This is the second time in three years that I haven't had a job during the Christmas holidays. On September 27, 2001, I was laid off from a company that I had worked with for 13 1/2 years - along with enough people that that company's work force was reduced by 40%. I was somewhat anticipating that I would be laid off (depending upon how deep the cuts went) and company gave me a really good compensation package. I was out of work for 7 months, which gave me time to finish the bulk of the classes needed to recieve my Bachelors Degree.
This layoff/closing sort of took us by surprise. We knew there was a potential deal in the works for my former company to buy us, but we weren't sure how it would work out. My boss has told us that we would have jobs until sometime in February if the other company bought the machines but not the final processing equipment. We could deal with that, it gave us time for some companies to start hiring again.
He, and the other 3 of us were blind-sided by the revelation that we would be out of jobs before Christmas (except of course, my boss' boss). Now I fully understand that the owner was tired of supporting the company, and I can't blaim him for selling what he could and getting out. I just wish that things had been timed differently.
We are in good shape financially. But, I'm not getting a good seperation package this time, so I'm hoping it doesn't take 7 months to find another job. I am hopefull that I will be able to find something by spring time, but am also expecting to have to take a pretty good cut in pay. There isn't much demand for someone who has done a little of everything, but is a master of nothing (except crystal growing - which I am not expecting to find such a position, and frankly, I prefer to stay off the production floor if possible).
Perhaps I will get lucky and find a Document Control position when companies begin releasing money for the new fiscal year. In the meantime, I have called a halt to Christmas; any Christmas presents that haven't been bought or previously accounted for budgetarily, won't be bought. That's okay, the Christmas season hasn't really been my time of year for a long time, so it's no big loss.
Going thru my blogroll, I found that Light & Dark is in the same situation (besides those mentioned by Jim (Parkway Rest Stop), in the comments section of my announcement post. Fortunately we were treated better than L&D, we could always count on our paychecks being on time, and being cashable!
And there is Greg (My life as a Fischer) who has lost his job and his Temp agancy!
Well, ya gotta do, what ya gotta do. Hopefully you find something before spring. Except for the finances, you could use a break. Maybe the "critter sitting" business will add to the coffers until you find a job that pays taxes and retirement.
You know we're rooting for you.
Posted by: Wichi Dude | December 14, 2003 at 11:30 AM