Those awful decisions we have to live with that other people make for us

[Birky]

My husband has worked at Sundstrand(Sauer-Danfoss for the last 40 years and they have decided to close the plant in La Salle, Il as of 12/31/06. We are very fortunate that he is able to retire but he was going to wait another couple of years. His insurance will stay in force through the company since is eligible for retirement. That we are very thankful for. When he receives full social security benefits at 66 then this becomes his supplement. We also will still have the prescription benefits but lose the dental and vision. Since the announcement, they have been working tons of overtime - so go figure. Sundstrand opened here in 1965 and at that time was connected the Sundstrand in Rockford. My husband is diabetic and I am hoping that he can stay busy or find something part time. It seems like this time of your life sneaks up on you. I am not ready to retire at 58 and hope to keep working. It seems that I have been so down thinking about what lies ahead. I guess it is natural. Just was informed by the Dr. that I need to go on cholesterol medicine since the last one was high. Add another to my already too many pills to take regiment. Had to get this off before I explode. Seems so overwhelming at times with this, work, taking care of my 87 year old Mom wo refuses to follow the rules and everything else that is required of me. I think i need a wife to help out since I don't get it anywhere else. Thanks for letting me vent.

 

[Mary]

Marcia,
I understand completely where you're coming from. 2005 was like that for me.
I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers and lend an ear when you need to vent.

 

[PamO]

Marcia - keep thinking positive thoughts..."this too shall pass." You're extremely lucky that the benefits will continue - so many large companies are completely shutting their doors and employees are left without anything. We had a few here in CO in the last couple of years - very sad. Look into a supplemental dental and vision plan (VSP has one for individuals that isn't too bad). Unfortunately, dental is...dental. About the only thing you can find is a reimbursement plan that will cover UCR (usual and customary) according to the insurer.

Some insurers that carry multiple lines (life, STD, LTD, dental, vision, etc.) are starting to populate certain packages with multiple coverages which does lower the price. For instance, if your life insurance carrier also has a dental line, they will cover you for a discounted price.

I know when my dad retired he was like a fish out of water, until he started doing PT at Wal-Mart. He loved it and my mother kept her sanity - he wasn't around the house 24/7!

 

[Turkey Hunter]

Hi Marcia,

My father-in-law lost his job to a Sundstrand plant (formerly Westinghouse aircraft devision) closing in Lima, Ohio some 10 years ago.

I understand, through him, what you are going through. He ended up with another pretty good job and then was injured and had to retire on disability.

What a way to go, for those of you who have spent the time with a company.

The work is moving over sea's. Or ceasing completely !!

Take care and be strong.

Ben

 

[Guest]

Marcia,

Not sure how I missed this last night ... very sorry I did .

Good luck with whatever the future holds for you. When my Dad retired a number of years ago now, Mom didn't want to work any longer, but financially, she had to. A couple years ago, though, she finally retired ... and has not regretted ANY minute of it ... she was very ready to retire. And now, they both are enjoying their "leisure" time immensely. So much so that I might be just a wee bit jealous . he he he

Thoughts/prayers coming your way as you adjust to this "new life"!



Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker
MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/quilt.html
"Why can't that be me?" ... 3 Doors Down ... 'If I Could Be Like That'

 

[George]

I can relate to being laid off

I can relate to being laid off

I worked for Hewlett-Packard Co. for 18 years. I loved production work. I once figured I'd work there until I was ready to retire at 65. 6 years ago, our jobs were outsourced to Singapore. Sound familiar, anyone? It was a blessing in disguise, however. Here's why: I had been struggling for several years at work with the effects of Muscular Dystrophy. My co-workers would occasionally ask (tactfully) if I'd ever considered applying for SSDI. My neurologist assured me I would easily qualify for Social Security. Eventually, I had to agree with them, very reluctantly. There was just one problem. There is a six month waiting period before you receive your first disability check. You cannot work, or draw unemployment during that period. How would I support my family for six months? It seemed very risky. I'd have to use up my savings. So, I kept working. This was prior to my PVR surgery. I was really having a tough time getting through a day's work. Then came the blessing in disguise. The day were all laid off, the company gave each of us a check for a year's severance pay! I promptly applied for SSDI, & was quickly approved. 6 months later I got my first check. When one door closes, another opens.