Lost your job? - add me to the list.....

[Q2UnME]

Well, I guess I'll be joining the likes of IHR and Flux on the unemployment line.

This week TPTB of my company announced that the site I work at has been placed on the list for closure. By my guestimate (based on seeing other plants in the company closed), I'll be out of a job in 12 - 18 months. I've been an engineer with this company for 20 years and this is the first time (ever) that I'll be let go from a position/job. The most distubing part of this is that there really are no jobs in my area for chemical engineers, specifically with project engineering experience. I'm faced with the very real prospect of having to move to another area in the U.S. to find employment. I really don't want to sell my house and move, but finding a job that doesn't require relocation is a long shot. This blows...

Anyone out there in TrekBBS-land facing a similar situation?

Q2UnME

 

[ThunderAeroI]

My wifes brother was laied off from an engine manufacture a few weeks ago. I know that hurts him and his family, but at least she is a nurse making some money.

 

[All Seeing Eye]

I'll be out of a job in 12 - 18 months.

That's plenty of time to find alternative employment. It's not like you're out of work right now getting paid nothing whilst trying to find a new job. You're lucky you've got such an advanced warning of your termination.

 

[Q2UnME]

I'll be out of a job in 12 - 18 months.

That's plenty of time to find alternative employment. It's not like you're out of work right now getting paid nothing whilst trying to find a new job. You're lucky you've got such an advanced warning of your termination.

Yes, you are right, I'm fortunate for the advanced notice, something most people do not get. Allows my wife and I time to try to get our finances into some semblance of order. My point is that there are ZERO jobs in this area in my chosen field of 22+ years experience. To continue working, I'm going to have to sell the house and relocate, which is very undesirable to me and my wife.

Q2

 

[All Seeing Eye]

Surely there are SOME companys in your area where you could work, just send in your CV with a letter asking if they've got any vacancies. Are you seriously telling me only one company in your area employs people with your experience?

 

[Mallory]

Are you seriously telling me only one company in your area employs people with your experience?

Considering the size of NY State, about half the size of all of England, it's entirely possible that his is the only chemical plant in the area. They don't exist on every street corner here.

 

[Q2UnME]

Surely there are SOME companys in your area where you could work, just send in your CV with a letter asking if they've got any vacancies. Are you seriously telling me only one company in your area employs people with your experience?

Yes, I am. When I first started with this company 20 years ago there were something like 8 or 10 chemical/adhesive companies in this area. As of right now there are only 2. When we close, there will only be 1. (and they have no openings). That's the sad economic environment of this area.

Q2

 

[RJDiogenes]

Is there still a chance that the new owners might keep the place open, or have you given up on that?

I hope you don't have to sell your house and move.

 

[Lookingglassman]

The Army sucked at times, but I am glad I was in it. I am now a disabled vet with a steady income from the VA, but I do still work. My job is transferring down to FT Benning, GA in 2010 and the govt is allowing us to follow our jobs down there, but I dont feel like moving so I am going to stay right here and hope for the best.

 

[Hoser]

Anyone out there in TrekBBS-land facing a similar situation?

Q2UnME

Yep.
Autoworker in Michigan. Laid off 'indefinitely'.
If things don't pick up, I'm looking at moving come spring. Which is harsh, considering my wife is pregnant.....

Meh, we'll survive. As long as there aren't any more Rosie O'Donnel specials....

 

[Q2UnME]

Is there still a chance that the new owners might keep the place open, or have you given up on that?

Not quite yet, but the prospects are not good. 50% of what we make goes into the automotive industry which the company will keep and transfer out. The other 50% might not be enough volume for a new buyer to justify keeping the plant open.

The Army sucked at times, but I am glad I was in it. I am now a disabled vet with a steady income from the VA, but I do still work. My job is transferring down to FT Benning, GA in 2010 and the govt is allowing us to follow our jobs down there, but I don't feel like moving so I am going to stay right here and hope for the best.

Lookingglassman, first and foremost, thank you for putting on the uniform and serving our country. As the father of a son currently serving, you have my admiration and my thanks. I do hope you find something without moving. Good luck to you and your family.

Anyone out there in TrekBBS-land facing a similar situation?
Q2UnME

Yep.
Autoworker in Michigan. Laid off 'indefinitely'.
If things don't pick up, I'm looking at moving come spring. Which is harsh, considering my wife is pregnant.....

Sorry to hear this terrible news, hoser. I believe the downturn in the automotive industry is part of the problems that lead to the decision to close my plant. Would a Wall Street bailout get you back to work or are the sales numbers the controlling factor? Good luck to you and your growing family, God bless....

Q2UnME

 

[Major Chord]

I'm sorry to hear this Q2UnME. As if the job market in WNY wasn't already terrible...I'm hoping that the healthcare industry doesn't cut back like the automotive industry. My dad's a paramedic for Mercy Flight ( an air-medical transport company, for those of you not from WNY ), and hopefully, they don't cut back, because his job would probably be one of the first to go. Hopefully not though, because he has been an employee there in one form or another since the company started.