Lost my job today.

[NickDawson]

Not sure if I should take the unemployment, I never have and it's somewhat of a matter of pride to say that I don't need it. I am also curious if that is something that stays on your record, as far as future employment????

Ditch the pride - even if you don't absolutely need it, put it in your rover fund you are entitled to it and there's no shame in it.

A major employer here in Richmond just laid off 700 people, all professionals, and the first advice the outsourcing staff gave them all was "go start the paperwork first thing monday morning, its free money"

There is no 'record' to worry about - and besides, who could judge someone for taking care of their family after a layoff? That's not someone I'd want to work for any way (but I can appreciate your concern)

People will tell you that this will ultimately be a good thing, and there will be a sliver lining.... and thats 100% true...but nothing is more frustrating to hear when you don't see the end of the tunnel.
The best thing you can do is keep your chin up, network your tail off - make 10 calls a day, what do you have to lose? and spend time with your family....and your rover

[LaneRover]

Yes, remember it is unemployment INSURANCE. I had the same attitude when I got into film. I used to say, I am not going on unemployment because if I cannot support myself doing this with out unemployment then I shouldn't do it. I had an accountant and a few friends tell me I was an idiot - after a few years I started to listen!

Brent

[czenkov]

Take the unemployment. I had pride once too - cost me $5k in savings before I found anything. And it didn't pay the bills. You being an engineer should have no issues. But if you want to move to Utah (Moab anyone?) PM me because I might have a lead for you.

[ShootingCar]

hang in there

JP,
which just so happens to be my initials also, I too am an engineer (structural) and was laid off in 2000. I started my own consulting business using the skills I learned from the paper manufacturing industry to apply to all industries. Now we are up to about 14 full time and mainly laid off engineers, designers and consultants doing cool work. I understand that you don't want to move and I didn't either. My thoughts are, unless you are in San Fransico, etc., it will be more expensive to move. But the need for good innovative engineers is still great and will be getting greater with the move to technology driven industries, etc. Having gone through this I know that the main thing to vent is that it is personal and it hardly ever makes sense. So don't let your value become a factor in the decision. It was not, but you can build from it for the next job. As an employer, I tell those that are laid off that I want engineers who take it personal because that means that they take their work personally. I like it when the boss is saying "now don't take this personally". Well hell yes it's not personal to them, it's not their job, their house payment, their kid's orthodontist bill. I mean do you really want to have your heart operation by someone who really doesn't give a damn.

JP, email me if you want to talk and I will do anything I can to help you. I may not know anything about this series Land Rover I dreamed of getting, but this is something that I can contribute to.

Jeff Pearl
jhp@pearlengineering.com

[Bostonian1976]

this sort of 'community' is why I still stay on forums. Good luck JP...

[4flattires]

Sorry to hear that, it sure is a sign of the times. I will be right there with you somewhere between 60 days and 8 months from now. My company was just purchased and they wont need an extra corporate office, so we all got a transitionary time frame with a nice little kicker of "oh, we can let you go with just 60 days notice". After 32 years with them I will be out on the street. Keep your chin up and eyes forward and keep Rover'ing.

Jeff

[jp-]

60 days would have been something. We had no warning at all. Just get your things and get out.

Thanks again everyone. I'll make it.

[thixon]

JP,

I've been out of town, and not reading the board. I hate to hear that. Don't take it personally, and don't let it ruin your attitude.
I have contacts all over the US, but I'm in the building products business. If I can help, feel free to contact me.

Good Luck,

[Leslie]

60 days would have been something. We had no warning at all. Just get your things and get out.

Thanks again everyone. I'll make it.

The largest employer in town is kinda like that.... there was rumor (seriously loud rumor) about layoffs coming, but no one knew who or when... lots of armchair quarterbacking of who would end up going, but no one *knew*.....

When it's time, they just call you into the boss' office... while you're in there being informed, the IT folks wipe your passwords; you're escorted directly to the door, right *then*. You're allowed to come back after hours that evening to collect any personal items, under security's supervision (pictures, etc.), but you can't get back on to the PC, can't take any files or contact info... gack.

Best o' luck.....

[lrdukdog]

When it's time, they just call you into the boss' office... while you're in there being informed, the IT folks wipe your passwords; you're escorted directly to the door, right *then*. You're allowed to come back after hours that evening to collect any personal items, under security's supervision (pictures, etc.), but you can't get back on to the PC, can't take any files or contact info... gack.

Time to start that personel back-up everyday . Just keep the faith guys and remember " If it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger" and "Who dares Wins" this from a retired guy who's part-time job is dying
Jim Wolf