Potential job loss

[FLBK7]

I found out today that later this year my position and that of 9 others will be eliminated due to budget constraints. It wasn't a surprise because South Florida is undergoing a severe financial crisis and we employees had put 2 and 2 together some months ago. But now that it's 'official' we're once again in that nebulous world of uncertainty and wonder. I always say that it's better to be taken to the guillotine right away than to be held back in shackles for indefinite periods. Harsh example, but hey, it's a clear one!

I trust that most of us will be placed in equal or comparable positions when the time comes. I know I have enough seniority to guarantee at least a comparable position. But it's going to be a shaky and troubling time for the next few months until HR decides what to do with us.

Anxiety time, big time anxiety......

[JRScott]

Good Luck , I hope something pans out .

[One Half Full]

Nevertheless, for self preservation, you might put out a few feelers.

[Flamingo]

The company I worked for went bankrupt one month after we filed Chapter 13. We had not yet even had our 341 hearing. You do what you gotta do when something hits like that. Just handle things as they come along. I had to obtain another job quickly which I did but paying $6,000 a year less than what I was making. Our Plan was modified to a much lower payment after explaining all to the trustee at our 341 hearing prior to my lined up new job and I had letters/info in hand as to the company bankruptcy and new hiring letter with my new yearly amount. The trustee told the attorney to modify our plan and resubmit. Our payment was dropped over $1,000 per month with the attorney having us refinance at the end of our 5 year plan to pay the balance since we would have a ton of equity in our house at that time. We bought out early anyway due to our large equity and much needed house repairs. But that is just to show you that no matter what happens job wise in filing any Chapter, there are ways out. Stuff happens to everyone and in this economy, the risk is high you can get cut hours or get laid off.

[momof5]

. I always say that it's better to be taken to the guillotine right away than to be held back in shackles for indefinite periods. Harsh example, but hey, it's a clear one!

Thats actually a really good example and one that I wish I had heard prior to my husbands job being terminated in February. The company didn't do so great in 2007 ( 10 million profit instead of 11) <------ just using that as an example and let all the highest paid employees go. New York is an 'at will' state so they can do whatever it is they like. Its their business. If they could of at least given people a few weeks or a month it would have made life much easier. It has been the most devastating thing that I could have ever imagined. This stuff happens to other people....

I like what One Half Full said about putting out feelers. You just never know what can happen next.

[FLBK7]

Thanks, everyone. I'm pretty confident that things will work out in the end due to my seniority in my current position. Nevertheless, I've started to put out feelers as One Half Full and momof5 suggested. But it's going to be a tough period for the next few months until I find out where I'll end up. Anxiety time! But I'll make it somehow. I believe in remaining positive even in the most adverse situations.

Thanks again!

[BankruptPinoy]

HI FLBK7. I'm sorry for your worries. I don't know if any of this stuff will help you, but I am trying to help myself and thought this information might be of use to others.

John Lennon wrote:

A working class hero is something to be.

Douglas Herman, who has had over 40 Jobs in 40 Years and he is over 60 years old, writes:

Careers, rather than learning for the love of knowledge, are the cornerstone of every school and university in America . A professional career is greatly desired, we are told. Status and respect, not to mention wealth, often follow those who chose a "good career."

Because, in an age of wealth manipulation and specialists, one must specialize in order to succeed.

Yet does happiness lie in either wealth or specialization? To become successful, how much of oneself must an individual swallow to achieve the material objects--new car, fine home, nice clothes, spending cash and sizeable nest egg--that most Americans consider the outward signs
of success?

I had read Henry David Thoreau's best known book at the age of 21 (within a month of my honorable discharge from the USAF). I can honestly say, Walden wrecked me for life. That is, what was written in each chapter of Walden wrecked me as an unquestioning American worker
bee, wrecked me as a student working many years towards an advanced degree. Instead, Walden made me stubbornly examine the idea of a long career in anything. I no longer considered a career as the epitome, the measuring stick, of success in life. Rather, experiences seemed equally valuable, if not more valuable. Life had too many facets to examine to restrict it to one.

Or as Henry proclaimed: "I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

Chuck Harder wrote:

There are lots of books at the library about different types of small businesses that you can go into. You might want to check them out and then think along these lines:

1. Find a need and fill it. What is needed in your area?
2. What can you do that will fill that need?
3. Can you work out of your home and avoid an overhead?

You have the right to be a “Sole Proprietor” which means that you are operating a business in your own name. You still can deduct business expenses but don’t need to spend big money on incorporating or setting up any form of fancy operations. Just keep track of all of your expenses to prepare your income taxes at the end of the year. If things go well you might want to incorporate later to get more tax breaks.

