How has this downturn in the economy effected you ?
- Thread starter RANT
- Start date
- Location
- Bowling Green, KY
As a high schooler...its pretty hard to find a job since so many experienced adults are unemployed. Meaning I haven't worked in awhile an Im broke cause I saved all my $ up to purchase my first car. That being said I know its not as bad as many others have it.
- Location
- Rancho Cucamonga, CA
I'm doing 2/3rds of what I did in '08, but I work in the water industry so that means in California if people want water it may slow down but I'll always have a job. Have recently noticed an increase in business. That though may be due to low snowpack measurements (translation: water allotment for farmers cut back) which creates a need for more groundwater drilling and more well remediation, rather than the economy is getting better.
There are other signs its turning around in my immediate area though. Job creation in the county I live in is the highest in the nation. My house is worth 30k more than when we bought it (only Sept. of '11). So there's that
Yes its hurt me bad..
in 2008 I made good money
as a land surveyor
in 2009 I lost my job..
Took me 2 years to find a job that paid more than McD's
2011 I went to Nissan Smyrna Manufacturing for 11.25 a hour.. Much less than what I was used to. Was a fun job but 60 hours a week for so little hurt A LOT
in 2012 Im making 3 per hour less than I was in 2008 Being a Land Surveyor again
Bought my house in 2008 for 141k
Now in 2012 its worth about 120k
in 2008 I made good money
as a land surveyorin 2009 I lost my job..
Took me 2 years to find a job that paid more than McD's
2011 I went to Nissan Smyrna Manufacturing for 11.25 a hour.. Much less than what I was used to. Was a fun job but 60 hours a week for so little hurt A LOT
in 2012 Im making 3 per hour less than I was in 2008 Being a Land Surveyor again
Bought my house in 2008 for 141k
Now in 2012 its worth about 120k
idratherbe
Skid Plates
- Location
- North Shore, MA
Been unemployed since November when my company consolidated to Pennsylvania, after being there for almost 12 years....first time I haven't had a job for more then two weeks since I was 15. I'm 34.
- Location
- Bowling Green, KY
Im really hoping America gets back on track within the next few years cause Ive got 4 years til I'm out of college and into the real world...
- Location
- Conroe, TX
I was laid off from my job in 2010 after being a structural AutoCAD 3D modeler and designer for 7.5 years.
*It started with a wadge freeze after my second year there, then a larger company bought us out, then we lost our CEO, THEN the company laid myself and others off because they had their own drafters, accountants, programmers, etc. I worked at that place for 4.5 years and made pretty good money for a guy without a degree. The company now has a different name after 50± years with a known name.
There are no jobs for a structural draftsman in my area and if there is, they want a senior drafter or a kid out of high school that knows little about the workforce and pay.
I am currently going to college at night to become a CNC machinist. With my 7.5 years of drafting and future knowledge of CNC, I hope to land a solid job after school. In my class there are A LOT of guys my age or older that have either been laid off or were in the service and had no job to come to after they did their duty for us Americans.
I'm 31 years old.
Yay economy.
- - - - - -
I want to take this time to say that this thread had better stay non-political or it will be closed. As per rule No. 18.
*It started with a wadge freeze after my second year there, then a larger company bought us out, then we lost our CEO, THEN the company laid myself and others off because they had their own drafters, accountants, programmers, etc. I worked at that place for 4.5 years and made pretty good money for a guy without a degree. The company now has a different name after 50± years with a known name.
There are no jobs for a structural draftsman in my area and if there is, they want a senior drafter or a kid out of high school that knows little about the workforce and pay.
I am currently going to college at night to become a CNC machinist. With my 7.5 years of drafting and future knowledge of CNC, I hope to land a solid job after school. In my class there are A LOT of guys my age or older that have either been laid off or were in the service and had no job to come to after they did their duty for us Americans.
I'm 31 years old.
Yay economy.
- - - - - -
I want to take this time to say that this thread had better stay non-political or it will be closed. As per rule No. 18.
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- Location
- Huntsville, AL
I was in the same boat Aaron was. For 3 years, the only "job" I could hold was a volunteer job... The few benefits from this was that I was offered a co-op just a few weeks ago from those 325+ hours I had volunteering (among other things). I eventually found a job by knowing people making $10/h working for a moving company with long hours and the occasional road trip.
