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Posted by: Rand Dec 9 2008, 09:13 PM

I made it through the first few phases of layoffs and was assured my job was safe. But... Today was a major layoff and I was included.

Bad timing for my 914 project. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it. Was just putting my 2.0 engine on the market to start the v8 conversion, but now I'm probably going to need to unload everything. Sigh.

So now I'm scrambling to build my part time business into full time, or find another job. If anyone knows of a need for a web site developer or IT manager with a lot of experience and a hardcore work ethic, I would appreciate any leads.

Posted by: championgt1 Dec 9 2008, 09:14 PM

That sucks man. Hang in there!

Posted by: rick 918-S Dec 9 2008, 09:19 PM

Sux! Good thing your not in the house flipping or manufacturing biz. Computer skills are always in demand.

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Dec 9 2008, 09:54 PM

Sorry to hear that buddy. Keep your head up. There has been a ton of jobs in the tech field available so maybe you will find something quickly. One of my clients just went from his job and Microsoft to Nintendo and loves it. I have been considering applying there as well but want to stay full time in real estate if I am able to. Good luck Rand and let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Posted by: Gint Dec 9 2008, 10:05 PM

At least overseas...

I feel your pain. I feel like I'm sitting on a guillotine.

Good luck man.

Posted by: Jake Raby Dec 9 2008, 10:07 PM

I need a web developer... I could keep you busy part time for a while...

Posted by: messix Dec 9 2008, 10:13 PM

Posted by: LarryR Dec 9 2008, 10:46 PM

If you have xquery, xpath and Java skills and can relocate to San Carlos, Ca. I can get you an interview with the company I work for.

Posted by: veltror Dec 10 2008, 01:51 PM

Hmm, not in th UK at the moment things are tough...

Roman

Posted by: jim912928 Dec 10 2008, 02:43 PM

I'm looking for java, webshpere, websphere commerce skills...but, one would have to like the cold milwaukee winters and vtwin motorcycles!

Posted by: jimkelly Dec 10 2008, 02:44 PM

rand

read the fine print of that contract with the rab-ster closely - look for the text that can only be seen under a - black light - forefiting your right to put an engine requiring a radiator into your 914 : )

jim

--

Posted by: byndbad914 Dec 10 2008, 03:27 PM

Gint/Rand - my friend here in Colorado just got laid off two weeks ago after taking his new job earlier this year. the computer tech is softening for sure - hate to hear it. His wife had JUST quit her job 2 months ago after having their 2nd kid, he was doing well, then whammo, laid off. It is gonna be a rough Xmas for them.

Good luck to you Rand and here's hoping Mike can hang on!

In aerospace here we had significant layoffs at my place around May and there are only 2 of us left in my group so I am able to hang on, but gotta admit, depending on how the gov't continues to waste our money supporting stupidity this job could easily be on the chopping block at any given time. I more or less show up and see if we still have funding for our programs

Posted by: rjames Dec 10 2008, 05:24 PM

Sorry to hear the news Rand. I'll keep my eye out for any openings here at Fred Hutch. Mabye this will end up being a blessing in disguise for getting your own business happening. Positive vibes are being sent your way.

Maybe your engine problems are solved....

Posted by: Root_Werks Dec 10 2008, 05:42 PM

Posted by: Ian Stott Dec 10 2008, 06:35 PM

I tried working part time so I could have some coin to spend on my car, it always ended up being way more time than I wanted. The people you know are always a good source of leads and doing a couple of part time gigs can really lead to something you may be interested in. I am sure you are very good at what you do, let as many people as possible find that out. Good luck to you.

Ian Stott
Moncton
Canada

Posted by: pete-stevers Dec 10 2008, 06:36 PM

It is starting to get tight up here too..
it is going to be a rough christmas for many this year.
i hope the best for you and your family

Posted by: JRust Dec 10 2008, 07:21 PM

Bummer Rand Best of luck with the search.

So much of it going around. Not completely thrilled at work. I am sure happy I still have work though. My wife's job is touch & go. Most likely on the go soon. Hoping to make it thru x-mas.

Wish I had the skills Jake is looking for. I'd be working for engine upgrades. Probably not the best job for me as I would spend more than I made.

