Just got laid off

[kak125]

So when I got to work today my boss called me into the vp of the company's office. When I walked in, there were 3 other people in there too and they told us we were going to be laid off. I was so surprised but the signs were there I just didnt see them at the time. I had to grab my stuff real quick and then say goodbye to some of my friends and then that was it. I called my husband and he assures me everything will be ok but its just tough to start over again. I work in the computer field doing Quality Assurance testing and I have had 6 jobs in the 8 years that I have been doing this so its been tough. I left a lot of places for more money but I also have been laid off 3 times. Its crazy when you watch the news everyday and see that the unemployment rate is so high. Its just a bad time since I have had the worst 2 months ever and this is just one more thing. I should have known since our company has been cutting back on everything, they even stopped buying cleaning products and aspirin. Oh well I gotta try to be optimistic that i can find something in the next month or two. Thank goodness for unemployment

[mylittledemon]

So when I got to work today my boss called me into the vp of the company's office. When I walked in, there were 3 other people in there too and they told us we were going to be laid off. I was so surprised but the signs were there I just didnt see them at the time. I had to grab my stuff real quick and then say goodbye to some of my friends and then that was it. I called my husband and he assures me everything will be ok but its just tough to start over again. I work in the computer field doing Quality Assurance testing and I have had 6 jobs in the 8 years that I have been doing this so its been tough. I left a lot of places for more money but I also have been laid off 3 times. Its crazy when you watch the news everyday and see that the unemployment rate is so high. Its just a bad time since I have had the worst 2 months ever and this is just one more thing. I should have known since our company has been cutting back on everything, they even stopped buying cleaning products and aspirin. Oh well I gotta try to be optimistic that i can find something in the next month or two. Thank goodness for unemployment


God bless ya...I'm sorry you lost your job. Maybe something better will come along!

[kak125]

I just found out a total of 30 people were laid off. Geesh!!

[mylittledemon]

I just found out a total of 30 people were laid off. Geesh!!

Egaaaads!

Well I work for Geek Squad. We were told the "Christmas help" company-wide was not being hired this year (on average I think the company hires about 5,000 extra employees to cover the Christmas rush). So not only are they cutting that, but the rumour I've heard is that 20% of MY side of the business will be cut after the new year. And with Circuit City going under? It doesn't surprise me.

[kak125]

Thank you for the nice words. Sorry to hear about your situation too. Its scary times out there now and everything is so expensive. Every time I go food shopping I spend $100 and hardly get any food. Ridiculous! I told my mom today that I am going to have to cut way back on Christmas this year. I feel bad but I cant be spending as much on gifts for everybody when I dont have it.

[Betsy]

I am sorry to hear about you being laid off. I hope that you can find something soon...maybe a seasonal job to get you through.

The credit card crunch has hit my state. HELOC's are being frozen (Home Equity Line of Credit) and credit card companies are lowering the available credit. Be sure and check your credit card statements...it just appears as a lower amount.

One guy had $25,000 and his latest statment shows that they have limited him to $5000, even though he pays it off every month.

I have people paying by credit card and the cards are being declined, because the daily limits are lower.

A Kohl's worker told me that they are finding more theft, particularly in the shoe deparment. She finds empty boxes, or better yet, worn pairs of shoes in the boxes.

My sister lives in Nebraska. She said that people are stealing vegetables out of gardens. When I laughed, she said it's no laughing matter.

I guess each area of the county has its concerns.

Being laid loff is such a sinking feeling...keep your chin up. Things have got to get better.

[kak125]

Betsy
Thank you so much for the kind words. I will keep my head up and stay positive!
Wow its crazy about all of those things going on with people stealing shoes and vegetables. I sure hope things get better soon for everybody!

[strandinthewind]

Sorry to hear about this.

I think none of us are safe.

I pray we all get through this without too much suffering.

[skcin]

Sorry to hear this. At least you're in a field where you'll always be able to get a job, but it sucks that you've had to get work at so many different places in that period of time. I can sympathize - my husband's been laid off 3 times in the past 10 years. :(

[Musicman408]

I'm sorry to hear about this. I really hope that something happens for ya. It's so depressing, the way the economy has been as of late.

[iamnotafraid]

Sorry you got laid off.

I hope you find something even better.

[David]

Sorry to hear such rotten news, kak.

Do you think you'd have any luck applying for contract/assignment work at a temp agency that deals specifically with high tech? A lot of companies are in the "Try It Before You Buy It" mode, so they're turning to temp agencies.

[strandinthewind]

Sorry to hear such rotten news, kak.