Now that I'm in college, tuition is stupid expensive along with rent and standard living expenses.
My family is also feeling the hurt. My mother was laid off 2 years ago and just found two jobs that she now works Mon-Sat and she is now the only source of income at the moment.
My dad recently sold his home to upgrade to a larger home (see Woodworking thread). We had the last house built and while it has gone up in value since then, it also dramatically lost value when we tried to sell it last Spring. It also took 6 months to sell.
Now that I'm in college, tuition is stupid expensive along with rent and standard living expenses.
My family is also feeling the hurt. My mother was laid off 2 years ago and just found two jobs that she now works Mon-Sat and she is now the only source of income at the moment.
My dad recently sold his home to upgrade to a larger home (see Woodworking thread). We had the last house built and while it has gone up in value since then, it also dramatically lost value when we tried to sell it last Spring. It also took 6 months to sell.
- Location
- Rhode Island
I hear all of ya. I was lucky enough to find a job right out of college, but for the position I work (product manager, software) I get paid for a product analyst, aka grunt. But it was a take it or leave it deal.
My dads job was a direct reflector of the economy. He use to own a Sterling Silver manufacturing company selling to Macy's Filene's and JC Penny. One of the last manufacturing COs in RI. My grandfather started the company in the 50's and dad took over when he died in late 70's. I've seen that place flourish, then have to move production to Thailand, then get rid of half it's employees and then in end of 2011, shut its doors after being the last manufacturer in RI of sterling silver.
Now as a man with no college degree and only knowing jewelry, with still 10 years to retirement, he's looking for stuff. We're going to try an start an online store, him and me, using the contacts he has from over the years, but even that is a dart board with a blind fold on.
My dads job was a direct reflector of the economy. He use to own a Sterling Silver manufacturing company selling to Macy's Filene's and JC Penny. One of the last manufacturing COs in RI. My grandfather started the company in the 50's and dad took over when he died in late 70's. I've seen that place flourish, then have to move production to Thailand, then get rid of half it's employees and then in end of 2011, shut its doors after being the last manufacturer in RI of sterling silver.
Now as a man with no college degree and only knowing jewelry, with still 10 years to retirement, he's looking for stuff. We're going to try an start an online store, him and me, using the contacts he has from over the years, but even that is a dart board with a blind fold on.
- Location
- Tyler, TX
I too was lucky to get a job right out of college (graduated may 2011) as a civil engineering EIT, but the pay is about 7-8k less than a starting position was in 07-08. I didn't care about the pay, I was happy to find a job!
Now my wife is trying to find a job as an elementary teacher after she graduates this spring, she is getting some interest from two schools, but nothing solid yet.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Now my wife is trying to find a job as an elementary teacher after she graduates this spring, she is getting some interest from two schools, but nothing solid yet.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
- Location
- Bloomington, Indiana
I have been very fortunate to be insulated within Higher-Ed. We have had wage freezes for that last couple of years, but they haven't been laying anyone off. They did offer a bunch of folks early retirement and new hire's are coming in way lower than those of us that were here pre-recession.
I have counted my blessings everyday.
I have counted my blessings everyday.
- Location
- SW OK & formerly Eastern NM
I debated going to grad school in insulate myself from the downturn but in hindsight I still would have graduated into part of the downturn but with more debt. I was unemployed and overqualified for most jobs I applied for for two months after I moved from NM to OK. I was fortunate enough to have parents who knew people in town and were able to tell me about places that were hiring but it was word of mouth. I got the job I have now and I'm not certain but I think I was hired at a decent wage but I don't think I'll ever know if I was hired at a wage lower than other people in my position. I just received a promotion and a raise and I'm almost positive that amount lags behind the norm.
I was able to purchase a home at a price that is both good for the market and for the area but I don't think it will appreciate for many years.
The only way I think I've truly been affected is through my wages and my earnings potential.
I was able to purchase a home at a price that is both good for the market and for the area but I don't think it will appreciate for many years.
The only way I think I've truly been affected is through my wages and my earnings potential.
- Location
- Smyrna, TN
The only thing I'm good at depends on the municipality's budgets...and they're all at a hiring freeze. Perks of being a public servant.
