I just got laid off from my job...

[LaBoob]

I just got laid off from my job.

None of my close friends or family is really available to talk to me right now so I thought I'd post here requesting for everyone to beam me positive thoughts.

My company had been laying people off left and right lately, like our entire education department as well as our telesales department.

I just bought a house in July and while my budget was tight I was really doing well. I'm just so afraid of losing my house. My mother told me that they wouldn't let that happen. Nobody wants to mooch off their parents, but I'm really thankful that I have parents who care about me enough to help me out.

Part of me looks back at the 3 years I was with this company and sees relationships I've built up with my customers and sees so many accomplishments... most of me looks back and sees a tremendous amount of stress that weighed me down and wore away at my soul. I'd been looking to go in a new direction and get the hell out of sales for a while and it's something I was constantly thinking about. I'm hoping this will be a great opportunity for me.

Maybe the saddest part is that now I might not be able to listen to the show live from 12-3 like I could everyday...
:glurps:

[Tenbatsuzen]

I'm sorry, but the good thing is that you'll get unemployment insurance. Make sure you get your COBRA.

PM me and tell me what your qualifications are, I'll give you some leads in central NJ that you can look in to.

[Gvac]

All the best to you Boob, and hang in there.

Sometimes when everything seems to be going to shit it turns around in a heartbeat.

All the best to you, and you know you've got your buddays here to lean on if need be.

[Tenbatsuzen]

BTW, LaBoob, I feel EXACTLY the same as you did when I got laid off in radio. I did a complete 180 in careers, and there are parts I miss, but definitely not the egos and/or the lousy pay.

[Tall_James]

Good luck and I hope everything works out for you. It is true that when a door closes, a window opens. Yeah, its kind of a hack saying but it is true.

Best of luck.

[Friday]

I was laid off about a month ago. It hasn't been easy.... since it took over three weeks for my unemployment checks to kick in. It was downright scary for a while.
But I am back on my feet... and seeking employment in the industry I WANT to be in.

Things will pick up... hang in there. And try not to let the situation get you too down.
It's a crappy economy right now, but there IS work.

Keep your chin up, budday!

[RhinoinMN]

After reading your post I think that you have it all figured out and that is a GOOD THING!

If you think that this may be a great opportunity it more than likely is.

It will suck not listening to the show, but there are much more important things in your life. I should take cue and do some work instead of hanging here.

You seem to be very rational and I have a lot of hope for your success.

Good luck! It will be better than today.

[Jujubees2]

Sorry to hear about your job Boob, but as the others are saying maybe there's a silver lining to it in that you'll now have time to think about what you want to do and be able to pursue a career that interests you.

Good luck!

[Dingbat_Charlie]

this stinks, I'm sorry to hear it. But hang in there. A new opportunity is out there for you and you will find it.

[murfee]

boob go on line to twc/nyc .com under careers hey have many openings for sales pm me and i can give you the low down

[Kris10]

Sorry to hear about your situation Boob, but hang in there... things happen for a reason something better is out there for you!

[Lady Resin]

I see your from New Jersey. Go to nj.com and check out Living under Forums. They have a Job Hunting forum. Good luck!

[~Katja~]

must be the season, I was just told yesterday that I have about a year left before they let all but 4 people go....

good luck for your search.
I will be looking shortly too.

[FUNKMAN]

sorry to hear it. it's not hard to feel 'rejected', i think it's human nature when these things happen. keep your chin up, take a little break if you need it, and then focus and work towards your future

[topless_mike]

8(
< sad for you right now.
work with your contacts, take what you've learned and bounce right back...

[LaBoob]

Thanks to everyone for their kind words. I went over to my parents' house last night and we hashed it out... made some pro/con lists, made some plans. Luckily, I am never one to be completely caught off guard. When I can help it, I like to think ahead to the next few moves. My contingency plan was always... the day I get the call that I am fired I:
1) immediately cancel anything frivolous in my life, cable tv, my home phone line, lower my cell phone bill, get rid of my tivo, etc...
2) immediately pursue any job opportunity in four waves, first being the ones that interest me most, fourth being my emergency back up plans like trying to get a job at my mother's company or my sister's company on their recommendation

I have a lot going for me. I have a degree and I have some serious work experience (10+ years in the health food industry...and I'm only 26!). I'm very professional, sharp, and have a lot of energy and passion (and Ronnie's got a radio show), so I'm sure that anybody with a 1/2 a brain will snatch me up in a heartbeat.