Do you think you'd have any luck applying for contract/assignment work at a temp agency that deals specifically with high tech? A lot of companies are in the "Try It Before You Buy It" mode, so they're turning to temp agencies.

I agree. I temped when I first moved here in '93. The pay was not that great, but I got to work at some great places and made many contacts that proved useful in the future.

[kak125]

Thank you to everybody for all the kind words. I am glad that my company is giving me one more full pay and then I have signed up for unemployment so that will help out for a while until I can find something else. I had free benefits for my husband and I at my job so they are going to continue them until the end of december which was nice.
I went online yesterday and applied for 3 QA jobs and my friend is trying to get me in where she works at Highmark so I hope one of those work out. I cant say I really loved my job that much but the pay was good and it was fairly low stress even though I thought my boss was an idiot.
When I first started at this place I came in and told my boss what they needed to do to make the QA team better and to be more productive and he basically just ignored everything I said. After a while I just stopped offering suggestions but I found it ironic that just recently the suggestions I made were becomingn processes and of course my boss was taking the credit for them.
Then last week my boss and I had a meeting where he asked me when I would be done testing this application that I had been working on for a few weeks. I told him it would be done in about 2 week s and he bitched at me how it needed to be done right away which didnt make sense since it wasnt due until December. So this past week I worked really hard and was just about finished testing and then they let me go. I really should have seen that coming, that is why they wanted me to hurry up and finish what I was working on. The people at that place didnt know how to run a business and I forsee them closing in the next year.
David, I think I am going to check into the contact/temp jobs too in my field. Thats a good idea to do that until I can find something more permanent. Its just crazy it seems that everybody I know is getting laid off these days.

[Steviefan49]

Thank you to everybody for all the kind words. I am glad that my company is giving me one more full pay and then I have signed up for unemployment so that will help out for a while until I can find something else. I had free benefits for my husband and I at my job so they are going to continue them until the end of december which was nice.
I went online yesterday and applied for 3 QA jobs and my friend is trying to get me in where she works at Highmark so I hope one of those work out. I cant say I really loved my job that much but the pay was good and it was fairly low stress even though I thought my boss was an idiot.
When I first started at this place I came in and told my boss what they needed to do to make the QA team better and to be more productive and he basically just ignored everything I said. After a while I just stopped offering suggestions but I found it ironic that just recently the suggestions I made were becomingn processes and of course my boss was taking the credit for them.
Then last week my boss and I had a meeting where he asked me when I would be done testing this application that I had been working on for a few weeks. I told him it would be done in about 2 week s and he bitched at me how it needed to be done right away which didnt make sense since it wasnt due until December. So this past week I worked really hard and was just about finished testing and then they let me go. I really should have seen that coming, that is why they wanted me to hurry up and finish what I was working on. The people at that place didnt know how to run a business and I forsee them closing in the next year.
David, I think I am going to check into the contact/temp jobs too in my field. Thats a good idea to do that until I can find something more permanent. Its just crazy it seems that everybody I know is getting laid off these days.

Hi there!

I'm SOOO sorry to just now read that this happened to you! I got laid off of a brand new job, back in August of this year, as I went with the founder of my prior company, over with him- to a company that we thought offered more "growth potential".. Well, unfortunately, they wanted it to go in a different direction, and there I was, being called into a meeting with him, and his boss (a new guy to that position), and told that our department was being "done away with" as we were in "Product Development" (Engineering) at a pretty well known company. At any rate, I felt the same way you did, and I tell you unemployment only goes so far! What I do want to tell you, is that there's several ways to "network" as I know you mentioned that you've already started sending your resume out there, but also, I found a really helpful thing, besides using the temp agencies- was posting your resume on Monster.com, and also Careerbuilder.com! Those are great resources too! Also, as everyone says, please keep your chin up, and KNOW that there is something better out there waiting for you, as I just found another job, and my first week was last week! I'm now with a fantastic Manufacturing company, and am lead "Document Control Coordinator" and it's very challenging, as there's a ton of paperwork! I SOO know that you're in for something wonderful as well! Just know that I'm praying for you, and I know there's a great opportunity that has your name on it!

Best of luck always..

Arlene

[kak125]

Hey Arlene
Thank you so much for all the nice things you said. Your post made me feel so much better. This is why I love the ledge so much is because everybody is so caring and wonderful. :)
I had my resume on monster years ago along with career builder but I havent updated them so I am going to do that right now. Thank you for reminding me to do that!
Your new job sounds awesome and I wish you the best!