Here’s some ideas to ponder:

A. What’s your hobby? Can you turn it into making a buck? If so you may have the beginning of a business that you really love that can support you.

B. The “Lost Arts” are returning. If you can sew, repair shoes, or do similar work you may find a need for these services in your area. I know a lady who sews from her home and makes a very good living!

C. Be a “finder.” Go to flea markets, garage sales and other such outlets and look for collectible items that you have researched. Often the pocket watch you can buy for $5.00 is worth $300.00 to the watch and clock collector. Just go and study up on antiques and collectibles at the library. And don’t forget the value of old records. Old jukeboxes also bring big bucks!

D. Go ahead of the garbage truck. Pick up the cast-off lamps, chairs, clothes, radios, TV’s, lawn mowers and what have you. You would be amazed at what people throw away. When I was once desperate I did exactly that and took the stuff I picked up to the flea market and came home with $350.00 after two days of selling.
Bottom line:

No overhead. What you earn you keep. Your only expense should be a self-inking rubber stamp with your phone and address!

However, J.J. Luna writes in "Skip College":

“Find a need, and serve it.” (Quoted from ISU/Belmont University Business classes, among others.)

Appalling advice!

You can go broke trying to serve a need. What you must do is create a want, and serve it. No one on the planet needs a solid gold cigarette lighter, a string of black pearls, or a $10,000 Merovingian toilet made from hand-carved mahogany and ash, but they continue to sell. At one party, a woman was seen wearing a diamond-encrusted Rolex watch on her left wrist and a cheap Timex with large numbers on the other wrist. When asked about this strange combination, she had the perfect answer: “The Rolex is for you. The Timex is for me.”

Finding or creating a niche is just the first step. The next step is to give serious thought as to how to make the right impression within a few seconds...Here are general examples of starting out with zero cash:

Vacuum cleaner repair and sales: Contact an agency such as Kirby or Electrolux. Never mind trying to sell the new ones (they aren’t worth the money). Instead, offer to go door to door and either (1) bring in an old machine for repair, or (2) sell them one of the used vacuums that the regular salesmen have taken in on trade. (This idea is based on a personal experience in 1949 with the Perry Long Kirby Co. in Portland, Oregon. The idea worked then, and it will work today.)

House cleaning: Check the Yellow Pages under “Janitorial Service.” Call every firm on the list that does not appear to be a franchise. Offer to meet with the owner and to help out with any job, no matter how dirty. If necessary, offer to do the first two jobs for free. Take the negative answers in stride, and keep calling. Within three dozen calls, you will find a taker, and if you do what you say you’ll do, the money will follow.

Another dozen-plus ideas:

Baby-sitting; dog-walking; on-the-spot car washing. Paint a
fence, shovel snow, weed a yard, or wash windows. Sell homemade pastries made by someone else, and split the income 50-50. Perhaps none of the above suggestions apply to you; that isn’t the point. It’s to get your brain in gear to find a way to be of help to others.

As the famous salesman, author, and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar has been saying for the past 50 years, “You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”

You may not get rich with a niche, but you can fail fast if you attempt to start a business without one. Since 1960, all of my businesses have been in niche markets with virtually no com-petition.

Definition of a niche

My Compact Oxford English Dictionary says one of the definitions of a niche is “a specialized but profitable
corner of the market.” This market niche can be a geo-
graphic area, a specialty industry, an ethnic or age group,
or any other particular group of people. Sometimes a niche
product can be a variation of a common product that is not
produced and marketed by the main marketing firms.

Charles Handy, a management expert and author who taught at the London Business School writes in his book, The Age of Unreason,

that the structure of the workplace was changing dramatically. I hope you wont look for a job, he advised his own children when they graduated from college. Look for customers. If you have saleable skills, you can always work.

John Challenger wrote on the Internet that careers in the following fields may offer a good chance of weathering a storm this year.

* Education. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has historically shown teaching to be relatively recession-proof. But demographics are important: High-growth areas like the Sun Belt offer much better prospects than the Rust Belt.

* Energy. "This is a major issue for the global economy, and jobs related to oil and gas, alternative energy and even nuclear are likely to see strong growth," Challenger said.

* Health care. Almost half the 30 fastest growing occupations are concentrated in health services -- including medical assistants, physical therapists, physician assistants, home health aides, and medical records and health information technicians -- according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

* International business. "If you have a strong knowledge of other cultures, and an ability to work in another country, you'll find plenty of opportunities," according to John Challenger. "If you're first generation Chinese, with business skills and Chinese language skills, you're in good shape.

