Laid off!

[steelcouch]

Well the recession has hit home for me. After 6 years of working for my company I get a phone call after work asking me not to go back. The place I was working at had plenty of work left but due to job hours I was cut back. No warning not even a hint. I guess being one of the higher paid guys I was a expendable asset. I called my employer back for some justification and I was told that I wasnt being laid off just couldnt go back to my job. He told me to hang tight and would talk to the other project managers to see if I could get placed somewhere else. I get yet another phone call and he explained to me that the project managers are all on vacation and when they get back after this week I should get another call and cant place me till he gets with his team to place me. He told me he didnt want to lay me off but if I wanted to I could elect to and also told me to file for unemployment because it could be a couple weeks till I get a call back. Sorry rambling and didnt even explain what I do for a living. Im a commercial electrician , Systems programmer, Fire Alarm Tech, Low Voltage Tech. Basically everything that has to do with electrical and controls and systems. He told me that because of my knowledge and work ethics that they didnt want to lay me off and was an asset to the company. Well for not being laid off I sure am feeling like it sitting at home. Been working since I was 16 and had never had to file unemployment. I also used to be a nurse but had to let it go as my marriage was more important to me than the career. Sitting at home not knowing what to do with myself. Bored , Peaved and sick of lifes crud.

[MegoScott]

That sucks, but you sound like a total pro someone will be glad to have on their team. Go get em.

[z3zep]

So sorry steel. Sound like the company doesn't know what it is doing, they should have talked to you in person. Maybe they will place you in another area.

[AJ Collector]

Sorry to hear that, I hope things work out in your best intrest!

[scoth70]

bad news i know how it feels :(.....i had the same news last april..but i was made redundant/the end /after 13yrs..... and theres no jobs around either :(

[jds1911a1]

been there laid off 10 years ago had to completely change my vocation.

[dr_cyclops]

That tough man!
So I'll do my best to hopfully help by taking a chance of offending you.
Don't just sit around waiting for an answer. Get online and start looking for another job. When you do get a reply from the employer, No matter what the answer, Go easy about it and ask for a letter of recommendation. If he meant what he told you, "knowledge and work ethics", That could look really good for you. Many moral-less companies, love to have these two things in an employee.
File for unemployment as soon as possible! For you and your loved ones. Cancel your unemployment as soon as you begin working again. Any checks you receive after that date, return! I've never applied for it myself, but the word "unemployment" says to me; Your employer is now willing to pay your salary for a few months, to support you while finding another job. Once it runs out, they no longer owe you anything. Your job now, is to find a job!

[jessica]

Sorry to hear that. You are an asset to any company.

I'm stuck at home (not that I'm complaining)...and my new work hours are Monday 8-5 and Friday 8-5. I have three days where I'm not working...I'm hoping to find something soon.

[HardyGirl]

I'm so sorry. I'm keeping good thoughts that something good will turn up for you soon.

[mitchedwards]

Hang in there

[Mod Style]

Hey steel, Been there, done that, and it sucks.Until something positive happens, and it will, DO NOT hesitate to sign up for your unemployment.You've paid it in through the years,and you deserve to benefit from it.That's what it's there for.

Joe

[toys2cool]

that sucks, sorry to hear that bro

[txteach]

Oh man Juan I'm sorry to hear this. Hang in there buddy and something will come.

[Goblin19]

Sorry to hear that. Good luck to you. There's just too much of this going around.

[boywondermax]

That sucks. But don't despair! Have faith, and you WILL find something- maybe even something better!

[toystalker]

thats sucks bro

sounds simular when a company is about to into administration they cant really say much and say a bunch of crap just to pacify you

same happened to my relative just this week... the bosch factory here just announced it is shutting 900 jobs gone down the pan, hes been there 10 years, some folks got told to leave the premises right away and some were able to see the day out then told to empty there lockers as they wont be coming back... nice thankyou after 10 years hard work, i mean ok they are in major troubles but theres no warning, folks have mortages, bills and expenses and get no warning

hope you get your self sorted soon man

[Brazoo]

I called my employer back for some justification and I was told that I wasnt being laid off just couldnt go back to my job.

Is that even legal?!!

In Canada an employer has to pay severance if you're laid off.

I was laid-off 3 years ago by the way. I'm not making what I was making before, but I work for myself and things are getting a little better each year. Don't sweat it and don't feel rejected - it's they're loss and they know it - move on and you'll find something better!

[ScottA]

That sucks. Trust me, I know it's hard. But it sounds like you have an occupation where you could find something pretty quickly.

But yea, I'm going stir crazy at home not working.

[JDeRouen]

My wife has been off work since mid-November, so I know where you're coming from. This economy sucks.

