15 years, 10 months, 29 days = Unemployed

The woeful economy and evaporating discretionary income forced my (once) long-term employer to make drastic cut-backs.

As of yesterday, that includes me.

Now, I get to re-invent myself and look for gainful employment elsewhere.

So now it's on to something different, with determination to succeed again.

Wish me luck!

Luck, doode. That sux.

Good luck!

Good luck, and best wishes that this turns into an opportunity you look back on with great satisfaction.

Margie

One small bit o advice? Get into the Gub'ment.

Socialism is HERE

Good Luck!

Wow, tough break. Start squeezin' those lemons for lemonade!

I feel for you. I'm in the same boat, after 11 years, the company I worked for went under, so as of last month, I'm also looking. And in our area, after next month, it could be VERY tough finding a job in this town. If you believe the rumors, a huge chunk of the dod and NASA stuff is going on the chopping block. I may have to look for a new place to live.

Good luck man.

SoloSonett wrote: One small bit o advice? Get into the Gub'ment. Socialism is HERE Good Luck!

Quoted for truth! I'm currently going through the hiring process for a couple different federal agencies. Unfortunately, it does seem to be the only game in town when it comes to hiring.

Currently, I've found work driving a taxi though...which is...uh...let's just say entertaining.

I'm right there with you. I am a month out now and unfortunately do not see anything in the near future. I have a few months income saved so I can look and still keep that desperate look out of my face when I interview. Good luck to all that are finding themselves unemployed this season.

Holy crap Steve! They couldn't have just sold some of those stupid project cars and rounded up some cash? Wow. I never thought they would cut a YO-lifer. If I hear anything I'll let you know.

Both SEMA and MEMA have job posting areas. There are jobs out there in our field, but unfortunately you might have to move.

Again, just damn.

a friend of mine is a bar-back at a local jiggly-bits establishment. he makes good cash for basically doing nothing and being surrounded by naked chix. i might put in an application there....

I don't understand why you haven't applied yet?

slefain wrote: Holy crap Steve! They couldn't have just sold some of those stupid project cars and rounded up some cash? Wow. I never thought they would cut a YO-lifer. If I hear anything I'll let you know. Both SEMA and MEMA have job posting areas. There are jobs out there in our field, but unfortunately you might have to move. Again, just damn.

Thanks, Brian! It's hard to say if selling any of those cars would help, but I'd certainly guess it's been considered and is still an option.

As far as cutting long-term staffers, well, you have experienced the place and the people, too. Sometimes it just doesn't matter how loyal one's been, how well one performs, how well one adapts to changes, or if one worked continuously to improve everyone else's knowledge and performance.

There is always the chance that someone will decide that half the experience/skill is acceptable if it costs half the money. Sometimes short-term (and perhaps short-sighted) solutions are needed when the long-term outlook is dismal.

Yes, the decision means tough things ahead for me, but the same is true for the company. It's too bad, but at this point my priorities are focussed only towards the future.

hey slefain --

thanks for the heads-up about job postings on SEMA and MEMA websites. i hadn't thought to look at either one!

ddavidv wrote: I don't understand why you haven't applied yet?

until i got his christmas card yesterday, i had kinda forgotten about his job. but now i know why he's the happiest person in the family photo!

Sorry to hear about that man. I can't believe how many people I personally know that are out of work. It's staggering. I am one of the lucky ones that found work pretty quick but now I'm wondering if I'm a doofus for staying in Michigan. I had a job waiting for me in Denver but didn't want to uproot the family and move away from the grand-parents. My word of advice is to start looking HARD now!

Thanks to all for your support. Mine truly goes out to everyone else who share the experience. More so to board members.

Hey, Dr. Boost - I'm already working on other things! My best friend's husband has an opening for a position in which I'd excel. Money may be an issue, but it's likely far better than gummint checks and it's an opportunity to expand the resume, too.

Coincidentally and (maybe) fortuitously, I've recently (even before getting canned) re-established contact with friends I've not talked to in a couple of years. They are very supportive and have already solicited my resume so it can be shared in a cool sphere of influence.

I'm expecting nothing more than opportunities, but at least the gears are turning in the right direction. It's all up to me, isn't it?

biggest hint I can give is get on www.linkedin.com

I've been out 7 1/2 months now. I have a great reputation as a manager, trainer and salesperson in my (old) industry but with so many people out of work, prospective employers aren't looking for people with tranferable skills from other industries.

Fortunately, I have 2 Sunbeams to keep me sane while I search.

UPDATE:

As of Monday, the 17-day vacation is over; I start a new job completely out of the automotive-related industry.

Still, it's a well-established company with some very cool people at the helm. There will be a huge income difference but there are benefits, and it's a boat-load better than the alternative.

Plus, it still allows searching for other opportunities.

Details later, but musically-inclined GRM'rs in the Atlanta area may find it very interesting.

congrats, fwiw

If it pays the bills and you don't mind getting up in the morning...

Congrats! Network! Learn.

Dan