Author Topic: Last Day (Read 6740 times)

Randy Powell · « **on:** December 15, 2009, 04:38:48 PM »

Feels kinda weird. I just finished my last day for an employer I worked 16 and a half years for. Victim of on the economic recession, as it turns out. Just filed the first unemployment claim of my life. Feels odd.

Oh well, life is full of challenges, I suppose.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #1 on:** December 15, 2009, 05:49:39 PM »

Can't tell if it is bad new or not. I don't think you are as old as this old man. I have been very lucky in that I have never drawn an unemployment check. Did get help when I totaled out a tow truck with a Honda 450. Very old truck. The doctors wouldn't release me for work.

Clint Ormosen · « **Reply #2 on:** December 15, 2009, 05:54:37 PM »

Sorry to hear about that, Randy. Hope you've got a little $ saved up for just such an occasion. Do you have any lines on a new job? On the up side, look at all the model airplane time you'll have for a while.

Well, like Obama says, we have to have the courage to change.

Peter Ferguson · « **Reply #3 on:** December 15, 2009, 06:31:20 PM »

Sorry to hear about your job loss. On the bright side I have known some people that have said it was the best things to happen to them as they found new interests and opportunities. I had a 25 year luncheon a few years ago and the exec that took me out asked me what my most memorable time with the company was. I told him going on strike for 44 days. It made me realize that I had other skills and didn't need them to survive. He was surprised. I know you have plenty of skills now it just a marketing problem. Keep active and engaged, anything I can do for you don't hesitate to ask.

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #4 on:** December 15, 2009, 06:38:26 PM »

Randy:
I hear ya load and clear. Been in that predicament since April...

Peter Ferguson · « **Reply #5 on:** December 15, 2009, 06:49:18 PM »

So Randy, I want a quote on a Ringmaster Deluxe (for real) , I'll supply the bellcrank. How much to reserve production positions 01-03.

John Witt · « **Reply #6 on:** December 15, 2009, 07:08:07 PM »

I was out of work for about a year when the company folded up during the great telecom/dotcom bust a few years ago. I grew to like not going to work, up until the money was running out. Fortunatly the current job popped up about then. Still it is a big hit and one of the reasons I'm still working and not retired.

Relax, you'll get your mind around it and it won't be so bad, leastways I hope so.

I was about to add some more, then realized I was lapsing into some political comments and we don't need that stuff here. We have important stuff on this forum.

Best of luck to you. Go glue some sticks.

John W

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #7 on:** December 15, 2009, 08:19:27 PM »

well buddy,
thats what the unemployment is there for.
Im sure that something solid will pop up, maybe you should look at body shops to see if they need a painter?

Randy Powell · « **Reply #8 on:** December 15, 2009, 11:10:10 PM »

Thanks, guys. We're fine financially. Possibly better than before I was laid off. I'm not yet worried about finding a job. Shultzie may even have turned me onto something (great to have friends).

This is more about just getting used to the idea that I'm not going into work tomorrow. Especially at at place that I worked at for more than 16 years. Just kinda weird. But hey, change keeps the brain active. Between some wrap up on the job and getting everything in order, I'll be busy for a bit. And I should have plenty of shop time.

And Pete, I plan on building a Ring Deluxe for myself next. But hey, we could talk...

Maybe the weather will clear up and we can go flying.

Michael Floerchinger · « **Reply #9 on:** December 16, 2009, 06:52:20 AM »

Hello Randy,

My last day with my employer of 11 years will be December 23rd, citing the economic downturn, I worked for another company before that for 21 years when the company was bought out and laid everyone off and sent the production lines to China and Mexico. I never thought I would see this happen in our country and I fear it will get a lot worse before it gets better with a president that cares more about flying around the world to collect a peace prize than doing something about our economy. We need manufacturing, a country cannot bring in revenue in a service based economy alone. I pray that we as a nation will wake up and act.

Mike

John Stiles · « **Reply #10 on:** December 16, 2009, 07:08:04 AM »

Very sad to hear about Americans losing jobs........maybe by 2010 we can start to reverse the damage done by incompetent government diddling.

Paul Walker · « **Reply #11 on:** December 16, 2009, 01:36:14 PM »

Really sorry to hear about that Randy. The time of it is really poor as well.
I'm sure you will land on your feet and find another employer.
Best of luck to you.

Alan Hahn · « **Reply #12 on:** December 16, 2009, 02:01:10 PM »

Quote from: John Stiles on December 16, 2009, 07:08:04 AM

Very sad to hear about Americans losing jobs........maybe by 2010 we can start to reverse the damage done by incompetent government diddling.

Decided to delete my original comment, because I don't want to start political wars just because people who seemed to have woken up from a coma in the last 12 months keep trying to start something.