BlOwNXT
Need Bigger Tires
- Location
- Sweetwater, TN
Luckily or me my job never changed. I work 100% off commission so in 2008 sales dropped likely crazy. Fortunately I was able to weather the storm and since 2010 all had been good. What's bad is we work with large fleets and transportation dept. and when fuel goes up the funding for our product goes down. Have to take the bad with the good.
Sent from the hills of East Tennessee!
Sent from the hills of East Tennessee!
I am trully glad to see some are weathering the storm without loss -
Also thanks for the honesty of those like myself who have "felt the wrath"
We are all Americans and will stand tall through these hard times.
And Yes as Rat pointed out we must keep this thread non political.
Also thanks for the honesty of those like myself who have "felt the wrath"
We are all Americans and will stand tall through these hard times.
And Yes as Rat pointed out we must keep this thread non political.
I've done the best I can through the whole downturn. Even though it means I'm 21, never moved out of my parents house, and only have $3,000 to pay off in student loans. Community College was a great idea until I realized that they've been giving me the run around and that I've been taking the wrong classes for the past few semesters.
In 2008 I was working two jobs, both part-time and making pretty good money. Though one of the jobs started getting a little crazy with management and my schedule request for very important dates were being "lost". Let me just add this - when you have 20+ hosts on your schedule and you 'need' 7 to work on a Saturday night - one person being gone doesn't make that big of a dent.... but I noticed the favorites and got out of there quick.
So my job now is with a small business. We are a caterer of sorts but we also make healthy portioned "tv-meals" if you will. You really can't put everything we do into one category, other than food. Of course with any small business, we're up and down. Especially during the holidays everyone wants to cook for themselves so my hours get cut dramatically. Summer time brings cook outs and less weekly orders. Now I'm looking at trying to grab a second job again while I'm not in school to cover the rising gas prices.
/rant
In 2008 I was working two jobs, both part-time and making pretty good money. Though one of the jobs started getting a little crazy with management and my schedule request for very important dates were being "lost". Let me just add this - when you have 20+ hosts on your schedule and you 'need' 7 to work on a Saturday night - one person being gone doesn't make that big of a dent.... but I noticed the favorites and got out of there quick.
So my job now is with a small business. We are a caterer of sorts but we also make healthy portioned "tv-meals" if you will. You really can't put everything we do into one category, other than food. Of course with any small business, we're up and down. Especially during the holidays everyone wants to cook for themselves so my hours get cut dramatically. Summer time brings cook outs and less weekly orders. Now I'm looking at trying to grab a second job again while I'm not in school to cover the rising gas prices.
/rant
- Location
- South Park, CO
Hmmmmmm..... probably at about 40% of my income from 2007-2008 Im in Real Estate full time. We expanded the office in 2007 and we had to close the second office in 2011, wife was in the second office and we had to lay her off she now has another job and our schedules are totally off for a while. Lots of cut backs and this winter I did a few websites for people that had been bugging me for at least a year or two. The winter business is dead up here so figured if I am going to sit at my desk and do nothing I just as well make some cash under the table.
On the plus side the 2nd home market is seeing some life this spring.
And of course a Plug... www.JeffReal.com if you are looking for Cabins or Land too!!! You might even see the front end (older pic) of a certain Nissan in there.
On the plus side the 2nd home market is seeing some life this spring.
And of course a Plug... www.JeffReal.com if you are looking for Cabins or Land too!!! You might even see the front end (older pic) of a certain Nissan in there.
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- Location
- Western Massachusetts
December of 2011 I lost all my overtime and went from 60+ hours a week to 40, while at the same time my wife Allisonn's position at work changed and she went to working 4 days a week from 5, and a pay cut on top of that. Those big blows were bad enough, but then coupled with the rising cost of, hell, everything around here and we're stretched ridiculously thin right now.
We were able to refinance our mortgage (for the second time) which is helping save a few buck each month, but our utilities (cable, phone, internet, cell phones, home heating oil, electricity, water, property taxes) all seem to be on the rise. The grocery stores are over-charging for everything, gas is climbing, yet we both keep losing hours at work. Add to that the fact that we've got a 15 month old son, man; kids are expensive. Between diapers and formula when he was an infant, I thought we'd be belly up by the time he was 6 months. At least now his biggest expenses are diapers and daycare. I cannot wait until he's potty trained.