* Environmental sector. There is a huge and growing industry geared to combat global warming. "Not only will professionals with skills in sustainability issues be in demand through the end of the decade, we are likely to shortages of professionals with 'green' skills," said Rona Fried, president of sustainablebusiness.com, a networking service for sustainable businesses.

* Security. "Crime doesn't stop during a recession, and police officers, port security specialists and international security experts will continue to be in demand," Challenger emphasized.

And Tapan Munroe,an economist writes:

Health care services: This is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. Between 2001 and 2006, nearly 1.7 million new jobs were added to the health care industry. These include jobs in hospitals, diagnostics labs, medical equipment makers, pharmaceuticals and health insurance. In addition to physicians and nurses, the job categories include medical assistants, physical therapists, physician assistants, home health aides, X-ray technicians, respiratory care experts, medical records and health information technicians among others. These are essential services that save and enhance lives and are usually very resilient to recessions. My rating: high degree of recession proofing.

Funeral parlors: Unquestionably one of the most recession resistant businesses. My rating: most recession resistant of all businesses.

I do recommend Dmitry Orlov's essays about life in the Soviet Union and former Soviet Union, such as "Post-Soviet Lessons for a Post-American Century" as well as Han J. Schneider's experiences in Germany during WW2 and in East Germany under the Communists entitled "Timely and Profitable Help for Troubled Americans."

But Claire Wolfe has written:

Why is unemployment a bad thing? Why can't it be a glorious opportunity for leisure, contemplation, and creativity? Why is paid
work of higher status than unpaid work, even when the unpaid work may be more enjoyable or beneficial? Why is getting a "good" job such an all-consuming goal – especially when most people find their jobs boring, aggravating, meaningless, or otherwise stressful? Why would anybody in his right mind think some dismal thing called a "work
ethic" is good for a person?

An attitude and work-style of true free enterprise would leave millions spectacularly independent from both the juicy blandishments and the inhumane dictates of large corporate institutions (both governmental and private). It would leave millions free to say, "S***** you!" to institutional masters and "No thanks" to those who dangle tempting "benefits" in exchange for loss of personal autonomy. It would mean that more individuals dealt with each other on a more equal footing, with fewer corporate or political masters.

That's what both free enterprise and true freedom are all about.

And that's not merely different than what we now have in the Job Culture. This is the opposite of the prosperous, yet servile bondage we've come to accept – so mistakenly – as "freedom."

James Madison, the father of the Bill of Rights, wrote:

"The class of citizens who provide at once their own food and their own raiment, may be viewed as the most truly independent and happy. They are more: They are the best basis of public liberty, and the strongest bulwark of public safety. It follows, that the greater the proportion of this class to the whole society, the more free, the more
independent, and the more happy must be the society itself."

And nooo, lol, no one is paying me to post this information. I am not promoting any of the persons that I quoted, I am merely presenting some information that may or may not help someone. I read a lot, however, my health affects my memory. So good luck to everyone.

[BankruptPinoy]

Write on my gravestone: infidel, traitor---infidel to every church that compromises with wrong-traitor to every government that oppresses people.

-Wendell Phillips

Local unions have carpentry and electrician apprenticeships.
They might be a 3-5 year program where one can get benefits and training. Pay might start at $10 an hour and after 5 years maybe $25 an hour or more.

UPS has package handler positions for early morning shifts.

J.J. Luna also wrote, :

"But what if you are determined [to] pursue a career in law, medicine,
or teaching?

A career in law: I have yet to meet a lawyer who's content and happy in his profession. Many would get out of the racket tomorrow if it were not for the money. (A Nevada partner in a big law firm once told me that he had no friends at the office because "I can't stand lawyers!") If money is the goal, trust me:
Many paralegals—and I've been one of them—make more money than others with a law degree, and as
a bonus, the paralegals sleep better at night!

Medical skills useful include EMT/Paramedic, hypnosis, EFT,
acupuncture, herbs and nursing. Of course, there are medical schools. If one can't get in a medical school in the US, there are cheap schools in the Philippines and english is taught.

Finally, I recommend Ed Romney's book, "Living Well on Practically Nothing". Ed Romney says,

If I lost my job, I would buy a cheap old station wagon or van and get a lot of ladders, scaffolds, and paint brushes and go door to door wearing white coveralls asking to paint people's houses and do some home improvements. I'd hire extra help from men
hanging around the employment office for each job and pay them by the hour. I'd make the homeowner pay for paint in advance so there would be no overhead."