Anyway, for Randy P. I hoe something comes your way real soon!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #13 on:** December 16, 2009, 02:48:43 PM »

Thanks guys. My situation was due to funding cuts. Young, just graduated kids are cheaper than me. The folks running Washington State aren't the brightest bulbs on the rack. I don't blame my employer, I blame the politicians. But that's nothing new. I've got an interview on Friday, but truth is, I'd just as soon wait for a bit before jumping into something else. I'm not really sure what I want to do when I grow up, so a bit of time to sort it out would be nice.

At least I'll get some more shop time.

Richard Grogan · « **Reply #14 on:** December 16, 2009, 03:12:06 PM »

Try to find something that will make you HAPPY!

Thats what my wife told me...

Bruce Perry · « **Reply #15 on:** December 16, 2009, 04:42:13 PM »

Randy,

That's lousy news dude... Something much better awaits, it's just frightening when you can't see it from where you're standing. Prepare for and expect some great things and they shall be yours!!

You've done far to many good things to be dealt a bad thing. Hang in there! All will be well

If you get more shop time the price of balsa is gonna go up!! "Stunters while you wait" may be great beginnings for a new business venture.

Or not.

Bruce

John Sunderland · « **Reply #16 on:** December 16, 2009, 10:57:52 PM »

Laid off July 15.

Get some rest

Will Hinton · « **Reply #17 on:** December 17, 2009, 09:12:24 AM »

Hi Randy,
Really rotten timeing - but then, when would be a good time to be laid off? I actually (seriously) get a little guilty feeling at times like these about the fact that I'm on a good fixed income. I remember feeling that when Denny A. got released! Now you.
But God is good, and you are talented, so something will come to you sooner or later, let's just pray it's sooner!
I had to chuckle at your rcomment that you'd like a bit of time off before getting another job - in 1967 my union went on strike and I had already talked to my old boss at the airport about it. He promised me work, said to call him to see if I should bring my tool box with me or work on the line crew. I figured to wait a week before calling him when we finally went out but he called the day BEFORE we went and had heard it was happening. He told me to be at the hanger with my tools Monday at 7:00. I said I wanted to take a week off first and he simply said, "Moday at 7:00, with your tools," and HUNG UP! So much for the week off!
Take care, my friend, and have a wonderful Christmas!!
Blessings,
Will

Randy Powell · « **Reply #18 on:** December 17, 2009, 11:54:31 AM »

Will,

Thanks for the thought. Yea, I'm hoping for a bit of time off, but I've had two calls today. One from the same employer that laid me off asking if I'd be interested in a job in another department. The other from a place near where I live asking about my interest in a similar job. I'm seeing my old employer tomorrow and the other folks on Monday. We'll see, I guess.

In the mean time, I'm going back out to the shop to get some more work in.

proparc · « **Reply #19 on:** December 17, 2009, 03:15:07 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on December 17, 2009, 11:54:31 AM

Will,

Thanks for the thought. Yea, I'm hoping for a bit of time off, but I've had two calls today. One from the same employer that laid me off asking if I'd be interested in a job in another department. The other from a place near where I live asking about my interest in a similar job. I'm seeing my old employer tomorrow and the other folks on Monday. We'll see, I guess.

Tell them you would be interested if they supplied a years worth of contest balsa, and all the head shims you desire.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #20 on:** December 17, 2009, 03:53:37 PM »

Well, a guy has to do what he can for a job, especially now, maybe you'll have to depend on some snow days for that extra time? I hope the best for you.

Howard Rush · « **Reply #21 on:** December 21, 2009, 05:06:14 PM »

My temp job ended in March, but since last week I have been in the employ of a Filipina lady as a Christmas cookie quality control tester. The secret to the job is to get a statistically significant sample size.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #22 on:** December 21, 2009, 07:50:02 PM »

Well, the plot thickens. the old company called be back today to offer another job. Less pay and I'm not sure I want it. Have to think it over.

Bill Morell · « **Reply #23 on:** December 21, 2009, 08:20:36 PM »

Sometimes less pay makes more "cents" then no pay.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #24 on:** December 21, 2009, 10:53:12 PM »

Randy,. tellthem you need to finish this model, and get the ring delux built first,, or they need to install a workbench in your office fully stocked

Howard Rush · « **Reply #25 on:** December 21, 2009, 11:07:44 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on December 21, 2009, 07:50:02 PM

Well, the plot thickens. the old company called be back today to offer another job. Less pay and I'm not sure I want it. Have to think it over.

I can't remember having that problem with my union job.

Peter Ferguson · « **Reply #26 on:** December 21, 2009, 11:44:51 PM »

Randy maybe you could work in some flexibility into their offer, in terms of work schedule, to take some of the sting out of the lower pay. Work from home more and reduce the bridge toll and gas expenses. Then you can supplement yourself by building a few more Ringmaster Deluxes. Still waiting for that bid.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #27 on:** December 22, 2009, 12:04:09 AM »

Well, it's complicated. Besides, collecting unemployment for awhile is kind of attractive.

