Reccession hitting home

Yesterday when I was leaving work and saying good bye to everyone I was called into a meeting with 3 other employees. There are only 17 employees, and 10 of them are the brothers who own the company or sons or cousins of the oldest brother. We were told that we've been slow due to the econemy and we were being let go. No notice, no severence, not even a check for the rest of the week or our earned vacation time. One of the other guys has worked there for 20+ years and grew up with the owners since kindergarten, and another guy was their cousin. I've worked there since I was 18.

A few years ago I was asked if it would be ok for one of the sons to come work for me as my assistant with the guarantee that he would never make as much as me nor replace me, and that I had a job there as long as I wanted it. I ran the prepress department alone, so I wouldn't have been let go unless they closed there doors. The other guy was told the same thing, but now we're gone with the sons taking our place making more than we did.

I don't know what I'm building up to here, I guess just ranting. I'm taking today and tomorrow to relax and let it sink in, then I guess I'll try my luck this weekend at getting hired at the beginning of a reccession. :cens0r: that place and that family. The oldest brother and his son have been ripping that place off and running it into the ground ever since the father died. It went from a company that made $8 million+ a year to :cens0r: in 3 years. I'll be better off in the long run, but it's going to be tough for a while, I'm sure. They said my insurance runs out at the end of this month, so I'll have to get to the dentist and doctor soon, just in case I can't find anything this month. I'll probably be returning my PS3 this week too, which might be the biggest bummer.

Brother I feel your pain. We were put on notice here too. They have let 2 people go in a 6 person departement. Got us all scared for our jobs. I'll keep you and your in my prayers that things gett better quicker for ya.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by PythonWallace

Yesterday when I was leaving work and saying good bye to everyone I was called into a meeting with 3 other employees. There are only 17 employees, and 10 of them are the brothers who own the company or sons or cousins of the oldest brother. We were told that we've been slow due to the econemy and we were being let go. No notice, no severence, not even a check for the rest of the week or our earned vacation time. One of the other guys has worked there for 20+ years and grew up with the owners since kindergarten, and another guy was their cousin. I've worked there since I was 18.

A few years ago I was asked if it would be ok for one of the sons to come work for me as my assistant with the guarantee that he would never make as much as me nor replace me, and that I had a job there as long as I wanted it. I ran the prepress department alone, so I wouldn't have been let go unless they closed there doors. The other guy was told the same thing, but now we're gone with the sons taking our place making more than we did.

I don't know what I'm building up to here, I guess just ranting. I'm taking today and tomorrow to relax and let it sink in, then I guess I'll try my luck this weekend at getting hired at the beginning of a reccession. :cens0r: that place and that family. The oldest brother and his son have been ripping that place off and running it into the ground ever since the father died. It went from a company that made $8 million+ a year to :cens0r: in 3 years. I'll be better off in the long run, but it's going to be tough for a while, I'm sure. They said my insurance runs out at the end of this month, so I'll have to get to the dentist and doctor soon, just in case I can't find anything this month. I'll probably be returning my PS3 this week too, which might be the biggest bummer.

---

Jake here is some thoughts and prayers for you and yours during this time .Yea it sounds like they are a bunch of back stabbing liers :mad:.In a few years or less when they go belly up you can be happy you were not there to take the blame ;)

My job has been letting people go every pay week. 6-10 people are fired every week; its a scary thing to wonder week after week. I just got my bachelor's degree and this recession really put a damper on finding a better paying job.

Its best to take bad situations like this and try to turn them into opportunities we might not have found otherwise. Good luck Man.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

Brother I feel your pain. We were put on notice here too. They have let 2 people go in a 6 person departement. Got us all scared for our jobs. I'll keep you and your in my prayers that things gett better quicker for ya.

---

Thanks Ed. Same for you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by joepythons

Jake here is some thoughts and prayers for you and yours during this time .Yea it sounds like they are a bunch of back stabbing liers :mad:.In a few years or less when they go belly up you can be happy you were not there to take the blame ;)

---

Thanks Joe. It's looking that way the way they've been doing things. I wish the brothers had more :cens0r: and didn't let the oldest one rip everyone off and ruin the family business, but it's not my place to do anything if they won't.

Jake,

I am so sorry to hear that...

Head up, and you know you have support from the BP.net family. :grouphug:

I feel your pain as well as I to was let go to downsizing in Jan. I worked for a Pet distributer out of Pa. and the market here in Mi is really bad right now. they wanted me to work straight comm on a $150 territory at 10%..I coundn't do that with the amount of travel...But it looks like by the end of the month Ill be employeed again.
Kevin

so sorry sounds like you really got the bad end of that deal! I hope you bounce back better than ever.

Justin

Jake and all who are facing uncertainties with their jobs and livelihoods, my heart goes out to each of you. I went through this after 9/11 and was unemployed for a year. It was a year of hardship and personal growth.

I count my blessings every day when I get up in the morning to head to work that I HAVE a job to go to. Being out of work in a time of recession really makes you appreciate what you once took for granted. I'm in my sixth year with this company, and knock on wood, we're not laying off, and are in fact still hiring and adding more office space as we grow, but I don't take any day for granted.

What did happen from my layoff was that I found a job that I enjoy going to every day and a job I feel I can make a into a career.

My wish for each of you is that you find the same! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, both emotionally and financially. :hug:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spaniard

My job has been letting people go every pay week. 6-10 people are fired every week; its a scary thing to wonder week after week. I just got my bachelor's degree and this recession really put a damper on finding a better paying job.

Its best to take bad situations like this and try to turn them into opportunities we might not have found otherwise. Good luck Man.

---

Thanks, and good luck with your job.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LadyOhh

Jake,

I am so sorry to hear that...