Posted by: wallys914 Dec 10 2008, 07:40 PM

My wife just got laid off too for the 2nd time in 3 month's. Times are Tuff.......


Good Luck man....

Posted by: carr914 Dec 10 2008, 08:53 PM

Feel your pain. Got downsized ( ) a couple of months ago.

Stay Positive.

T.C.

Posted by: Rand Dec 10 2008, 09:48 PM

Thanks for the support guys.

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 10 2008, 10:20 PM

Rand, I am so sorry to hear about your job. Every where you look right now you here about companies downsizing jobs, but it really brings it home when it's people you know.

I think Jim Kelly had a point about reading the fine print from a possible Jake job offer...watch out for those "no radiator" clauses burried. I wish you the best.

Posted by: cooltimes Dec 11 2008, 11:54 AM

Sorry to see you were laid off.

http://www.idsoftware.com/
is hiring.

May not be what you were looking for but maybe someone else laid off that you know would be interested.

Cooltimes

Posted by: MBowman325 Dec 11 2008, 01:27 PM

When I was at Dell (Server Support, HCLV - Alt OS, so Linux, ESX, Xen, Platform Rocks and derivatives of the above) I worked with a number of guys on the other side of the phone that went into contract work after getting RIF'ed. Most of them were a lot happier. Generally the story was the same. Everyone with projects on time, on budget and running clean and tight were released while those with projects in trouble or with constant issues (generally due to poor workskils by the IT group in charge) got to stay.

I did contract work for a couple of years, but not something that I really enjoyed. I still get a number of offers since I've been off the market, but it's been more admin stuff and not web development. I've been lucky as all my positions were pretty stable in the past. Even at Dell, the Enterprise side is still doing OK. Work for the state now.

Good luck, hope you find something to keep you afloat and feed the habit.

(I even herad about a couple of nurses in some parts of the country having trouble finding work.. )

Posted by: biggy72 Dec 11 2008, 09:15 PM

We had a senior engineer who had always wanted to work for Piper Aircraft. Well they offered him a job to move to Florida from up here in Washington to work on their new business jet. He was there less than a month and they temporarily laid him off.... I guess he's not going back to work until mid January. Hopefully it works out better for him in the future because it was sure a big jump for him to take.

Posted by: SGB Dec 11 2008, 09:23 PM

As 914 owners, most of us have decent mechanical skills and technical savy. I wouldn't mess around. If I get downsized, I'm going to be willing to work cheap at my favorite v-dub place. I'm sure they may face some economic troubles too, but people will be forced to keep the old stuff going. Hell, might work for less $ than is right for awhile. Get a mechanics job. Learn home HVAC repair. We are only moments away from society only being able to cough up money for the most basic services- plumber, electrician, etc. Everything else has gone to china anyway.

I'm sorry. Thats kinda gloomy. I suggest you keep building your business (IT related I guess?). Make sure it is as close to indispensable as possible. Keep away from savings. Do the cheapest projects with the best potential payoff (paint your house, sell your kidney, etc). Eat crackers and drink Bud.

NO.

Thats TOO MUCH.

Screw the crackers. Drink Jack and get up early to try again.

Posted by: MBowman325 Dec 12 2008, 07:47 AM

That reminds me... A friend of mine, before he got married, had some issues translating from being a bouncer back to to 9-5 / tech jobs (he couldn't get up in the mornings...) He went a stint where he was essentially living off the money he made from throwing parties at his house and donating plasma. Not really a path I'd recommend, but he did keep a new 67" projection TV and paid for rent for about 6 months without many other major cash infusions. Then again, the rent house he was in wasn't the best around and he didn't have many other things he was responsible for....

Posted by: Mark Henry Dec 12 2008, 12:05 PM

Times are going to be tough here as well, GM is the major cash cow in this area.
We're fine (knock-knock) but peeps I know are shitting bricks.

Posted by: TeenerTim Dec 12 2008, 07:50 PM

It's going to get a lot worse before it gets better. My company is phasing out the platform that I program on. I'll be out of a job in the spring, fall at the latest. Nothing I know how to do will pay half as much as I make now. The real problem is the child and spousal support won't go away when my job does. Have you checked out the freelance contract bidding sites for web and graphic developers? Do a google search for "freelance web design jobs".

