BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?

Subject: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Wesley S
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 01:48 PM

We had some layoffs at our job yesterday. I dodged a bullet - but others didn't. I'd like to think that 16 years of loyal service would keep me safe but in todays world it's all about "what have you done for me lately". So - is everyone else still gainfully employed? Anyone hanging on by a thread? Anyone's stress level through the roof yet?

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 01:51 PM

I 'Got the boot'on 2nd February, with no warning at all after 14 years. Stress level way down as the words 'Fu** 'em' go through my mind.
John Barden

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: gnu
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 01:54 PM

STRESS? STRESS? I have yet to see any stimulus $$$. I am a freelanceer. I live by feeding off the crumbs thrown to me by the big guys when they have an overflow or want to go on vacation. Well, they ain't takin vacations and they ain't overflowin.

Today, I placed 21 for sale adverts with a local free classified ad mag. Help pay the rent for a while longer.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: CarolC
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 03:09 PM

JtS got his kick in the pants back in 2002 when the tech bubble burst. We think the kind of work he's doing now is probably secure, but we took a big hit recently when the fee we are paid for one particular contract was reduced by half. That's sort of made up for by a new contract that pays well enough, but that one requires my taking time away from other projects to help out with this one, so maybe it all ends up being a wash.


On another note, anyone who has lost their job (or who is afraid they might lose their job) might want to consider having a look at this...

Click

I got involved with this about three weeks ago on the suggestion of JtS. We've been members of this organization off and on since 2002, and we're extremely pleased with it. JtS figured, since the company has such a good product, maybe we ought to be able to make some money selling it. I've made one sale and recruited one associate so far, which bumps my commission up from about $30 per membership to more than $100 per membership. It's not for everyone (their marketing strategy is rather cheesy), but it's definitely worth checking out for people who don't see themselves as having enough options.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Amos
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 04:10 PM

Our small manufacturing firm,which makes high-tech devices used in the utilities industries, had a round of layoffs four months back; those who survived took a 10 per cent reduction in compensation, except for the President who took a 100% reduction in compensation. At the time we were hemorrhaging due to the national recession. By buckling down on a series of new and innovative products we have clawed our way back to breakeven and the future is looking profitable. We hope to get our 10% back in a couple of months.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Becca72
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 04:32 PM

I actually got promoted in February and my place of employment is hiring. My department just hired 4 new transcriptionists and we're interviewing for a scheduler now. Of course, I work for a hospital....

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 04:41 PM

Essex County Council is advertising through Capita (HR has been outsourced) loads of Finance and Social worker posts (both also outsourced).

Still waiting for the ax to fall across my neck.

Colleague's spouse (working for a small engineering firm for 26 years) was just laid off 2 days with on warning and no redundancy, except what UK will provide out of the company liquidation. Owner of company has been paying himself more and more in last 3 years and last year transferred the building into his pension package. Supposedly it cannot be touched.

Dirty dealing to my mind.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Sorcha
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 04:45 PM

I just got fed up with making pizza and lifing several hundred pounds (total) every day and quit. Been doing Projects instead. Have refinished a hardwood floor, made red/black checker board (draughts) curtains for the son, am doing peel and stick tile on the daughters bedroom floor....I'm on a roll!

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: GUEST,beardedbruce
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 04:50 PM

I was RIFed in '02, after 9/11. 25 months looking for a job.- They let 10% (350 of 3500 at that location) of the workforce go, and we all had similar skills, so our networks of work-related friends was of little use- they were all looking, too.

Now I am is a secure job- making about what I was making about 9 years ago.

I would take a reduction, to save other's jobs, as long as the levels above me did the same.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: number 6
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 05:17 PM

Survived a rather large round of layoffs back in February .... benefits of having a rather unique specialized position. But down the road who knows. Since none of us can be secure in working for wages one must always have some 'just in case' plan ready and waiting on the table.

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Rapparee
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 05:19 PM

I'm fine, but no raises next year for anyone on the City's payroll. No new hires and replacements are iffy.

My oldest nephew got chopped by Dow Automotive in Michigan last week. They were expecting it, so his wife got a job at an abused women's shelter a few months ago.

Very recently the head of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition called the loss of 114 jobs here "unfortunate by-products of litigation". This wording wasn't considered to be exactly...understanding. As a result the GYC has lost a lot of support. By the way -- the 9th Circuit Court took action that restores the jobs, at least for now.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Hrothgar
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 07:13 PM

I employ six people - three full time and three part time - in my printing business. I am not firing yet, but there is overtime only when absolutely necessary for a delivery (and clients know they can demand unrealistic service at the moment), and the part timers aren't getting anywhere near the hours they were twelve months ago.

This is what an economist on a nice fat salary comfortably calls underemployment.