Two major concerns... will I be able to make the same money I was making, which I guess isn't all that much, but it was more than I ever made at anything, my first serious job, so maybe I'm just feeling intimidated. I just don't want to land something that starts at 35k, or commissions only. The second has always been the random drug testing thing. I don't do anything hardcore and I just enjoy the occasional puff, but it will have to stop immediately (well, after today?:wink:) in case somebody after an interview hands me a cup. I would die if that ever got in the way of something serious like a great job or career opportunity. But what if I get a job that "boasts" random drug testing? I have a friend who goes through that hell constantly... never knowing when that truck will be there when he gets to work (he literally turns around and drives right back out and comes back when it's gone). It seems like it's just not worth it, but I mean, NEVER smoking again? And I'm not messing around with bladders and fake penises and shit. That's always been kind of pathetic to me.

Thanks again for chiming in... I felt some major positivity from my circle and support system. After the initial shock I honestly could say I felt better. Still a 'lil scared, but totally getting over it.
:clap:
bouncin' back

[Ritalin]

You're going to find a better job.

[Tenbatsuzen]

LaBoob, get on unemployment right away so you don't have (huge) money concerns about making house and other payments. I know you said you have concerns about mooching, but 1) this is what it's used for and 2) considering how corrupt NJ is, this is when you get a payback on all those property taxes and other crap you get gouged for.

As for random drug testing...

Well, since you're out of a job, you should be focusing your budget, which means no expenditures for stuff like weed.

I had to take a piss test for a temp job and my current job. Even though I don't take drugs, a clean test is a requisite for the job, but once you HAVE the job, they don't test you. (At least, where I work)

I would recommend not smoking while you're out of work and let your body detox, and then once you get the job and are past any probationary period, then you can do whatever.

[LaBoob]

Tenbatsuzen;1680816]

Well, since you're out of a job, you should be focusing your budget, which means no expenditures for stuff like weed


I'm a girl! I don't pay for weed!
:wub:

And you're right. It's done and done... and I mean done. When I land a job I can see how it fits into the equation, but it would suck to work for a company that likes to spring it on you. I honestly think it's a rarity for companies to randomly test, unless you're giving them a reason to then it's not so "random" (my mother had a secretary who for years was behaving erratically and irrationally and wound up testing positive for crack, methadone, and heroin, yowzers!). And hopefully it's just the initial test to get the job. I can't imagine peeing into that cup...I'll be so nervous.

Also, You're right about the mooching thing. I don't really want to mooch off of my parents. I don't feel one ounce of guilt about collecting unemployment.

[A.J.]

All the best to you, and you know you've got your buddays here to lean on if need be.

We're lesbians trapped in mens' bodies.

Also, You're right about the mooching thing. I don't really want to mooch off of my parents. I don't feel one ounce of guilt about collecting unemployment.

Sorry that you lost your job LaBoob. I'm sure there's someone here who can offer leads and suggestions for you.

And don't feel guilty about going on unemployment. You paid into the system with your taxes and you're simply recouping what you've already invested. Besides, it's not like you're going to be on it forever!

(I'm going to move this to That's Life.)

[Tenbatsuzen]

(I'm going to move this to That's Life.)

Damnit, I had a great line about "If all else fails, the Go-Go Rama is right down the road..."

[Tenbatsuzen]

And hopefully it's just the initial test to get the job. I can't imagine peeing into that cup...I'll be so nervous.

I had some issues with this myself. My recommendation is taking your test early in the morning and avoiding the usual bathroom break you take in the morning, plus drinking water non-stop between waking up and test time.

[ChimneyFish]

Things could always be worse.

I was laid off two weeks ago and, without going through my shameful life story, I'm not really qualified to do anything else. I was very lucky to fall into this job years ago, and now I'm fucked.

But it's all in what you do with what you're given, because it's looking more and more to me like it's time to just call it quits, swallow my pride, and enroll in community college.


Best of luck to you.

[KnoxHarrington]

Things could always be worse.

I was laid off two weeks ago and, without going through my shameful life story, I'm not really qualified to do anything else. I was very lucky to fall into this job years ago, and now I'm fucked.

