Latest Victim of the Wonderful US Economy...

Lawrence A. said:
Sorry John: I've worked at places where the managers didn't need to know the specifics of what they were managing, just had to have a general background in "management". It always seemed like a crock of sh... to me.

Then, of course, there's money to be made by certain people in destroying viable companies.
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:bravo-009: +1... A concise summary of the malaise that has affected industry, and the workplace, for the last two decades - perhaps longer. This has been a hobbyhorse of mine for a very long time - in fact, if this had been posted anonymously, I would have thought that it had been written by me...!;):)

Anyway, good luck to John, in finding a suitable alternative, very quickly. I'm sad for the loss of livelihood, and I'm also sad for the loss of yet another piece of REAL industry.:(
 
That's bad news but as long as you have your health and your sense of humour then you will prevail I'm sure. My husband was also made redundant just before Christmas about 3 years ago and I understand your worries. You may find something good to come out of it in that you'll consider things you might never have before. You have a new chapter to begin, best wishes and good luck :)
 
entropic remnants said:
...is yours truly.

http://www.delawareonline.com/artic...odyssey=mod|breaking|text|Home&nclick_check=1

My company is closing it's doors. I'm paid through December 13th, but work will likely stop sooner.

Not sure what I'm doing yet, but I suspect this will impact my GAS, lol. Under our current management -- who haven't a clue -- this has been coming for awhile. I worked there for 22 years. At some point I'll be doing a blog post on the place with lots of pics, including some I've not published though nothing really spectacular.

Our mill was in operation for almost 100 years. Our main running gear is from the 1960's and we couldn't compete as a "commodity" supplier. Our technique was to base our existence on customer service and specialty products where our higher cost structure didn't hurt us as much. But, the new "modern" managers decided we needed to compete with the low cost suppliers with more modern mills... what a bunch of maroon's as Bugs Bunny would say.

We had over a decade where we were #1 in customer service among steel plate producers and almost always towards the top of the list. We aren't even on the top 10 list anymore -- that's how bad they messed us up.

Interestingly, some of the great managers we got were people who had destroyed other American manufacturing enterprises, including some paper mills (paper mills? WTF were they doing managing steel?) Basically, they took what they did that killed other companies, and shared that goodness with us -- with predictable results.

[SIGH]
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So sorry to hear that! My husband's father was a plant manager for Jones and Laughlin Steel, moved out to the middle of nowhere in Central Illinois from Pittsburgh, almost lost his pension when they went bankrupt. But at least that got straightened out, and he got enough years in to get a pension. All my best to you!
 
The manufacturing software I've worked on for 20 years is being retired next March, at which point I'll 99 percent likely be laid off. But thanks to Medicare, Obamacare, the voodoo economy, and the miracles of modern medical science, I figure I'll be able to survive in my housing right up to the time I bite the dust.
 
Sorry to hear the news John. You sound like you will be able to transform your life toward new productive prosperity. And I sincerely hope that is the case.

This is yet another sign that management (and government) in this country of ours hasn't a clue what really needs to be done. This is just another (of so very many) nail in the productive prosperity coffin here in the USA. Pathetic (no) leadership we are suffering under these days. We need a complete "reset" of how our country is being run. The outsourcing of jobs for short term gain is resulting in long term disaster. I've seen a few glimmering signs of hope for returning jobs to the USA, but it may be too little, too late. We shall see.

In any event, best wishes to you and I have no doubt that you will be able to transform your talent and skill toward new endeavors which will support you and your family.
 
Sorry to hear that John, but you look like 'prepared' for soemthing like this? like you saw it coming or something. anyway, good luck in whatever comes to you, and wish you all the best.

and about those 'modern' managers, i know a few, they are basically killing anything they touch. which is amazing they keep getting hired, oh well, young/stupidity/douche bags might be cheaper than experienced professionals. but come at a cost right? /nuff rant!

all the best John!!! :friends:v:drinks:
 
That stinks, but I feel your pain. Really makes justifying that new lens/body difficult.

I was laid off from a great job, the day after the Supreme Court upheld ObamaCare, directly because it was upheld. You can guess my feelings there.

Been bounced around at a couple of lower paying jobs the past couple of years. Very irritating. However I just got offerred a job comperable to where I was, so here's hopping it all turns out for you soon.
 
Wow, John, I'm very sorry to read this! :(

My mother was in a similar situation a couple decades ago, she worked for a company that designed a revolutionary hinge for eyeglasses - the owner designed the machinery and everything. They sold bunches of hinges worldwide to high-end frame makers, but eventually the business was forced to close due to competition from cheaper knock-offs/alternatives.

The article you linked implies there is a possibility of the plant restarting operations at some point down the line. Do you think this is genuine, or just PR spin?
 
John,

The Spanish have a phrase for this: "El sucko baddo."

I have a strong feeling you will land on your feet.

I went through downsizing, right-sizing, WTF you want to call it -- hey, I hear banjos, make a noise like an employee -- back in 1997.

If you like, PM me, and perhaps I can share some useful stuff.

All the best,

Jock
 
John,

I have been in a similar situation. Not easy when you are well past fifty (talking about me), and times are anything but favourable. But it is possible to start anew, and even try something we would love to do - but were afraid to try while we had our comfortable job. If you can afford it, relax and take a nice break before restarting. Tell me if you fancy coming to Portugal, I shall be glad to show you some nice spots. All the best

Luis
 
Sorry to hear about that. Like someone has already mentioned, start reaching out to your network of friends, family and contacts NOW. A career/job counsellor once told me that the majority of available jobs are never posted publicly. You want to get access to jobs that others don't know about. I was in your shoes about 4 years ago. Definitely not a great feeling but you'll get through it. I'm very happy where I'm at now, even though I'm no longer doing what I used to do.
 

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