I do a lot of government work (hospitals, God bless 'em), and if it wasn't for that, I'd be in terrible trouble (shows that Keynes was right). Private industry work is very slow, which is an indication of how the recession is hitting. Here in Australia we are doing better than most, so I hate to think about how you're going in the USA and UK particularly

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 09:53 AM

Nope - laid off in 2002, no real job since. Now I can't even get temp work, though, which was what I'd been doing...

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Janie
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 11:14 AM

Got laid off briefly in February 2008 when the company pulled out of the area, and two months prior to that had a 26% reduction in salary.    Was quickly hired by the non-profit that moved in shortly after the other company pulled out.   Funding is very precarious and falling so I don't believe I have job security. I work pretty hard at not stressing about it. It is what it is, and we won't starve, whatever happens.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Azizi
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 11:44 AM

The foster care agency where I worked "downsized" and I was laid off in March 2008. I said "Thank you God" since my stress level working that job was very high.

A month prior to being laid off, I applied to be a substitute teacher for my city's public school district. After a month down time, I started working as a teacher and (apart for the summer months), I've been working as a "floating" substitute elementary school teacher some week days ever since.

I like substitute teaching much more than I liked being a foster care caseworker. It's true that I'm making much less money and there are no benefits (including no health benefits-I've been paying for COBRA since April 2008 and that benefit will end in November 2009 and I admit that I'm worried about that). But I'm not in constant crisis mode and I'm never "on call" (which means that I won't be called in the early morning hours or during a blizzard to pick up some children who've been abandoned or to try to find some teenager who's run away from their foster home). Besides, I feel as though I'm making a difference with some of the children I've meet as a teacher (I've been at the same school throughout and I've gotten to know the children there). Unfortunately, I rarely felt that anything I did or said as a caseworker made that much difference. And there were always more children coming from awful circumstances. It was very depressing.

Yes, maintaining classroom discipline takes up too much of a teacher's energy-particularly in the older elementary school grades and particularly for substitute teachers. But in spite of that, I really like the children and I like this type of work.

So even though I count myself among those people who have been laid off in the last two years, and even though I'm struggling financially, I still feel as though I'm blessed.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: gnu
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 12:32 PM

Becca... lot more sickness due to stress, I suppose.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: BaldEagle2
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 08:05 PM

In these tight economic times, the American company Apria Home Healthcare (Lake Forest, CA) has taken the view that the best way it can help to rebuild the American economy is by outsourcing its entire IT division (500 employees) to India - a country that, as far as I can tell, has not purchased a single article from AHH not ever! But AHH will save a few dollars in the short term, and, hey! a dollar saved is a dollar earned.

I might possibly be over-reacting a tad over this news.

But my wife is one of the 500 being laid off.

(So you might understand why I get a little angry when outsourcing continues to be on the increase around here).

Regards

BE2

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 02:54 PM

I got made redundant in 2005 after 14 years at the same school. Since then I have done some supply (surrogate) teaching and temporary contracts but am struggling to find permanent work as most of the jobs go to newly qualified (and therefore cheaper) staff. Stress is something I have got used too. I've gained around 50 pounds as I tend to overeat and drink when stressed. Even though I pick up contracts lasting several months most of the time I am making applications and attending interviews which can become rather soul destroying after a while. I'm currently in a temporary post covering a maternity leave. The woman has now decided that she will not return but the job has, by law, to be advertised nationally first as a temporary post until the end of the year and then again in September as a permanent post. Despite being the one actually doing the job, I will have to submit my application along with everyone else and, although the headteacher has told me she would like it to be me, the final decision will be made by the board of governors and, given the very tight budget the school has this year, that could mean that, yet again, I am passed over by a 20 something kid out of college! I do try to remain positive though and have a good feeling about this one so watch this space.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 04:41 PM

I was made redundant from Maas International, the largest vending machine company in Europe. The MD, a mad dutchman managed to lose £2m in the final year I was there. As soon as I sent the accounts over to the holding company, the MD was sacked - so I got my own back!!

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 06:23 PM

Gong back to Gnu's comment, we self employed people are not seeing any bailouts The good news is that I made a lot of money before -- the bad news is I am making half of it now, if that , but... I WILL MAKE IT IN REAL ESTATE.....and we have learned to live - comfortably - on less....

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 12:06 AM

My business's cash flow is down by at least 50% from this time last year. Accordingly, I threatened to lay myself off. I was immediately informed by myself that I would shoot me if I went ahead with the layoff. This caused me to re-assess the entire situation, and I suggested a reduction in wages to myself instead. There followed several hours of tense negotiation between I, me, and myself with the dachshund watching nervously from the side (I am his meal ticket). At last I came to an agreement that sort of satisfied both me and myself. We have mutually agreed to a reduction in wages and a massive selloff of unneeded stuff here like the keyboard, an amp, and several hundred models kit that I, me, and myself have no time to build anyway.