Stuff for me at work has only just started to pick back up, it's been a very painful 4 1/2 months. My bank account has been in a constant, steady decline since Dec. 2011, and I've already cut most of the obvious expenses out. I've thought a couple times of getting rid of the X and getting some lame econobox, but that's not really an option. I still owe far too much and don't have the cash upfront to get a proper replacement. The only maintenance I've been able to do to our vehicles is oil changes, we can't really afford to do much else so everything keeps getting pushed further and further back. I need rotors, pads, upper and lower ball joints and a couple wheel studs. Allisonn's Focus needs a muffler.
I'm a pessimist by nature, so all of this has actually been expected and easy for me to deal with mentally - but it still sucks. This time last year we actually had extra cash around, and we were able to put it towards the house and vehicles. Right now I'm considering a second job to supplement where my primary job is failing me, which would definitely provide the extra coin, but my family life would take a hit; and that's something I don't want to lose. I can deal with losing my social life, but I don't want my little boy to be sad looking for daddy at bedtime while I'm at work. I'm all about supporting my family, but I don't want to risk causing my little guy any emotional damage by not being around. Not to mention the added around-the-house-workload that my wife would have to pick up. We split the housework/child care 50/50, but if I had to work a night job it would surely turn into 90/10 since I'd never be home. I don't want to do that to her, that's how marriages find themselves on the rocks.
I really wish this economy would just pick itself up, dust itself off, and get back to a better place.
We were able to refinance our mortgage (for the second time) which is helping save a few buck each month, but our utilities (cable, phone, internet, cell phones, home heating oil, electricity, water, property taxes) all seem to be on the rise. The grocery stores are over-charging for everything, gas is climbing, yet we both keep losing hours at work. Add to that the fact that we've got a 15 month old son, man; kids are expensive. Between diapers and formula when he was an infant, I thought we'd be belly up by the time he was 6 months. At least now his biggest expenses are diapers and daycare. I cannot wait until he's potty trained.
Stuff for me at work has only just started to pick back up, it's been a very painful 4 1/2 months. My bank account has been in a constant, steady decline since Dec. 2011, and I've already cut most of the obvious expenses out. I've thought a couple times of getting rid of the X and getting some lame econobox, but that's not really an option. I still owe far too much and don't have the cash upfront to get a proper replacement. The only maintenance I've been able to do to our vehicles is oil changes, we can't really afford to do much else so everything keeps getting pushed further and further back. I need rotors, pads, upper and lower ball joints and a couple wheel studs. Allisonn's Focus needs a muffler.
I'm a pessimist by nature, so all of this has actually been expected and easy for me to deal with mentally - but it still sucks. This time last year we actually had extra cash around, and we were able to put it towards the house and vehicles. Right now I'm considering a second job to supplement where my primary job is failing me, which would definitely provide the extra coin, but my family life would take a hit; and that's something I don't want to lose. I can deal with losing my social life, but I don't want my little boy to be sad looking for daddy at bedtime while I'm at work. I'm all about supporting my family, but I don't want to risk causing my little guy any emotional damage by not being around. Not to mention the added around-the-house-workload that my wife would have to pick up. We split the housework/child care 50/50, but if I had to work a night job it would surely turn into 90/10 since I'd never be home. I don't want to do that to her, that's how marriages find themselves on the rocks.
I really wish this economy would just pick itself up, dust itself off, and get back to a better place.
jmnielsen
Need Bigger Tires
- Location
- Lincoln, NE
The economy downturn hasn't effected me terribly bad, but it has effected me. Initially my parents told me that they would pay for all of my undergraduate school, but because of how hard they got hit by the economy they no longer can. So I have to work full time while doing pre-med classes which has effected my grades a good deal. I, however, do not care to be paying off student loans for years and having to take out loans just to buy groceries, though.
Drew7997
Test Drive
- Location
- Akron, Ohio
long story short- we were doing just fine at a combined 85k a year. last feb- wife lost her job and removed 65% of our income. A month later she found a job that she finds really wonderful which is great because she hated her coworkers/boss/job soo much. Her new job is only minimum wage, and according to her- we are doing ok.