But it's all in what you do with what you're given, because it's looking more and more to me like it's time to just call it quits, swallow my pride, and enroll in community college.


Best of luck to you.

I would be in a very similar situation if I got laid off. What I do is extremely specialized to work with the product we make, and it would be hard to show a prospective future employer how what I did for the past several years would work for them.

[Doctor Z]

Gotta love the state of our economy.

[Ogre]

I cannot describe the feelings of fear that I have had lately regading business/the economy. My catering business is WAY down from same month last year. Another thing that I have noticed is that plastic spending has dropped. I used to do about 60% CCs and 40% cash at the store. Now it is more like 75% cash 25% CCs, The drop off in credit cards spending directly correlates to the drop in sales vs last yr. It is still early in 08 but I had a banging Mar 07 and Mar of 08 was poopoo in comparison. The groceries in the back door have skyrocketed. My food cost jumped almost 4 points in about 4 months. What does all this mean? I might not be out of a job as of yet, but I can tell you everyone else but me is getting paid right now. Hopefully better times ahead. LaBoob, TenBats is right about the unemployment insurance claim file ASAP....screw it that is what it is there for. That is coming from someone who pays into that system. People that are Unemployed due to no fault of thier own are what it is there for. Good Luck with the stress and remember there are alot of people here that have the same worries and fears. We will all get through this wonderfully tepid economy.

[Bulldogcakes]

I cannot describe the feelings of fear that I have had lately regading business/the economy. My catering business is WAY down from same month last year. Another thing that I have noticed is that plastic spending has dropped. I used to do about 60% CCs and 40% cash at the store. Now it is more like 75% cash 25% CCs, The drop off in credit cards spending directly correlates to the drop in sales vs last yr. It is still early in 08 but I had a banging Mar 07 and Mar of 08 was poopoo in comparison. The groceries in the back door have skyrocketed. My food cost jumped almost 4 points in about 4 months. What does all this mean? I might not be out of a job as of yet, but I can tell you everyone else but me is getting paid right now. Hopefully better times ahead. LaBoob, TenBats is right about the unemployment insurance claim file ASAP....screw it that is what it is there for. That is coming from someone who pays into that system. People that are Unemployed due to no fault of thier own are what it is there for. Good Luck with the stress and remember there are alot of people here that have the same worries and fears. We will all get through this wonderfully tepid economy.

Ogre, I was wondering how you've been doing. First, don't get hung up on the economy. You can't control that and businesses open and close all the time whether the economy is good or bad. I've been in wholesale restaurant supply my whole life and some places even do better when the economy tanks. You just need to figure out what people are buying and how to market it to them. Mac and Cheese is hot lately in the NYC area, I guess 'comfort food' is in style when the economy is bad.

About the rising costs, don't ignore it, it won't go away. You have to either raise your prices and/or cut back on some employees hours. Maybe do a special of some sort that you may not make much on, just to get people in the door and cover the overhead. Take some time to see what your competitors are charging too, you might be surprised to learn everyone else has already raised their prices but you. That's usually what happens with me. Also, from the customers point of view it might be an extra dollar or 2 on a bill, and no big deal to them but to you its the difference between making a profit or not. I find most business people (myself included) worry more about their prices than their customers do.

Good luck, buddy.

[marcpsych]

LaBoob, I am very sorry to hear about your getting laid off. I know that it is hurtful and disorienting. You have lots of positive vibes coming your way from many people here.

I am also looking for work right now, as the small pharma company I was with basically folded due to mismanagement, and now I am trying to find a pharma clinical research job.

I will PM you about a sales contact I have that might be helpful.

Best of luck to everyone here in a similar situation.

Maybe we should start a ronfez.net job/career/networking board/thread, or at least a related thread about the best mac and cheese and instant noodle brands for those needing to tighten their budgets.

Take care, all.

[Ogre]

Ogre, I was wondering how you've been doing. First, don't get hung up on the economy. You can't control that and businesses open and close all the time whether the economy is good or bad. I've been in wholesale restaurant supply my whole life and some places even do better when the economy tanks. You just need to figure out what people are buying and how to market it to them. Mac and Cheese is hot lately in the NYC area, I guess 'comfort food' is in style when the economy is bad.