Posted by: greenie Dec 12 2008, 09:23 PM

Hi Rand,

A guy with your skills won't be down for long.

I'll ask around for you.

As difficult as this may sound,try to enjoy the time off, you will be back to work and wishing you would have done more with the little bit of freedom you had.

Posted by: Rand Mar 16 2009, 01:42 PM

I just wanted to drop a note to say thanks to all you guys who sent me leads and showed support.

I accepted a position in Reno, "Director of E-Commerce" at the Peppermill. So I guess I'll be spending a lot of time on the slopes around Tahoe!

Any of you PNW guys need a motor core, some 4-lug Fuchs, transmission, fiberglass bumpers, etc? I'm thinking I'd rather not tow my car to Reno, so it's http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=93677.

Posted by: dinomium Mar 16 2009, 02:07 PM

Hate to see you leave the PNW, man. Good luck in Reno...

Posted by: dlo914 Mar 16 2009, 02:17 PM

For those out of a job, have you guys looked into the 2010 Census Bureau jobs? The require you to take a 28 question vocab and mathematics test, 10 is passing, but if you want to get a call back 20+ is ideal. They let you take the test as many times as possible. I managed to get 20 (1st time), 23 (2nd time), and 22 (3rd time). They take your highest score. A friend of mine managed to get 26 correct and just got a call back last week.

I was doubting that i would get a call back, until i got a call this morning saying they wanted me to go into training (paid 40hrs). I start April 6th-10th. I'm gonna have to sacrifice my 2nd week of full-time school (@ CSULA) to part-take in the mandatory training. Hope i don't miss too much.

But yeah you guys should look into it if you're out of a job. I got laid off back in November 08'. Luckily, i still had my seasonal part-time job that i'm able to make it by with 10hrs/week (if i'm lucky) to pay for the bills and such.

Posted by: effutuo101 Mar 16 2009, 03:34 PM

Good Luck Rand! Reno is inexpensive to live. A short trip to Tahoe and Sacramento. I sent you a pm. But you should really take your car with. You are really close to having a daily driver and Reno gets a lot more sun than here.

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Mar 16 2009, 03:48 PM

Posted by: dw914er Mar 16 2009, 03:49 PM

its tough times....



good luck Rand

Posted by: 914rrr Mar 16 2009, 03:51 PM

Congrats!!

Posted by: jmill Mar 16 2009, 04:15 PM

My neighbor just got downsized also. I feel your pain. I lost my job in the airline industry after 9/11. I loved that job too. Glad to hear you found something.

On another note I could use some fiberglass bumpers.

Posted by: r_towle Mar 16 2009, 05:00 PM

I am looking for a SW Dev. Manager that KNOWS Java, hands on and has a gaming development background in Java.

PM me.
Rich

Posted by: ConeDodger Mar 16 2009, 05:35 PM

Rand,
Leave the car there with one of the PacNW peeps and go back and get it with my trailer once you are settled. Trailer use is on the house for PacNW dudes... Except Greenie, and Jon... and...

Posted by: montoya 73 2.0 Mar 16 2009, 05:50 PM

Sorry to hear it. I was told last Thursday by my employer that there's going to be a nation wide lay off (130 - 150 people) this coming friday! Everyone from hourly up to corporate is on the chopping block.

Posted by: RJMII Mar 16 2009, 06:40 PM

Congrats at the job at the Peppermill!

So what's Jake going to do for his sites? it looks like he still needs help. Lots of good information, err LOTS of good ifornmaiton.

Posted by: rdauenhauer Mar 16 2009, 06:55 PM

Rand good on ya with the new Gig!
I just got offered a position in RI but Im not sure its the right deal.
We'll be sorry to to see you go.
Take it (the teener) with you.. Ill offer my flat tow rig to borrow then you and just mail it back

Posted by: mikez Mar 16 2009, 07:12 PM

Wondered where you were going to end up.....ya never stopped by the house. Oh well, when ya pass thru again, look me up.