He also suggests gypsy cabs and buses, using your car as an unlicensed cab to take people to airports and other places. He says to take a short course in welding then mount an electrical and a gas welding outfit to the back of an old truck and travel around welding broken farm implements, autos and trucks, whatever job you can find. He says welding pays good. He says also to be a mobile mechanic and travel around with your equipment and fix things. Own your own junkyard he
writes.

Ed also said motorcycle repair and sales, especially with gasoline prices are so high, would be good. Tax preparation, payroll, record keeping businesses. Tutor kids especially in difficult subjects. Take care of kids, sick people or prisoners. LPN, prison guard.


Ed also said to be a flea market dealer, an auctioneer, and if he lost his job today, he would go to McDonald's because they are always hiring or try a temporary service like Kelly or BOS or Manpower because often it is the temp that is hired full time.

Homeowners need lawns mowed, leaves raked, trees and bushes trimmed.

If one person says no, do not be upset. You know you are good and honest. Keep on.

Again, I am not selling anything. I am not spamming this forum. I am trying to help myself and others. I am not recommending anyone buy any of these books. Some of these books can be ordered by your local bookstore, you can go in and read them for free and buy a cup of coffee and then return the book to customer service. Or perhaps some of these books can be bought at a used book store. I am just trying to help and am not promoting anything or anyone, except that all people start to treat others with respect and learn to think for themselves, not blindly following anyone or anything. Thanks.

[AngelinaCat]

Hi FLBK7: You have my profound sympathy and prayers. Something similar happened to me last year because of Gov. Crist's property tax plans, and my full-time job with a local city government was cut. Fortunately, I still have my part-time job, and I have an application in for a full-time position at that place. I had warning, so I had started to put feelers out, but we live in a small, rural community, and good jobs are scarce.

This did make a great difference in which BK to file. We had originally planned to file 13, but when we went to the Consumer Credit Counselor prior to filing—after I had gotten my notice—the consensus was that there was no way that we could manage a 13 without my full-time job. My husband is retired, is on Social Security with a small pension from NCR Corporation, and is a cancer survivor. Then we both had accidents before filing that piled on the medical bills…. So 7 it is. We filed on Dec. 28, 2007, had our 341 Feb. 7, 2008, and are now waiting. Our discharge date is sometime in June, but starting May 1, we have to pay the Trustee $450.00 a month for a year, because we had a little more personal property than allowed. This is going to hurt a bit, but I’m hoping for the full-time position.

[FLBK7]

BankruptPinoy, thanks for the very interesting read! You clearly are well-read and/or very serious about looking up valuable information to improve your life and that of yours. That's commendable.

I'm 60 years old, divorced, live alone, and feel quite battle-weary, believe me! I don't feel ready to start a new business or do anything drastic, although of course I'd do anything if I had to! Done it before and would do it again. My hope is that due to my seniority in my current position I'll be placed in a comparable job (comparable as to salary and minimum requirements - I do have a college degree). I have put out feelers but everything and everyone seems to indicate that at the very worst, I'll just be in a totally different department. I'm not afraid of that. Change is actually good sometimes!

But thanks again for a very interesting read. You seem focused on setting and achieving your goals, and because of that, chances are you'll end up with success.

[FLBK7]

Thanks for your kind words. I see that you, too, are a victim of Florida's property tax and values situation and our state and local government's reaction to the crisis. It's good that you still have your part-time job, and I wish you the best of luck in securing permanent employment there.

I work for local government too, although in my case it's in a major metropolitan area. The funny thing is that I worked in the private sector all my life, until I was laid off because of a gigantic corporate merger and consolidation of operations. (That job loss and the resulting loss of income, plus my divorce at roughly the same time, were "the" reasons for my bankruptcy.) When I found my current government job, I was relieved because I thought that as long as I performed my duties well, I would at least be safe from mergers, consolidations, etc. until I retired. Well, clearly I guessed wrong!

I wish you the best of luck, and especially, that you get the full-time position ASAP to help with those payments to the Trustee. Keep a positive outlook, always!

[FLBK7]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to share good news. I got word this afternoon that although my department is still closing in September I will be reassigned to a new department that is being created, and this will be a promotion!!! I heard the details of the new job and realize that I am a shoo-in because of previous experience, but the promotion was still a shock for someone who was expecting being laid off or demoted to a lower paying position! I am so happy.

Thank you all for your good thoughts.

[FreshLikeADaisy]

Wow!!! That's AWESOME!!! Congratulations!!!

[JRScott]

Congratulations

[epiphany]

MEOW!

:weneedagratefulcatemoticon

Congrats!

ep