When I bought the truck, I agreed to pick up a second job to pay for the insurance and payment. I worked it like i didn't need it. Now I work it like our life depends on it. My day is:
Wake up at 09:40am
Leave the house at 10:00 for main job
Work till 20:00,
Home by 21:00
Work on broken cars (we have three and only the X is 100% working), or whatever needs fixed/done till 22:30
Bed at 22:30pm wake up at 03:40
Leave by 03:50
Work till 08:00/08:30
Home by 09:00,
sleep till 09:40,
rinse and repeat.
The above schedule is Tuesday-Friday. Monday I work my main job and Saturday I work the second job till around 8. So I ultimatly get two days off but only net around 5/6 hours a night for sleep.
So yes- it has had an impact as I would not have kept the second job this long. But I plan on doing it as long as I can. I enjoy paying things off in this economy, which latley has not been much with the current car situation.
When I bought the truck, I agreed to pick up a second job to pay for the insurance and payment. I worked it like i didn't need it. Now I work it like our life depends on it. My day is:
Wake up at 09:40am
Leave the house at 10:00 for main job
Work till 20:00,
Home by 21:00
Work on broken cars (we have three and only the X is 100% working), or whatever needs fixed/done till 22:30
Bed at 22:30pm wake up at 03:40
Leave by 03:50
Work till 08:00/08:30
Home by 09:00,
sleep till 09:40,
rinse and repeat.
The above schedule is Tuesday-Friday. Monday I work my main job and Saturday I work the second job till around 8. So I ultimatly get two days off but only net around 5/6 hours a night for sleep.
So yes- it has had an impact as I would not have kept the second job this long. But I plan on doing it as long as I can. I enjoy paying things off in this economy, which latley has not been much with the current car situation.
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Bakerx05
Test Drive
- Location
- Orygun City, Orygun
I personally have not really felt any affect except for my town house price dropping like crazy but has come back up this year. I bought right at the high and a few month later the market crashed. went form 220k to 141k in 2 years. The market is coming back and things are around 185-190k now. I just refinanced so my loan is up to 197k @ 4.5% from 191k @ 5.75 so it will only take a little over 2 years to pay the diff but I save $200 a month
My company does not drop wages so I am lucky in that aspect but my work load has increased with guys retiring and our parent company down sizing.
When we were private 4 years ago we had 22-25 ppl in house. Today sales, marketing are gone, all our directors and pruchasing have been moved to a sister site which leaves only operations and engineering for a total of 8 ppl here now.
My company does not drop wages so I am lucky in that aspect but my work load has increased with guys retiring and our parent company down sizing.
When we were private 4 years ago we had 22-25 ppl in house. Today sales, marketing are gone, all our directors and pruchasing have been moved to a sister site which leaves only operations and engineering for a total of 8 ppl here now.
midget
First Fill-Up (of many)
- Location
- what cheer,Iowa
More fights between my wife & I....she lost her job that paid 19hr bc she didnt like working 50hrs a week....... Now she cant find a new job. Id say were about a year from divorce if she doesnt find something bc being a houewife is not even close to acceptable.
XterraX
Test Drive
- Location
- North Dakota
Wow,lots of people in here are hurting,that sux.I have been blessed for the past 9 months.Ive already made 43k(without higher education)since january.Working the oil fields of north dakota on a G.E.D. headucation,lol.College is becoming more and more a complete waste of time,effort and money with every passing moment.Unless your studying to be a chemical engineer to work in the oil fields,or a doctor,nurse,or attorney its a waste of time.Im on track to make at least 80k this year,I am blessed and I thank gobble for my job!
XterraX
Test Drive
- Location
- North Dakota
Wow dude,19 an hr is very decent money and with overtime.I would have kept that job,look at all the college grads and unemployed/underemployed fighting for minimum wage crap jobs.
- Location
- SW OK & formerly Eastern NM
Through thick and thin man. I understand it's tough and all but if you guys make it through it supporting each other you'll be stronger on the other side. That being said. I'm not acting like I know what's going on in your business, I'm just trying to be encouraging.