Posted by: greenie Mar 16 2009, 07:14 PM

Congrats on the new job !

I think Reno would be a great place to live, close enough to the big cities but not big.

Is the Mustang Ranch still in business?

Posted by: effutuo101 Mar 16 2009, 11:43 PM

You have the Genral at home and you are asking about the Ranch? I am sooo telling her!

Good Luck Rand! I think if you can find a place to stash your ride for a couple of weeks while you get settled, you will be better off in the long run. You already have a known car.

Posted by: Sparky Mar 17 2009, 06:53 AM

Well I'm a victim of this economic crisis now also. Over 10 years with this bank (StateStreet) and and 2 weeks ago they let me and about 600 others go. I've spent the last 2 weeks relaxing and went snowmobiling with some cousins. Now it's hunker down and learn a new trade time. Making the money I was making as an assistant vice president in the tech field of a bank means I'm not going to find anything close to what I was making anytime soon.

I live west of Boston and can't afford to take the pay cut associated with working near home (atleast a 30K cut) and don't ever want to be in the position of working for someone again. Decided to take a fellow teener up on an offer and learn a new profession and go into business for myself.

The wife and I are looking at the finances and developing a plan. We like our house but it's not the forever house so it's going on the market. Toys will have to wait a bit but hell the project I had going right now was a search for a new teener.

Good luck to all!
Mike D.

Posted by: MBowman325 Mar 17 2009, 07:09 AM

I was a census enumerator in late spring of 2000. It's a federal crime to rough up an enumerator, but regardless I was attacked by a couple of dogs, threatened bodily harm (physically and with a rifle once). The money was good if I remember right, but it was hot work. Though there were some grateful people (and gorgeous women) that were generally offering a cold drink and some time outta the sun. (Worked Phase II, left before Phase III when the "trouble" cases were revisited.)

Rand, glad you wound up finding something. Anymore it's a common story. I've had a number of friends in the tech sector, from banks to City governments get the axe. Have a lead for one of those guys to send along today..

Going into business is exciting and a bit scary, depending on how you approach it. My first experience with that worked well, went through most of college doing it and I enjoyed it. Moved to a slightly different area of tech (contract warranty work ->sales / support ) with my Dad, and turned into a flop as he wound up going against everything. Tried again later - not my primary deal and it's really slow, but could gear it up if I ever had to.

Sparky, AIG is giving big bonuses...

Good luck with your venture there. Hope it pans out well for you.

Posted by: Sparky Mar 17 2009, 11:34 AM

Not if Obama has anything to do with it... The timing on this really sucked as the second pay check in March is when I would have received my bonus, 15% salary bonus based on performance. Not only did they knock 6 million plus off the books for salary they also saved at least another Million in bonus money. That was just this round, the fourth since November.

Posted by: mstein95 Mar 17 2009, 03:30 PM

Best of Luck to you and your family Rand!!

Hope our paths cross again someday - hopefully at a future 914 rally.

Posted by: Rand Mar 17 2009, 04:31 PM

Thanks gang.

Rob: Thanks for the trailer offer.

RJMII: Thanks. It's a killer job too! J's sites really need usability help for sure. Apparently it's not a priority though.

Rich: Thanks! Would I need to fabricate / weld towbar mounts? Bolt on?

Mike: I can't believe I never made it by! I was planning on it for sure, but then ended up leaving suddenly because I got called to an interview. I'll definitely be back some time though - I love Santa Barbara!

Curt: I'll drop your name at the Ranch and ask for the Greenie special.

Morgan: Thanks... I'm sure our paths will cross again. Maybe as soon as May - I'm hoping to make WCR.

Posted by: oldschool Mar 17 2009, 04:37 PM

Brothers don't fear, real soon here, I will be offering a way to make some extra money
for us folks that need to eat,

Posted by: rdauenhauer Mar 17 2009, 04:52 PM

Bolt on.

Posted by: flippa Mar 17 2009, 10:07 PM

Hey Sparky, what kind of buisness are you getting into?

I got laid off, and have been doing my own thing for almost 6 years. It was real scary at times, but was the best move I ever made.

I am in Boston. Shoot me a PM if you want to chat.