Okay - just got squeezed out in the numbers game at work and told to beat it. I have 600k+ miles (mostly DL) and a ton of HHonors and SPG points. What do I do?

I'm very sorry!!! My first suggestion is to have a cold beverage of your choice. What would you like to do after that? Travel? Seek new employment?

Sorry to hear that - You could use this opportunity to travel, see the world (That is if you are single etc. etc.) come back and seek new employment.

What kind of a business were you in ?

Well, I'm in a similar situation. Not exactly, though.

I have asked for two 3 month leaves of absence from work this winter/fall and have many miles and not alot of dough.

I'm planning on the Middle East (Saudi, Dubai) in September, home in late October. Western, Eastern Europe, and Russia in November, early December.

Home for xmas then Hawaii, and Asia (Thailand, China, Etc.) in Jan, Feb, March...

I'm hoping to maximize my HHonors stays... and by visiting the cheaper countries, make an adventure while sticking to the budget.

Time is so precious, why not have fun right....

If relocating is an option, could use the miles and points to scout out a new locale. Best of luck.

you didn't work for Arthur Anderson did you? :P

If the economics work for you, I would take some time off, travel, enjoy and relax.

As someone who was laid off back in April, I can tell you that having FF miles and hotel points puts us in a much better position than other people who are out of work now. We can take much needed vacations for free (except for bar tabs on the ground...those are killing me!).

I wish I was in Chicago and I could just go to Wrigley field every day.

Agreed that time off is critical to reset your mind. Hope you have a little nestegg, don't be afraid to be without work, as it is an incredibly beautiful feeling for the first 18 months or so. Use miles for jobsearch, family travel, and other fun activities. Use extra time on your hands to research cheap fares to maintain your super-bonus FF status. Listen to Stimpy and GO SEE A CUBS GAME!

Then network network network. Everything will work out in time.

Go for it! Your plans look good to me. I too have been fired...it took me to Thailand..Vietnam..Hong Kong..Myamar..Europe. India..and more. Sometimes getting fired is good..Enjoy!!

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MRKEY

Delta will take you Round the World with six stops for 140k. You can probably do first class for more. Not a bad way for some time off!

Take a few beach novels along, but at some point, have a copy of "what color is my parachute". It's very helpful is assessing what's next work-wise. A very different spin is "The Reinvention of Work" by Matthew Fox. It looks at some of the bigger life issues related to work. Be aware that unemployment can create some unnecessary heavy-duty feelings of worthlessness.

But--for now--relax, drink a margarita or two, and keep repeating this mantra: "I am a good person"...

JP

Well, what can I say.

I am sorry that happened, but I had a similar experience, as I was laid off because my company is relocating, and they decided to terminate many management positions. Also the fact that we had some new "CIO" that was brought to fix things and ended up killing the company

I don't know what you used to do for a living, but right now the job market is tight. I have been looking for a job since day one, and have had only one interview so far. I work in IT, and management job openings are ver scarce.

Try to get a job ASAP, with layoffs from WorldCom, Motorola, and good knows who else will follow, it is best to start right away.

Your miles won't expire, and won't go anywhere. But hopefully you will get a job soon.

That's the best advice I can give you.

Did you get a severanve package? Do you have a good lead on a new job?

If you think you can geta job quickly, and you have severance pay, take a nice vacation. Come back, and start to work again.

And you should put your email address in your profile. That way when others get job leads they can pass them along. hint hint...

ua is looking for a ceo, throw your hat in the ring.

otherwise, try monster.com, dice.com, jobsniper.com and the edd for your state

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f