My biggest fear
was my age
While Erwin escaped previous rounds of layoffs, this time he wasn’t so lucky. After 22 years of service, he was told that, due to a reorganization, there was no longer a place for him. Erwin decided to take advantage of the offered outplacement program and chose MEPD. His biggest fear was his age. Looking back on the trajectory, that fear turned out to be much less of an issue than he expected.
Ready for stability after 15 years
‘I am 60 years old and have worked my entire life,’ Erwin begins. ‘I’ve worked a total of 37 years and have only had two employers. I started my career at an engineering firm and from there I was seconded to companies like Fokker, TNO, and IHC-Hytop. A very varied job. Until I received an offer from the then-director of IHC. That appealed to me; I realized that the nomadic existence, moving from company to company, was starting to wear on me. After 15 years, I was ready for some stability.
I was ashamed
I took the offer and over the years was able to develop myself well there. It’s a great company, one that makes beautiful products in drive technology. The Engineering department was always shielded whenever things were tough. Upper management saw it as a knowledge company. Until that fateful day last November. At 8:45 am, an online meeting was scheduled with my supervisor, not knowing what the message would be. But I could tell from his demeanor right away. Something was wrong and my first thought was: Now it’s my turn. It hit me, but I instantly switched gears. My mother, whom I care for, lives with me. Shortly after receiving the news, I walked down the stairs with a big smile as if nothing was wrong. On one hand, I wanted to spare her the sadness and not give her any worries. On the other hand, I was a bit ashamed of losing my job. That must be a generational thing and the way I was raised: ‘you have to work for your money’.
Your future. Your choice. Your interests.
I picked myself up and just got back to work. That way I stayed busy and could also act as if everything was fine. Looking back, I don’t regret it. This approach suits me. At the same time, the program with Victor from MEPD also started. The guidance I received was very educational. It had been 37 years since I had last applied for a job—I needed a serious upgrade. Moreover, it was nice to have a mirror held up to me and to have someone to confer with. But what stuck with me the most, was the confidence in me: ‘Don’t doubt, Erwin, it will be fine. You’re on the right track.’
And it was true! At one point, I was in the running for two appealing jobs. Victor emphasized that it was my choice and what suited me best. I ended up choosing a young company in Alblasserdam. In the same field, as Project Leader/Engineer. A varied, multifaceted job. I started there on April 1. It took some getting used to, but I notice that I’m feeling better and better.
The message I want to send and share is this: Even if you are 60 years old, it does not matter. You have so much experience and so much to add. And that really is recognized. Without a doubt,’ says Erwin.
Victor van Ham
Regional Manager
It is always a privilege to, on the one hand, be able to provide companies with well-founded advice to achieve great results. On the other hand, to be able to walk part of the career path alongside participants.
