I have been taking a break on social media the last few days, as per the blackout. In the midst of my own personal turmoil in losing my employment and trying to obtain health insurance for my family, the turmoil in created by our new administration is in a word, daunting. While I have a few things in the oven, nothing has been definitive yet. Thankfully my family is covered by health insurance, but I am waiting for my application to be processed by Medicare. Looks like it will be retroactive eventually to February 1, but the additional coverage I require, especially prescriptions might have to wait until March. I am a bit concerned about that. I have been hoarding my medications. There are a couple that might not make it through the month, till then, I’ll have to speak with my doctors and pharmacy about what to do. If any have suggestions, please reach out.
It looks like the merger/acquisition of Getty and Shutterstock has gone through. In speaking to a former co-worker, I guess it was good I got laid off when I did. It appears that more layoffs will be coming as Getty puts Shutterstock under their umbrella in the coming year. Apparently, if one gets laid off after a year has past, no matter how long one worked at Shutterstock, you will not be entitled to severance, as you would not meet Getty’s employment requirements for a severance package. How companies can get away with this, I do not understand.
The anxiety of termination and transition to my next phase of life has been unbelievably overwhelming. The worry of health coverage, employment/career has been difficult. I am in no way ready for retirement. All I do know is that I do not want the next phase of my life to be a repeat of my previous working years. While I forge ahead, I do not know what the days will bring.
I want to thank all for your continued support and suggestion for employment. Please keep them coming.
(Sorry for all the typos. I am a terrible typist and corrected all I could! :-))
If the one good thing is that you got out when you did, then I am happy for you, Keith. In my mind, you have too much talent for something good not to happen to you. In other news, I pre-ordered your book and anxiously await its delivery in May.
Thank you Lois. I cannot express enough my appreciation, support and continued dialogue from you all these year!
I’m so sorry you have to go through all this.
Thank you Heather! In time things should get easier I hope!
I am sure it will.
Keith, check your WordPress email account.
Keith, I am so sorry for everything that has happened to your professionally. I am sorry for the issues you now face with prescription coverage and other health-related matters. Your heightened anxiety seems absolutely normal in light of everything. You are dealing with a lot. But I see in you a determination, a fierceness, an understanding that what lies ahead holds promise. You just do not know what that is right now and uncertainty and waiting are hard. I appreciate your update. I care. Your community here cares.