I hope things work out for you.
Thank you for the kind words.
Back in 2008 the same company terminated my position. They did offer a severance package then but I had retired from the National Guard earlier so I had no income to back into. I applied for almost a thousand jobs, had 200 interviews and every single one I left feeling humiliated. Was always one person I couldnt hear. I had no money, was living paycheck to paycheck, 401k was less than 20k and no medical to fall back on. That was the first time I cried as an adult.
When they rehired me a day before the severance package took affect I was so relieved but...I had to settle for what they gave me. I hated my new job for 12 years but did it with pride anyway. I didnt like it but I stood by it for the next 12 years. The year after that the VA increased my disability rating so I could get medical. I also saved and saved wanting to never be that vulnerable to clock counters again as long as I could help it. I got to the point where no matter what I was ok in retirement even if I was fired....I now have a military pension which means I have full medical and dental after age 60 at a decent cost. I have an old pension plan from another company, I have VA compensation and I have 37 years of social security work history-I will start withdrawing at age 62.
I have a 401k I saved aggressively too, it will just be used until I can start collecting social security and my other pensions. Starting next year I will withdraw once a year from it. This will make up for 80% of what I was making in my last jobs take home.
I am getting a good severance package in April and I will also collect unemployment for as long as possible. My house is almost completely remodeled and modernized, including a 7kw solar system to help in electricity costs. I may pay off the mortgage next January...not 100% sure. As for debt I only have a loan for the vinyl siding on my home and I will pay that off in April.
I do have a few more options like VA retraining, and some other things I am going to work on later but I am done the workforce for good (or rather it is done with me). The other item is I will be living in Brazil for half a year-much cheaper cost of living.....enough to where I can afford a maid three times a week and live on a beach.
For now-I am free in my early 50s...now I need to get into shape and get healthy. I can also finish up many of the projects on my home I started and never finished over the years.
I am disappointed in how the workforce in USA is so inhuman. I strongly suggest no matter how much you like to work or love your job is to plan for a plan A. and B in the very least my friends. You\we are just another number., so dont just plan for money and finances...plan for the most important things people forget or dont think of...goals and ambitions after retirement, medical coverage, and strive to be as healthy as you can. You dont have those and it wont matter how much money you got saved.
The other thing to consider is inflation...our Government is spending and printing money into oblivion and soon we will need a wheel barrel full of money just to buy a loaf of bread. Consider moving to another country to retire where the dollar is valued-like Costa Rica, Thailand, Philippines etc..
Sorry this is so long but please start planning now...your future self will thank your present self.
I have come to terms I will never be rich in the USA but thats ok, I will be rich in Brazil and I hope to be rich in life.