About the rising costs, don't ignore it, it won't go away. You have to either raise your prices and/or cut back on some employees hours. Maybe do a special of some sort that you may not make much on, just to get people in the door and cover the overhead. Take some time to see what your competitors are charging too, you might be surprised to learn everyone else has already raised their prices but you. That's usually what happens with me. Also, from the customers point of view it might be an extra dollar or 2 on a bill, and no big deal to them but to you its the difference between making a profit or not. I find most business people (myself included) worry more about their prices than their customers do.
Good luck, buddy.

Just had an menu increase at the beginning of April, we will see if it has the positive effect I am looking for. So far the customers haven't said boo. Maybe a couple have noticed but everybody understands, or seems to. Your comments are ironic. I had two more paragraphs written in my original post, that covered some of the areas of adjustment that I have made since last September when I first noticed the downturn. I reread them and said "nah they dont wanna read that." so I deleted it. I trimmed about 5 points in labor, moved more towards low cost grass roots marketing. (fancy pants speak for littering with menu flyers and cold calling buisnesses for catering work). I still do coupon direct mail, however reduced the size of the ads but added additional mailing zones with the difference. and blah blah blah...

shit I am boring myself...

Even though we are treading water right now, I got paid in a diffrent way today. The Virginia Army National Guard 266th Military Police Company, who will be deploying to Iraq in October (http://www.insidenova.com/isn/news/local/article/national_guard_unit_from_manassas_set_for_deployme nt/5622/), presented myself and my wife a nice certificate of appreciation for feeding them and thier families at last year's Christmas party. This year they will be spending Christmas in Iraq.

I stood there graciously albiet a bit sheepishly trying to wrap my head around these soldiers applauding us, when it should have been reversed. I told them all that they were the ones that were setting the example in the community, we were just happy to help. Still kind of emotional thinking about it now. You can bet your ass we will have one hell of a Pig Roast this fall before they go. Just thought I'd share.

So yessir Cakes you are right...this to shall pass. Just gotta have faith. Thanks Budday.

[tupper65]

LaBoob, I was sorry to hear about you being laid off. It blew me away reading it on Saturday morning when I logged onto the board (I was waiting to hear about how it went with your friends on Friday night). It sounds like you have people around you who care about you and are willing to help. I also sounds like you have some options.

I wish you the best of luck in not only finding a job, but finding one that you really enjoy doing

[A.J.]

Even though we are treading water right now, I got paid in a diffrent way today. The Virginia Army National Guard 266th Military Police Company, who will be deploying to Iraq in October (http://www.insidenova.com/isn/news/local/article/national_guard_unit_from_manassas_set_for_deployme nt/5622/), presented myself and my wife a nice certificate of appreciation for feeding them and thier families at last year's Christmas party. This year they will be spending Christmas in Iraq.

I stood there graciously albiet a bit sheepishly trying to wrap my head around these soldiers applauding us, when it should have been reversed. I told them all that they were the ones that were setting the example in the community, we were just happy to help. Still kind of emotional thinking about it now. You can bet your ass we will have one hell of a Pig Roast this fall before they go. Just thought I'd share.

That's a great story -- from the military and civilian sides.

[Bulldogcakes]

That's a great story -- from the military and civilian sides.

Ogre's good peeps. You live in Virginia too, right? His place is in VA if I remember correctly.

Ogre (if you don't mind) please post the name of your place so us dot netters can spread the word about the place with the best ribs in Virginia. :wink:

[LaBoob]

LaBoob, I was sorry to hear about you being laid off. It blew me away reading it on Saturday morning when I logged onto the board (I was waiting to hear about how it went with your friends on Friday night). It sounds like you have people around you who care about you and are willing to help. I also sounds like you have some options.

I wish you the best of luck in not only finding a job, but finding one that you really enjoy doing


Thank you... I will post here immediately when I find something new. I have a lot of leads and contacts coming through, so I'm pretty sure I won't be unemployed very long. And with so many options, I'm feeling pretty good about finding something I like to do.

[Ogre]

Ogre's good peeps. You live in Virginia too, right? His place is in VA if I remember correctly.

Ogre (if you don't mind) please post the name of your place so us dot netters can spread the word about the place with the best ribs in Virginia. :wink:

I don't want to derail this thread anymore than I already have.

www.vabbqmanassas.com (http://www.vabbqmanassas.com)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...032701944.html

Hope to see some of you soon. RNF fans be sure to identify yourselves. Thank you for your support.