don’t need our jobs. The extra money, while nice, isn’t necessary to our survival. I really feel for all of the full-time employees who have lost their jobs – most with little to no notice. Being a government employee isn’t easy; for some reason, we’ve always gotten a bad rap. (There’s nothing like working your butt off only to get told how lazy government employees are.) And now, we’re being demonized even more. However, if the loss of my little part-time position makes it easier for even one full-time employee to keep their job, I’m all for it.
The one thing that has surprised me about all of this is how emotional I have been. At times, I’m really sad. I have truly enjoyed the last three years. At other times, I’m angry. Don’t tell me that I’m good for another year just to turn around and say, “LOL! Just kidding!” Right now, my primary emotion is… honestly, I’m not quite sure how I’m feeling. At this point, I’m just ready for it to be over with. If they were to come to me tomorrow and say I could stay for another year, I’m not sure I would; it’s hard to stay motivated with the sword of Damocles hanging over your head. I’ve already made plans to fill my “extra” time with volunteer work. I’ll also have no excuse not to finish going through that last box of I-have-no-idea-what-to-do-with-this stuff that belonged to my parents. Of course, I’ve gotten a little teary-eyed while writing this – and I rarely cry. Sigh. As the tattoo on my forearm reminds me daily, this too shall pass.
Since I’m pouting, I can’t even think of any questions to post here. So, hit me with your random thoughts or facts.
Linda Lou's Life 
I’m sorry about what has happened to you, but also not surprised considering the times we are in. I get the emotional part of it. When life is stupidly unfair what do you do? No answer really. Your tattoo is lovely.
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Thanks. The sadness will pass, and I am thankful we don’t rely on this income. But, the feelings still need to be felt.😢
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I’m sorry to hear you’re dealing with this.
My husband’s company has been laying people off since January… And it goes from “everything will be fine” to “sorry gotta let you go” in the blink of an eye. It’s unnerving. He’s made it through two waves of lay-offs but they’re not done yet.
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I’m so sorry. I know it’s a stressful situation for you and your family. Our oldest son got a job as a subcontractor for one of the big airplane manufacturing companies a few months ago and he was just told they’re going to have to let him go at the end of May. It’s rough all around right now.
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I’m sorry. This just sucks for all government employees. And it was an is so unnecessary! Federal layoffs were all part of the Republican plan, and now those Republicans being laid off are somehow shocked. Maddening, and there’s worse to come.
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One of my full-time coworkers is in danger of losing her job, and her mom is like, “Why would they do that?” And my coworker is saying, “Because this is what you voted for!”🤦♀️
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As a government employee in several positions, I know exactly what you mean by working your butt off. The hours of overtime I spent–without compensation–was beyond belief. The times I got called back while on leave was crazy-making. Public service and civil service is a noble calling, and more often than not, for less money. The most hateful and exasperating thing coming out of this administration takeover is the anti-DEI/anti-woke issue. They don’t even know what woke means. But my blood really boils when someone retaliates over the idea that diversity, equity, and inclusion matters. The key thing is to take our anger and frustration and disappointment and fear and sadness and figure out a way to take action with a plan. There are options that present some of those plans and options and it is important that we know about them and keep the pressure on.
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Amen!
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Linda, I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your job(s) that you and Kenn enjoy. Well, at least he has most of the Summer to enjoy his job. For some reason I thought you worked at a nursery now as a part-time job since you mentioned before that since you are a redhead how easily you burn out in the sun. Your tattoo says it best, no matter how difficult it is to face the reality of any bad news, it will eventually just become a memory, not a permanent hardship.
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The agricultural center is similar to a nursery in many ways. I get jealous of my coworkers running around in tank tops and shorts while I’m sweating to death in long sleeves and long pants, LOL.
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Well, see I wasn’t so far off assuming it was a nursery. You must have said you handled plants or were around them. Yes, the hot sun and long sleeves and pants is no treat. I mentioned to you last year when we discussed the hot sun and being outside that I started wearing sun protection clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Even though some of these tops/pants feel as light as a feather, the recommendation for dark clothes in the middle of Summer to avoid attracting the sun makes it pretty unbearable at times.
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I’m so sorry to hear this, Linda Lou. I know it’s frustrating … and unfair.
Ten years ago for the tattoo … I suspect the saying has served you well. (Love the script!)
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Thanks. It has. I got that tattoo when we were taking care of three elderly parents. (My parents and my mother-in-law.) I needed it where I could see it on the difficult days.
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Yet another heaping crock of B.S. being dished up by the Republican administration. I’m sorry. It sounds like a great job; any time you get paid for being outdoors feels like a bonus.
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Right? Today was one of those days where I marveled about getting paid to be outside on a beautiful day in a peach orchard (putting out mating disruption lures).
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So sorry you have to be a part of this along with everyone else. My friend was forced into retirement or she would be let go. Her husband had to perform the duty of telling his government employees the same thing, they were good for another year. Then a month later was having a very hard time preparing to tell them just kidding and this was right before Christmas. Our country will never be the same!
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It’s so sad.
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