Head up, and you know you have support from the BP.net family. :grouphug:

---

Thanks Heather.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KMS

I feel your pain as well as I to was let go to downsizing in Jan. I worked for a Pet distributer out of Pa. and the market here in Mi is really bad right now. they wanted me to work straight comm on a $150 territory at 10%..I coundn't do that with the amount of travel...But it looks like by the end of the month Ill be employeed again.
Kevin

---

Thanks, and good luck with that new job.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jkobylka

so sorry sounds like you really got the bad end of that deal! I hope you bounce back better than ever.

Justin

---

Thanks Justin. I'm trying to figure out how best to do that.

I appreciate all the good wishes. I'll be back on later. I think I'm going to go buy a 12 pack and a giant canvas to paint, and maybe do some laundry. The thing that really sucks is that most of ourt stuff is in storage while we fix the condo up. It's a good thing we slacked on buying a new house, although even if I find a new job right away it will be a lot harder to get a mortgage when I've only been at the new job for a month or so. It might be time to start unpacking and go through with refinancing this :cens0r: hole with :cens0r: neighbors. Plus I just donated my car so I could share a car with my girlfriend to save on gas and insurance. Too much to think about right now.

On a positive note, I got eggs yesterday from my RAPTOR x APTOR het R last night. One looks infertile, but they're both in the gecko incubator.

Jake, I'm sorry that the economy's troubles have touched you like this. Years ago I found myself in the same position at age 38. I had 14 years with a company and at the end of my shift my supervisor called me into a room and without any warning handed me an actual pink slip. He said that he was sorry but I was caught up in a downsizing action and he stood up and walked out of the room and left me standing in a stupor looking at the slip. I felt devastated as I had a wife and 2 kids and a mortgage. I know you must be feeling at this time but if you persevere and do what you have to do to make it, you will make it and you will ultimately find yourself in a better position.

Sorry to hear about the bad news and happy to hear you got some eggs. Keep a positive outlook and positive things will come your way. Sometimes when we look back at our lives we realize that what seemed like obstacles at the time were doorways to great new possibilities. The big guy upstairs has alot more plans than you could ever imagine. hang in there bro

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dsirkle

Jake, I'm sorry that the economy's troubles have touched you like this. Years ago I found myself in the same position at age 38. I had 14 years with a company and at the end of my shift my supervisor called me into a room and without any warning handed me an actual pink slip. He said that he was sorry but I was caught up in a downsizing action and he stood up and walked out of the room and left me standing in a stupor looking at the slip. I felt devastated as I had a wife and 2 kids and a mortgage. I know you must be feeling at this time but if you persevere and do what you have to do to make it, you will make it and you will ultimately find yourself in a better position.

---

Thanks man. I know the stupor you're talking about. I think my legs almost gave out from the shock.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by West Coast Jungle

Sorry to hear about the bad news and happy to hear you got some eggs. Keep a positive outlook and positive things will come your way. Sometimes when we look back at our lives we realize that what seemed like obstacles at the time were doorways to great new possibilities. The big guy upstairs has alot more plans than you could ever imagine. hang in there bro

---

Thanks Raul. I'm trying to figure out the best next moves.

I too was let go at the end of April from my job.

The first thing you need to do is apply for unemployment. If they laid you off you will qualify. The best part is your old employer still has to pay you 2/3 of your salary while you look for another job. Good luck!

I believe you probably qualify for COBRA medical coverage as well.
You'll pay a much higher price than you were as an employee, but if you have preexsting conditions or upcoming medical expenses it's worth it to stay covered.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kellysballs

I too was let go at the end of April from my job.

The first thing you need to do is apply for unemployment. If they laid you off you will qualify. The best part is your old employer still has to pay you 2/3 of your salary while you look for another job. Good luck!

---

That depends on the State that you file in. In GA, no matter how much you made while employed, the most you can draw is $300 a week.

Thats true. VA was 60% and florida is $275 max.

Anyways it will help in the meantime.

Congrats on the eggs though!

Sorry to hear that. They closed 2nd shift at my place so next week I will be starting on 1st shift. There are more people than jobs. They say no one is being let go, but I've heard that one before. I was going to quit, I hate days. But apparently for now I have a job. They even offered some incentive for me to stay. I almost feel that some people are already being scrutinized. That is scary. I'm furious about the shift change but they said it cost too much to run the plant 2 shifts. Especially since steel prices have rocketed.
I'm sure this won't be the end of it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by PythonWallace

I ran the prepress department

---

Hi Jake,

Sorry to hear about what happened. I'm sure you'll pull through just fine. Not to be nosey or anything, but what printer did you work for? I ask because I am a print broker and I have great relationships with my vendors - maybe I can be of help in your job search... Just an offer. Let me know.

I too think that things happen for a reason so although it may be a bummer now, I totally agree with what Raul said and that things could be even better for you in the future!!

I'll keep you, and everyone else in the same situation, in my thoughts and prayers. Although it may be hard keep your heads up!

Aww, thats too bad...I'm sorry... Hopefully when all is said and done you will find some place you like that and one that treats you better. Good luck to you!

i too went through this back in 99 and it was quiet an experience.
its not that its a job but its more along the lines of the lifestyle or just not having that same check next week. this is probally the time where you will learn the most about yourself that you just never noticed or just never showed. all in all sure i was worked up about it when it happened to me but i was in a lame job and unhappy. it might take a week or 2 to feel good about it but im just going to say thats how family business is. if they cant make it this year they aint going to make it and if they dont their whole family will be not working. even worse how do you pick which family member gets laid off next.

just keep up your spirits and stay objective. have some fun. ILL unemployment isnt very bad its much more than the 390/ week we get in indiana.