[Meule]

Sorry to hear this, but with your qualifications I'm sure you'll find a new job real soon

[thunderbolt]

That stinks, hope things work out for you.

[Hector]

Damn...that sucks.

You have major skills though...that's the good thing.

You also said that you were a nurse...perhaps that's an option to get back at that for now...I know there's plenty of need for nurses regardless of the economy...you can't have enough nurses.

But even if you don't want to go back to nursing...you are an experienced electrician/tech...that's big pluses on your side.

[haggis]

That really sucks. I hope your boss comes through and helps get you placed on another team like he said. Fingers are crossed for you!

[Blue Meanie]

Hang in there J. I know you'll find something fast.

[Bill]

Go in, tell him you were unsure about your phone conversation, make him say what he wants to say, not put it in your hands to lay yourself off. Who cares how uncomfortable it makes him, no paycheck is mighty uncomfortable for you.
File for unemployment afterwords, the longer they lead you on about a possible placement the less they bleed out in unemployment charges.
Find a new job. If they treat you like this now imagine how they'll treat you if they ever do place you again.

[MegoMark71]

sorry to hear that, good luck

[TrueDave]

No crossing fingers or thinking good thoughts.

I'll just pray for you if thats cool.

It does sound like you're taking it pretty well dispite being bummed out.

[vulcan2074]

I'm so sorry to hear that news. I really hope that you find a great job. I wish the best for you.
Sammy

[kryptosmaster]

Sorry to hear that J. You're a nice guy. They say things happen for a reason so maybe there's something bigger and better in your future and it will end up being a good thing after all is said & done.
Rich

[Adam West]

Go in, tell him you were unsure about your phone conversation, make him say what he wants to say, not put it in your hands to lay yourself off. Who cares how uncomfortable it makes him, no paycheck is mighty uncomfortable for you.
File for unemployment afterwords, the longer they lead you on about a possible placement the less they bleed out in unemployment charges.
Find a new job. If they treat you like this now imagine how they'll treat you if they ever do place you again.

I was going to warn you of the same thing. You can only file for Unemployment if you are laid off....not if you voluntarily terminate. It sounds like a stall tactic to me. If you simply quit and file for unemployment, your employer can dispute it and tell the unemployment office that you voluntarily left which would disqualify you for unemployment. As a side note, they would prefer you not receive Unemployment benefits because the rate they have to pay into unemployment is a directly correlated to how many people they lay off.

Get everything in writing from your employer regarding a lay off and if they refuse; contact your unemployment office, explain the situation and see what needs to happen to start collecting.

Meanwhile, I would start looking for a new job immediately but don't burn your bridges with your former employer. You do want the good reference but reading between the lines it sounds like your job is over with this company and they are simply stalling.

Good luck and sorry to hear about it.

[UnderdogDJLSW]

Wow, sorry to see this happen. I agree, by saying they are waiting to place you somewhere else, it gives the impression that they are keeping you hired. Without being mean about it, you need to ask the employer to give you documentation that they have terminated your ties with the company.

[Hector]

No crossing fingers or thinking good thoughts.

I'll just pray for you if thats cool.



...and no praying from me.

I'll just say crossing fingers and thinking good thoughts.

See how your post sounded to me?

That's why it's good just to point out your personal choice of wishing well...whether it's from a faith point of view...or a non-faith point of view....without dismissing each others' beliefs.

[megoapesnut]

It sure sounds like they are trying to trick you into leaving them an out to say that the employment termination was your choice and not theirs. Especially with the "you aren't laid off but don't come back" crap. And "you decide what you want to do". I'd definitely talk to a lawyer or someone at the unemployment office before saying or doing anything.

[steelcouch]

Supposed to get a call tommorow but I feel making a personal appearance is in order. My company has been doing cutthroat practice ever since the recession started. First week of December I was asked to take a $10 pay cut for the companies survival. I also had my insurance go from free for me and only paying $75 a month for the whole family to $175 for me and the family. A break down of that is $75 for me and $100 for the family. I feel I need to explain the dont come back part. The hospital I was working at had a foreman running it that was constantly behind on the job. I have worked 10 to 12 hour days for nine months including Saturdays and Sundays. The commute to work was a hour and a half each way. Went from having a company vehicle to driving my own car. Gas was on me for nine months. The jobs are barely starting to kick off for the company so I think I will get a call back once jobs pick up because for one manpower is at its low and others werent told that they still had a call back. They were just layed off and sent there second check via fed ex. My boss isnt the one that sent me home because of the hours they had left at the job. I was helping out another project manager with his job. My boss came back from vacation yesterday and plan to have a sit down conversation with him to see where Im at. The only thing good I can say for the company lately is that they dont deny anyone unemployment. On the other hand I know from being on the inside that when they fire you they tell you flat out your laid off and not fired. I might be kidding myself but I still have a speck of hope to get a call back. Im gonna give it a few weeks but have been looking for other means of employment and have come across some promising leads. Definately have a job for Cal trans as a programmer in the bag.

