Ouch, sorry to hear the news, Lisa. Been there and know how it feels. It sounds like you're going to turn this into a great opportunity -- good for you.
Your severance package sounds very good. When my position was eliminated (in 2005), the severance package was 1-week for each year (same package for all employees who were laid off), and we were offered the usual COBRA, which was about $500 per month, if you had no dependents. I worked there for 14 years and would have loved the 2-weeks per year! I'm glad to hear other companies are using the "old" standard. (This was the third time I've been laid off in 20 years, and the first time I received just 1-week per year for severance.) Each state handles unemployment insurance a bit differently. In Arizona, our unemployment info and filing can all be done on the Web. If severance is paid in a lump sum, you can start collecting unemployment immediately. If severance is paid during the company's regular pay cycle (e.g., every two weeks), then you can't collect unemployment until you've received all severance. You already know this, but having a Web presence that produces a lot of search hits is great advertising for a consultant. You might check with your local government agencies that assist those who've been laid off . . . maybe there are some grant funds or other assistance (training, services, etc.) to help you get your new business started. Good luck . . . and take a little time to enjoy yourself! jan. jan e patterson sr technical writer - environmental systems products - tucson, az -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Lisa M. (Bronson) Gielczyk (TCP) Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 9:00 AM To: TCP List Subject: [TCP] first time for everything In my ten-year career as a technical writer, I've always been able to say I was never laid off--that is, until last Friday. The company I have been working at for nearly nine years eliminated all three of the technical writers' positions, due to a company-wide reduction following a change in ownership. I've been wanting to start my own business doing interactive 3D documentation (software reseller, training, tech support, and consulting), so it's really quite perfect. Beginning next year, I will be moving frequently as my husband finishes his bachelor's degree, pursues an M.Divdegree, does an internship, works for a few years, and then goes back for his doctorate, so having my own home-based business will be better than getting a new job every 1-3 years. With the elimination of my job, I will be paid through May 15th, and then will receive a lump sum payment for 18 weeks of severence pay. They will continue my health insurance coverage for six months at no cost. Not a bad situation, all things considered. I realize I will have to talk to officials and professionals in some areas, but there are still things I'd like to hear about from people who've "been there" (and of course, sympathy and encouragement are always welcome, too... even though this is a great opportunity, it's still an emotional experience): * I received severance; can I also get unemployment? Now, or after the18 weeks? * What resources do you know of for starting a business, particularly a woman-owned business? * Have you ever done a press release to announce a new business or make some other announcement? * Corporation, LLC, or other business setup? * Other things I haven't even thought of, yet? Thanks everyone! Lisa G. ______________________________________________ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. DOCUMENTATION & TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com _______________________________________________ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com ______________________________________________ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. DOCUMENTATION & TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com _______________________________________________ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
