I got tossed out after 20+ years when the company downsized. They picked on the 20 yr people who were going to get good pensions if they stayed. Anyway, I have been working temporary contract jobs ever since. It was a blessing in disguise. I have enjoyed the contract jobs more than being direct. They have been more challenging, interesting and more lucrative with a lot less politics. I was divorced at first and that frees you up. Then I re-married and it's a little more inconvenient. But, I never had any thoughts of going direct again. Life has been and is good!