[SeattleEd]

Well you certainly are well qualified and can be asset at another company that will value your skills.
If you are certified then you should be able to get work easily. I know here in Seattle they are seeking LV techs and programmers. When I was in Phoenix there were so many jobs because of the housing boom. Not it stopped but the building in Seattle is growing. (Yes, surprisingly!) In demand.
I say look elsewhere and you never know what could be around the corner. Maybe there is a reason for this happening. Look at is as an opportunity to go on to better things.

Good luck and sending you good vibes!!

Cheers

Ed


Im a commercial electrician , Systems programmer, Fire Alarm Tech, Low Voltage Tech. Basically everything that has to do with electrical and controls and systems. He told me that because of my knowledge and work ethics that they didnt want to lay me off and was an asset to the company. .

[SeattleEd]

Sweet!! GOOD LUCK!!




Definately have a job for Cal trans as a programmer in the bag.

[steelcouch]

Oh man these past two weeks have been really trying with no income. I sold off some of my spare megos to make ends meet. The bills just kept coming in and the problems kept adding up. I didnt recieve my W2 till the end of last month. I was waiting for it to have some type of relief. Before I got laid off my wife had hit me with a unexpected surprise. She told me she was behind on the bills a little but was also behind on the mortgage a month and a half. I couldnt understand because I was bringing home loads of money for the past two months before I got laid off. I guess its true what they say. The more you make the more you spend and Im sure we were doing just that. If nothing else this has been a lesson learned because I never want to be here again. This last friday my wife left for work and returned within five minutes of leaving. She had a flat and I thought to myself no big deal. I had made some extra cash and could easily replace the tire if it needed to be. No such luck. We have had her Caddilac less than a year. I proceeded to check the other tires and they were all shot and worn from the inside. The car we bought was used and bought from a dealership. The day we bought it was very rainy. I guess the tires were shot when we first bought it because they didnt look bad from the outside treads. All four tires had to be replaced. Well $760 later they were. On top of that I had never been on unemployment and the paperwork came Friday which was the same day as the flat. I called the wife and she told me fill it out and send it as soon as possible. So I did. Well from rushing through it I forgot to check the box where it saids did you look for work. I knew for sure I would get the paper work back and I would have to wait further time. Today I got finally relief to all the crap I have endured of the past few weeks. I am returning to work tommorow which is great. I also got a call from the unemployment asking if I had made a mistake on the paper work and told them Yes. They corrected it over the phone and usually you have a week in waiting period. The guy told me over the phone that since I had never collected unemployment before I would get the week in paid as well. Man I am so relieved. I got my time paid for sitting at home and going back to work. I guess someone must love me somewhere since all this good luck came today when I was at my lowest.

[Adam West]

That's great news. Things always have a way of working itself out.

[BlackKnight]

Everytime I looks for work..., I see your Qualifications consistantly in my Work Searches ... I have extreme Costruction Background... Pipe Layer,. Topman , General Construction, Utility Locator..., but can't seem to get work,.. because 300to600 people apply for the Job,.. that wants to pay something worth a Damn. The Union is no good for me..., because I can't seem to get above the C list at this Current time..., so my hrs are not there, and all that are going out are A listers... I tried to get into the Electric Commercial Feild,.. like I said, I can Dig Ditches,.. and Lay Pipe,.. and find stuff all day long,.. however,.. they want you to have a yr of Algebra for Axceptance..., and I can't say That It was required when I Graduated..., I mean come on...., Why the Hell am I digging Ditches..., if I am overly Smart in Math ? Whatever. :googly:

[Hector]

Glad you are back to work...things will hopefully start getting much better.

[saucerful]

Wow, wild series of events, Steel! Jeeeeezzzzz!
Glad you've got things lining up properly again.

[david_b]

Glad to hear you're working again, but everyone, remember government jobs..

USAJOBS - The Federal Government's Official Jobs Site (http://www.usajobs.opm.gov)

Sometimes there might not be much in your general area when you do the search, but KEEP CHECKING BACK..!

I got my job at the Federal VA, doing mainframe work with national patient databases, with little-to-no prior related experience (besides being an MCSE, etc..). Granted, preference is given to prior military or government service, but skill sets will always weigh more.

Even if you have to go in 'pushing a broom'.. At LEAST you're in, then work from within the system when the more appropriate job comes around. I've been there in Milwaukee for 9 years now and it's been SUPER. :grin:

david_b