[kak125]

So I woke up today to 4 voicemails regarding different QA jobs in the area and 3 of my ex-coworkers wrote to me and gave me the names of different recruiters and offered to help with my job search. I am so lucky to have so many great people in my life that want to help me out so much.
I just talked to a lady I used to work with who is a recruiter and she is submitting me for the job that I really want at Highmark. I am crossing my fingers that they call me and setup an interview. There are also 2-3 other jobs in the area that I am very interested in too. I am thinking about interviewing for all of them so I can get a good feel for where I want to go. I want to be a little more choosy this time and hopefully I can get in somewhere that I can stay for many years. I will keep you all updated.

[estranged4life]

^^^Goodluck on your jobhunt from a QC (Quality Control) technician who may have to take a short-term job at Wal-Mart until the insurance issue is resolved.

[kak125]

Hey estranged4life, I am so sorry to hear about your troubles. I can feel for you having to take a job at Walmart. A year after I had my first QA job I got laid off and it was around the year 2001. I couldnt find anything for a long time and had to take a job at Old Navy which sucked really bad. I was there for a year before I found another QA job so I know where you are coming from. Try to keep your head up and stay positive no matter what. I know that better things are ahead for you and I will keep you in my thoughts ;)

[RoseGarden]

I am so sorry you got laid off!!!
Like a member stated---most of us are on the chopping block also and that leaves so much competition to try and bid for another job.

I , too , am very concerned as my company went from 150 down to 45 and the end of December has the talk of 20 more. As prepared as I've budgeted ---it's never enough. We all know that.

If it helps, all walks of education and skilled people are being given the slips. Has nothing to do with your loyalty and hard work. This country has been going down hill for 6 years and it is NOT the fault of the loyal workers but the allowance of jobs going over seas and some other cough cough things I won't even bother to say.

To all this is happened/and is happening to , I wish strenghth and courage to. We as a society , have to be more compassionate to those around us ---especially now that "Holiday" season is around us. Hugs from me to many of you!!!!

[kak125]

Hey estranged4life, I am so happy for you and its about time some good luck started to come your way. I am glad that things are looking up for you. I have to say I find your strength amazing! I did hear from a guy at a local healthcare company about a job I applied for last week. I had to fill out a questionnaire and then the guy called me yesterday to tell me that next week they should be able to do a phone interview and if that goes well then the actual face to face interview. Oh I hope it goes well so that I can get in there.
Rose Garden, yeah the economy is so terrible out there now. Everybody I know is getting laid off and its really scary out there now. I cant tell you how many places I have worked at where the companies got cheap and decided to outsource to India or Vietnam. Its ridiculous because yes they are saving money but they arent getting anything for that money. I would come into work everyday and have to redo everything that they had done. Talk about a nightmare. Something needs to change fast.

[RoseGarden]

Hang in there!! Unemployment pays at least something.

Sorry to hear your another of thousands this has happened to. Especially now come winter time/ holidays. Be good to yourself and remember this is of no fault of your own!!! Economy and times are tougher than they've been in 50 years.

[RoseGarden]

Hang in there!! Unemployment pays at least something.

Sorry to hear your another of thousands this has happened to. Especially now come winter time/ holidays. Be good to yourself and remember this is of no fault of your own!!! Economy and times are tougher than they've been in 50 years.

My employer is so snakish ,it relocates the laid off person to a job 40 miles away for $5,000 a year less leaving a hell of a fight with the labor and unemployment board just to make the persons life tied up with crap so they'll just go so where else.


Times have gotten so hard. In my 40 years never seen it hit so bad. My best to everyone out there dealing with this!!!

[ajmccarrell]

If it helps, in 2001 I got laid off and I worked at Target, also as a part-time janitor at a school and also at a temp service. I ended up losing my apartment and had to move back home for about a year. It eventually picked up. Just don't stop looking and the laws of averages are on your side. It really sucked for a while, but it worked out after a year or two.

[Macfanforever]

I just got my hours cut to 32 from 40 two weeks ago.

[skcin]

I hope you get that job kak125.

Just wanted to jump in about unemployment & such. My husband was laid off last Jan & had to go on unemployment. Applied for a few different jobs but didn't get called. Got in for an entry-level machinist position in March - making $8.00 an hour. Other places pay a lot more, but they require at least 2 years machinist experience so he couldn't get in.

Anyway, after he got his first check, we realized he made more on unemployment. :distress: He kept the job to gain experience which did eventually lead to a better paying job. BUT it's no wonder people sit tight on unemployment, or request extensions - in many cases you're better off financially. :shrug:

[David]

Just wanted to jump in about unemployment & such. My husband was laid off last Jan & had to go on unemployment. Applied for a few different jobs but didn't get called. Got in for an entry-level machinist position in March - making $8.00 an hour. Other places pay a lot more, but they require at least 2 years machinist experience so he couldn't get in.

