Do you think you will lose your job because of the economy?

[caleb7mm]

I lost everything due to the economy. Hence being a member hear and going through ch 7. I am a licensed general contractor in FL and havent had income for 12 months.

[HRx]

Yes, I do. And sometimes it's scary because studies show how negative thinking can actually make things real. I need to work on my optimism a bit.

Mind over matter can definitely aide in reducing of unnecessary stresses, but it has no bearing over the inevitable realities of life. lol

[blankslate]

The whole operation in San Diego for the company I work for is closing down on March 13th. I took a job transfer to move to LA so I won't be out of work like everyone else. I'm lucky that I can easily move where others can't. There are still no guarantees even in the new city but I feel if something were to happen I will have a far better chance of finding another job in LA than San Diego. It was hard to say goodbye to the people I've worked with for so long and know that they will be filing for unemployment in two weeks.

[Peevee]

My job is really slow. It's just a matter of time before they lay off. I think I will probably be laid off. Right now if I get 30 hours a week I'm doing good.

[Mische]

Yes, I do. And sometimes it's scary because studies show how negative thinking can actually make things real. I need to work on my optimism a bit.

[Jenie0109]

I am not really worried. The field I'm in is stable and my company is established.

[ccmisery]

I have been laid-off before, not fun. If I lose my current job I will be homeless because I don't have a Suze Orman 9 months of emergency funds available because I'm paying 25% interest on a credit card that has always been paid on time, above or at the minimum. I know, what's wrong with this picture?

[HRx]

It's good to see that most folks feel pretty confident that they will not lose thier jobs because of the economy.

[FLBK7]

Next question, would it be alright to look online, during my work breaks or go to the library and use their computer?

Does your company allow web surfing during your breaks? Mine (county government) forbids all Internet surfing unless it's job-related.

*If* you're being watched and the company forbids web surfing for personal purposes then this is one of the first things they would look for. The library is perfectly fine.

[AMISLANDER]

If the letter was addressed to you personally and talked about work performance improvements *you* need to make (and I'm assuming you feel that your performance has been at least satisfactory), then I agree that this is an early step the company is taking to legally get rid of you and/or your position. Even in a right-to-work state such as Florida companies need to document their steps leading to the termination of an employee.

You are exactly right on in the above statement. I felt that of the issues brought up, only one of them was actually viable. I did give a reply to the letter in respect to each of the issues that will go into my file to accompany that letter.

I feel for you. And in your shoes, I would be looking for another position right now. The job market throughout Florida is the pits, but you want to try and use this "warning" period to explore every potential job prospect. As to whether or not it's better to still be employed while applying elsewhere, I think the current economy is so dire that that old rule doesn't even apply anymore.
Thank you for the empathy! I will use my time wisely in a new job search!

Good luck, and please keep us posted.

Next question, would it be alright to look online, during my work breaks or go to the library and use their computer?

[FLBK7]

Work performance improvements. I know everybody gets a bit lax/forgetful on somethings but to me, this was DOCUMENTATION that could be used in the future...

If I leave, they will replace me with someone at half my pay, that's what I'm feeling...and they will get HALF the quality!

Economy's negativity is going nowhere fast....I hate to see the layoffs that are going to be stated between now & the end of the year and the resulting termoil.

If the letter was addressed to you personally and talked about work performance improvements *you* need to make (and I'm assuming you feel that your performance has been at least satisfactory), then I agree that this is an early step the company is taking to legally get rid of you and/or your position. Even in a right-to-work state such as Florida companies need to document their steps leading to the termination of an employee.

I feel for you. And in your shoes, I would be looking for another position right now. The job market throughout Florida is the pits, but you want to try and use this "warning" period to explore every potential job prospect. As to whether or not it's better to still be employed while applying elsewhere, I think the current economy is so dire that that old rule doesn't even apply anymore.

Good luck, and please keep us posted.

[AMISLANDER]

Do you mean improvements you need to make in terms of work performance, or improvements/changes that the company needs to make in order to remain in operation? This economy has had a negative affect on businesses in every industry.

Work performance improvements. I know everybody gets a bit lax/forgetful on somethings but to me, this was DOCUMENTATION that could be used in the future...

If I leave, they will replace me with someone at half my pay, that's what I'm feeling...and they will get HALF the quality!

Economy's negativity is going nowhere fast....I hate to see the layoffs that are going to be stated between now & the end of the year and the resulting termoil.

[HRx]

Do you mean improvements you need to make in terms of work performance, or improvements/changes that the company needs to make in order to remain in operation? This economy has had a negative affect on businesses in every industry.

[AMISLANDER]

I just got one of those "warning" letters from my company. You know, the kind that tell you about improvements that are necessary? I think it's call the "heads up" you're on the way out letter which lets you know nicely, that your time is up.

I've already heard that my job was to go part-time this summer. Unfortunately it doesn't work the same way with my bills. Hmmm???? Maybe I should try that one out with my landlord?

So, being that I have a bit of a time frame to deal with, time to start the process of the search for new employment. Been hearing that it's always good to look for a job while you're still employed....?

Anyhow, unfortunately, there seems to be NO JOB SECURITY whatsoever...???

[Genenco]

Well, my story was I worked for a TV maker (Pana*****) which let me go, was over 46, so retraining might have been viable, but doubtful. Who'd hire a 47 year old newbie pharmacy tech?

Worked for three companys for 2 years, last one was a engine/parts remanufacturer (The Hummer has a 5 cylinder engine,,,weird!) and left them just as GM was demanding better inspections then before (Thank goodness I bailed) I was there.

Now work at a company which:

Was informed 1 month ago, major buyer (Truck Interiors) was moving to Mexico in 2010. (\sarcasm Thanks Nafta! /sarcasm)

Several parts we made then shipped to Mexico, was being moved to SC as the parts we buy to make the parts we ship, comes from a company 20 miles north of SC branch of our company. So they get the business, we get the shaft.

Has gone heavy into mold forming (Similar to mold injection, but more work intense as you are holding the equipment which injects the liquids and man, you let go too early, you'd better have a spare set of clothes handy) so we're hanging on so far...

Maybe if I get laid off, there might be a chance to be a pharmacy Tech newbie at 50 or so?