Things are still tense, though. I feel that I'm still paying out too much to myself...and as for me, he figures that both of us are keeping something from him. The dachshund is threatening to walk out if we cut back on HIS wages...

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: MarkS
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 12:32 AM

Been working at 10 % reduced wages for about the past two months. No relief in site, in spite of the fact that our oustomers are starting to show the signs of a pulse. They ( my customers) make corrugated (cardbard) boxes.
Anyway - dodged the layoff buller and our guys have been kept together by painting the offices, powerwashing the building, and landcacping the grounds. Maybd soon we can get back to full time machine building.
Mark

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: jonm
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 03:21 AM

Out of work for ten weeks now, averaging an interview a week without success yet.

There were two managers in my department as a result of mergers etc. so one of us had to go. I was more expensive to keep and cheaper to let go.

It's galling, since I made £500k for the College in the last three years while my compadre lost £300k. Maybe the rumour that I was too big a threat to my VP, whose job was also on the line, is also true.

You start out thinking you could get the promotion you never quite got round to applying for, or maybe you could change outlook and move to another sector, or downshift into a less-stressful job. Then you get interviews for the promoted position and told you are aiming too high, the other sectors (schools, voluntary, private training providers) are all looking for someone with different experience in the things it would take me hours to get my head around and are appointing people as managers with no track record, you can't find a downshift job you could afford to take...

I have two interviews next week, either of which will take me exactly back to where I was eight years ago in job and salary. I don't know whether I'll be able to take that.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 03:38 AM

So far, so good. That's in my present employment.

I have been made redundant four and a half times in my working life, tho ' (I am 64).

The half ? you ask - yes. When Militant ruled Liverpool, your correspondent was Senior Lecturer in Law at what was then Liverpool Polytechnic.

We didn't know from one month to the next whether we'd be paid.

When the funds ran out, there was Degsy and his mates, running round with whores in taxis, dishing out the redundancy notices.

Oh, how we laughed . . .

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: theleveller
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 07:34 AM

I was made redundant in December but made to work my 3 month notice period. During that time the company I was working for was taken over by another company in the group who moved into our offices. At the end of the notice period I was asked to stay on a further 3 month short-term contract (at a reduced salary). That contract ran out last week and despite being assured that I'll get a full-time contract, nothing has appeared in writing. So I really don't know whether I'm actually employed or not at the moment. Interesting times!

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 08:21 AM

As someone who lost his job and found a new and better one:

1. Don't limit yourself geographically. If you have to, move.

2. Network, network, network. That's what friends are for.

3. Get into a support group.

4. Follow up each interview with a thank-you note.

5. Receptionists and secretaries usually know more than the guy interviewing you. Talk with them if you can.

6. Never give up.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: plnelson
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 09:37 AM

I'm laid off (as of December) from software engineering.   

My wife and I have always been very frugal and one decision we made long ago was to have a lifestyle we could support on one income, so we're getting by on hers.   Because we have always been good, disciplined savers we've built up a rainy-day fund and we've actually ADDED to that fund since my layoff.

We have not spent ONE PENNY of my severance or unemployment checks, and when the Obama tax stimulus arrived in my wife's paycheck she increased her 401(k) (US retirement) savings by that amount. (so much for the Republican fantasy that tax cuts stimulate the economy!)

The US got into this mess by living beyond its means and getting up to its ears in debt to do so. Now the government wants banks to start lending more and consumers to start buying more to restart the economy, but that's how we got into this mess in the first place!

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 09:02 PM

Little hawk --- just DON'T let the dachshund go-----some losses are to great to overcome !!!! (I speak as a lover of funny looking dogs -we have a bull mastiff!)

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: GREEN WELLIES
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 09:37 AM

Husband works at the big yellow digger factory in Staffordshire, lots of jobs lost in assembly because the banks will not lend dosh for diggers and they dont come cheap. Rumour had it that the digger factory owner was prepared to lend the money himself. Order books are full, but we take nothing for granted - he used to work at MG Rover in Londbridge.

We're doing fine where I work, but is very specialised very necessary product - with hardly any competition to speak of.

We know - and appreciate - how lucky we are, we've both been made redundant in the past.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: heric
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 11:20 AM

Two waterboarding experts just got laid off by the CIA, and there are to be many more cuts in robust interrogators, according to the news.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Ebbie
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 11:22 AM

Ah, that's sad.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 11:26 AM

I took voluntary redundancy in August 2007 when T&L were laying people off. I had just had Harry 3 months before so it came at a good time. I'm currantly taking time out to look after our 3 kids as child care doesn't come cheap and I would be working to pay the nursery with nothing left over.