Anyway, after he got his first check, we realized he made more on unemployment. :distress: He kept the job to gain experience which did eventually lead to a better paying job. BUT it's no wonder people sit tight on unemployment, or request extensions - in many cases you're better off financially. :shrug:See, I did not know that. I thought your unemployment benefits were always a percentage of your previous employment income. I didn't know ... oh, wait. Yes. Now it makes sense. A percentage of your previous income, but even that percentage may be higher than what you land after layoff.

D'uh I'm a little slow this afternoon.

I hope you guys are doing OK.

[jbrownsjr]

so sorry to hear kak... i had to collect unemployment earlier this year and i had no health insurance... i was very afraid of getting seriously hurt for fear that I would go bankrupt paying hospital bills.... luckily i finally have a new job and insurance... but i do know what it feels like....

[Betsy]

kak125 --

What the latest news in your life? We are still thinking of you.

[kak125]

Hello everyone!
Well so far I had one phone interview that was around 45 minutes long last week and am still waiting to hear if I will be brought in a for a real interview for that one but I do have a face to face interview at the university of pittsburgh on tuesday.
I am hoping i can get that job since I would get free benefits again, a pension, free bus pass, 2 weeks off at christmas, free tuition at pitt for me and my immediate family and a 20% discount off of pitt ticekts so it sounds great.
A lady I used to work with at a previous job called the director and told her I was laid off from my latest job so they called me right away. Its kinda ironic because the director called me 7 months ago for an interview there but it was right when I started my last job so I never went. So who knows maybe this job is meant to be. I will keep you all updated. I do have to say unemployment pays crap. I made a decent amount of cash at my last job and am now getting less than half since there is a max amount you can get. I am losing close to 2k a month right now but I am very thankful I can pay my bills so things arent all that bad. It coud be way worse.

[skcin]

^ Free benefits? :shocked: Like, health insurance? Completely free to you?

[GODDESS6]

I just got my hours cut to 32 from 40 two weeks ago.

my hubby went from 56 hours per week to 40~ most of the other went down to 32 too~ i was pissed at first, but then looked at the bright side~ they also laid off 12 people, & he wasn't one of them~

[kak125]

skcin, yeah completely free health insurance including dental and vision for me and anybody in my family. I was lucky that I've had free benefits at the last 3 jobs. We have insurance until the end of the year so I hope I can start a new job at the beginning of january so we dont have a lapse in insurance. The best part about free benefits is that they always start the day you start the job so you dont have to wait the 90 days. My hubby said he can get benefits for both of us for 160 a month but that will be hard if I dont have a job by then because things are kinda tight now. So wish me luck tomorrow ;)
hey GODDESS6, that sucks about your hubby losing hours but good that he didnt get laid off and just think you will be able to spend more time with him. My hubby's work changed his schedule from 5 days a week to 4- 10 hour days so I am very happy about that. he works outside a lot so I figure that is one more day he can relax and stay warm and its one less day that I dont have to be by myself. I am such a people person so that is hard for me to be alone all day in my house.

[skcin]

^ I don't hold anything against anyone who gets these type of benefits, but it's just not realistic for companies to continue doing this. :shrug: The cost of healthcare is a HUGE reason that so many companies are going out of business & people are getting laid off.

To pay $160 a month for 2 people really isn't out of the ordinary - out of pocket, it would be more like $500 or $600 (or more...) It's amazing to me that you've never had to pay - you're a lucky gal. :nod:

[kak125]

yeah the last 3 places i have worked i have had highmark ppo blue health insurance for my hubby and i and was told if i paid for the insurance out of pocket it would have been 900 a person per month so it really was good insurance with 10 copays and cheap prices on prescriptions. I really like having the health insurance but it would have been ok with me if i had to pay for it at my last job instead of them laying off 45 of us. They also had 2 massage therapists there and they only got rid of 1 of them so there you go. Their priorities were all messed up.
My hubby and I have been lucky that in the 8 years we have been married that for 3 of those years we had free health insurance through his work. Then I was lucky to get a bunch of jobs in a row that had free benefits. I think its because 2/3 were dealing with healthcare. I dont think 160 a month is that bad for benefits but when your pay has been reduced over 2k a month then 160 is a lot of cash. I was used to making a lot of money and our mortgage isnt cheap so I need all the cash I can get.