We'll see. I'm talking to them tomorrow. Nice to be in demand anyway.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #28 on:** December 22, 2009, 08:11:40 AM »

Do what you think is best. Unemployment is why one of my son-in-laws is in Florida. He was told he was laid off from his machinest job and didn't question it. Non union shop. After three months the company informed the people in charge that he was fired and not laid off. They wanted him to pay back all the unemployment money he received. He had a job waiting in Florida and went with it.

Peter Ferguson · « **Reply #29 on:** December 22, 2009, 08:15:56 AM »

After three months the company informed the people in charge that he was fired and not laid off.

Again to quote Howard," I can't remember having that problem with my union job".

Mike Ferguson · « **Reply #30 on:** December 22, 2009, 08:41:24 AM »

Quote from: Peter Ferguson on December 21, 2009, 11:44:51 PM

Then you can supplement yourself by building a few more Ringmaster Deluxes. Still waiting for that bid.

Take him up on it, Randy. He's quite serious. Trust me, I know.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #31 on:** December 22, 2009, 11:25:37 AM »

Randy,
I am sure that all will work out for the best.

I was "downsized" a few years ago after 17 years. I found out all about age discrimination. I now work at less than a quarter of my salary. That is why I haven't been to VSC and the Nats. So take what you can.

Howard,
Take care of your cookie maker. She is a great lady. I hope that I can see you both in the future.

don Burke · « **Reply #32 on:** December 22, 2009, 01:03:55 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on December 16, 2009, 02:48:43 PM

Thanks guys. My situation was due to funding cuts. Young, just graduated kids are cheaper than me. The folks running Washington State aren't the brightest bulbs on the rack. I don't blame my employer, I blame the politicians. But that's nothing new. I've got an interview on Friday, but truth is, I'd just as soon wait for a bit before jumping into something else. I'm not really sure what I want to do when I grow up, so a bit of time to sort it out would be nice.

At least I'll get some more shop time."

I hope things work out. BTW I spent a long time trying to figure out what to do when I grew up, I never really got around to it, then I retired.

Just before I retired, my boss transfered one of his "favorite sons" (younger and cheaper) from another group to take over the labs I was overseeing. He was sent to "school" to learn all about it. The week after I left over the objections of the tech running the lab he threw the wrong switch and fried $250,000 of vibration shaker amplifiers. So much for the cost savings! IMO the MBAs that run most organizations these days think that since MBA is after their name they don't have to ask any lesser mortals for advice or take advantage of the experience of the seasoned employees, and the bottom line is the only thing that counts. I am certainly glad I'm out of that morass, it sure wasn't fun anymore.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #33 on:** December 22, 2009, 01:39:58 PM »

Well, I'm in negotiations.

Bill Morell · « **Reply #34 on:** December 22, 2009, 01:56:04 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on December 22, 2009, 12:04:09 AM

Well, it's complicated. Besides, collecting unemployment for awhile is kind of attractive.

We'll see. I'm talking to them tomorrow. Nice to be in demand anyway.

The longer you draw "Unenjoyment" the less attractive it will become.

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #35 on:** December 22, 2009, 02:06:07 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on December 22, 2009, 01:39:58 PM

Well, I'm in negotiations.

Randy,
Sorry to hear about your Job issues.
I've heard of similar ploys to simply get talent at lower prices.
I know it's pretty depressing but Don't let them push you around...Build airplanes for a while. A break in the action is a good thing every now and then.
I know...been there done that.

Randy Cuberly

Randy Powell · « **Reply #36 on:** December 22, 2009, 03:09:11 PM »

Randy,

Yea, I really just want to recuperate for a bit. It has been a very stressful last 2 years or so.

See you at VSC next year.

Andrew Borgogna · « **Reply #37 on:** December 22, 2009, 05:39:51 PM »

Sorry to hear the news Randy. I went through the same thing almost exactly one year ago after 40 years with the same company. You know Randy there is life after work, when it became clear I would not get a job in the computer industry anytime soon I decided to retire. Got me a great wife and I now enjoy every day.

I don't know you situation but I hope whatever happens works out well for you. See you at VSC.
Andy

Randy Powell · « **Reply #38 on:** December 22, 2009, 06:38:59 PM »

Hi Andrew,

Yea, if I had a pile of money socked away somewhere, I'd thumb my nose and spend my days building and flying planes. But I will have to go back to the grindstone eventually. Things are looking good in that area so I'm not too concerned.

And I will see you at VSC. Hope Smilin' Bob still has my Cobra at his house in Tucson or I'll be spectating.

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #39 on:** December 22, 2009, 07:26:40 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on December 22, 2009, 06:38:59 PM

Hi Andrew,

And I will see you at VSC. Hope Smilin' Bob still has my Cobra at his house in Tucson or I'll be spectating.

Randy,
Yeah the Cobra is still here....we all fly it every so often...not too many dings on it!

Ha, Ha, Ha,......only kidding of course.

Randy Cuberly

Author Topic: Last Day (Read 6740 times)

Alan Hahn