The company Paul is Production Director and acting MD for has made the decision for staff to go on half time for the time being with it being reviewed on a monthly basis. This doesn't affect him as he has to be there full time but the orders are coming now so hopefully the turn around is coming and everyone else can get back to full time work.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: GUEST,number 6
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 11:27 AM

"Two waterboarding experts just got laid off by the CIA, and there are to be many more cuts in robust interrogators, according to the news."

I wouldn't worry too much about these people ... they'll more than likely and sure to get jobs with the Internal Revenue Service.

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Amos
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 11:56 AM

ANd with tobacco being placed under the eagle eye of the FDA, I amsure they can be used to round up illegal smokers. ;>)


A

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 12:25 PM

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 12:36 PM

No !! I got made redundant towards the end of last year.I signed on for Unemployment Benefit, but the chances of me getting another job at nearly 62 are,frankly ,laughable.So now I am on something called "Pension Credit"-----with this,and my Navy pension, Housing Benefit (pays the rent ) ,and Council Tax Benefit( pays my garbage collection,street-lighting,etc),I am actually better off than when I was working !! Plus I now get free medicines--free dental treatment---free travel on any UK bus--winter heating allowance---and extra heating money every time we have five consecutive days when temp. is below zero-----and a Christmas Bonus !!

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 04:32 PM

Yes, thank heavens. I lost one job but still have the main one with benefits and I am forever grateful.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: ranger1
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 12:03 PM

I fianlly got on year-round about a year ago, then was told last November that my position was targeted to be cut back to seasonal. Around February, I got the call that my position was off the chopping block. However, the state's in serious budgetary woes, so who knows what'll happen next.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 08:55 PM

Oh Tami - no -- you waited so long for this position and worked so hard.....

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: ranger1
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 04:56 PM

Deb, I'm safe for the moment, so not to worry.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 04:48 AM

I was made redundant, back in 2005, at the age of 57. I was a member of two professional societies. One told me that I was too old to get another job in my chosen field and the other didn't even bother to reply to my email telling them that my circumstances had changed (even though I had done unpaid work for them when employed); I cancelled my subscriptions.

I applied for loads of jobs and finally got one in a call centre. I hated every minute of that and resigned after 3 months.

I did voluntary work at my local museum for a while, but, would you believe, they have now cut back on volunteers? They don't even want me to work for them for free!!

Luckily, it's not all 'doom-and-gloom'. I get a small pension from my previous job and they gave me a fairly generous redundancy payout. I have no dependents and my mortgage is nearly paid off. I have just drastically reduced my spending and get lots of exercise and fresh air.

Most modern organisations appear to be dysfunctional and mainly run for the benefit of their senior managements ... oh yes, and shareholders. Workforces are expendable. Why do we put up with that?

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Rapparee
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 10:56 AM

Because the authorities frown on armed rebellions and al fresco hangings.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Amos
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 11:36 AM

Shimrod raises a good point.

One reason is that for the most part, the union doesn't exist, or it gets co-opted.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: goatfell
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 10:53 AM

i'm 43 and ihave never had a job either part time or full time thanks to the tories and tehse people that have more than one job, I just like to say to them Thanks

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 12:33 PM

If anyone knows of a job for good guy, former US Marine, who has 2 great kids, is a good worker, bright, and can visualize almost anything, and it happens to be in Michigan, let me know, huh? He's got an outstanding IQ, but his grade school and high school shunted his reading problems off to one side and left them untreated to save money.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: robomatic
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 03:12 PM

I was laid off from my waterboarding job in October but I interview well and I made some creative suggestions about potential uses for dry ice and was hired in December.

The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades!

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: gnu
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 03:21 PM

On Thursday, I lost another big (to me) job to a well established engineering firm that never bid small (to them) jobs like this before. The fuckers called me on Friday morning and offered to sell it to me at 10%. I said NO WAY! I have my DIGNITY!

We settled at 6%. So, some more rent paid.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: robomatic
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 03:55 PM

The wolf at my door had pups. I was able to sell 'em to pay one more mortgage.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Mooh
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 11:15 PM

I'm a self-employed music instructor and my projections for my next year (September to August) looks like a full schedule and therefor full-time work. There is a major plant closure in town coming shortly (Volvo road graders), and there will be significant trickle down collateral damage, but it looks like I will be spared for a year.

I was going to raise my rates more than I have...

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Layoffs - Do you still have a job?
From: Janie
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 11:41 PM

I'm seeing a drop in my part-time psychotherapy private practice as people become more concerned about job stability, and am seeing more folks at a reduced fee and at longer spaced intervals to enable them to continue-for their sake and for my own.   I want to keep the practice open, and can do so as long as I break even, though I can not afford to take any loss at all right now, given the precariousness of my full-time salaried position and my limited nest-egg in the event of a lay-off.