That's so true man, if you're willing to go into the oil fields. You don't always have to be a rough neck but you still have to make some concessions compared to other jobs. With that being said, if things ever go to hell in a hand basket for me I already have plans to apply at oil companies very shortly after. My best friend was in a job making 60k doing tech support for an oil company and had an opportunity to move up to TWO separate jobs for over 100k each. He chose to go back to school because the oil business wasn't something that he enjoyed. I commend him for following his heart but I can honestly say I wouldn't have been able to turn away job offers like that if I was in his position.
- Location
- Idaho!
Firstly, I am VERY thankful I have a job AND benefits.
That being said, I was unemployed for about 6mo before I got this job after a fiasco called AmeriCorps (don't ask, it's a long story). Currently I am living paycheck to paycheck. Some months I have to choose between buying food or paying bills. Usually paying bills wins out. I am very thankful for having some awesome coworkers and friends to feed me.
I am a public servant whom the public generally despises and complains about. We have not had a raise for over 4yrs of any sort or nature. I have a higher education (grad schooling). It does not mean squat in the state of Idaho. The City government wants to cut more of our funding, including 5 positions (we are already down 14 positions). The only way I kept my job last financial year was that one of my coworkers died of cancer thus opening up a permanent position. I am thankful for how much she gave me through her loss.
That being said, I was unemployed for about 6mo before I got this job after a fiasco called AmeriCorps (don't ask, it's a long story). Currently I am living paycheck to paycheck. Some months I have to choose between buying food or paying bills. Usually paying bills wins out. I am very thankful for having some awesome coworkers and friends to feed me.
I am a public servant whom the public generally despises and complains about. We have not had a raise for over 4yrs of any sort or nature. I have a higher education (grad schooling). It does not mean squat in the state of Idaho. The City government wants to cut more of our funding, including 5 positions (we are already down 14 positions). The only way I kept my job last financial year was that one of my coworkers died of cancer thus opening up a permanent position. I am thankful for how much she gave me through her loss.
I have had to work for 7 different employers since then... Im now at my 8th, with the lowest pay since 2006 with rent costing me 120% more, no benefits, and temp to hire. My wife also had to quit her job so I could take this job due to the cost of daycare for my two kids. Even with this I know we have lucked out compared to others. Stay strong out there people!
Im happy to be back in my field or training.. BUT!!!
I work for a guy that knows he has you... And at times will treat you as such..
Nothing is ever his fault..blaa blaa blaa... Still in the end it beats the 2+ years I had been out of work.. The drb household is just coming around from that 2 years of no work...
I have heard that the Engineering company I used to work for is bringing back some of the people they laid off.. But Id be one of the last ones due to the pay.
Im now at a place that offers no holiday pay, *****es about any over time.. and wants you to work as fast as you can...
I have seen a increase in housing.. mostly the 250-700k houses.. I have no idea where these people are working to pay for these types of monthly payments.
Since March I've went from laying out maybe 10 houses a week to 20 easy..
I work for a guy that knows he has you... And at times will treat you as such..
Nothing is ever his fault..blaa blaa blaa... Still in the end it beats the 2+ years I had been out of work.. The drb household is just coming around from that 2 years of no work...
I have heard that the Engineering company I used to work for is bringing back some of the people they laid off.. But Id be one of the last ones due to the pay.
Im now at a place that offers no holiday pay, *****es about any over time.. and wants you to work as fast as you can...
I have seen a increase in housing.. mostly the 250-700k houses.. I have no idea where these people are working to pay for these types of monthly payments.
Since March I've went from laying out maybe 10 houses a week to 20 easy..
- Location
- West Haven, UTAH
Been with the same co going on 26 yrs.
Pay had always been decent and in a good position.
That kind of thing is unheard of now.
Been thru all kinds of ups & downs in that period. Have closed about 10 plants around the country and relocated production facilities, many out of the country.
Figured I'd be out of a job several times as my own plants have been slated to close or relocate.
Somehow, keep staying here, though I've reinvented this place about 4 times now. Seems like 4 different jobs....
First time in the last 6 yrs that we're really slow!
Absolutely no OT this year. Will probably make $40k less this year because of it.
Wouldn't be surprised if I'm not shipping out this operation to Mexico next year if things don't pick up..
That's why I'm building up the bumper/armor biz on the side just in case.
Have been doing fab work on the side for about 7 yrs since things got shaky.
Wife is with IRS so that's probably safe ...
Unfortunately, those very prosperous years that we enjoyed thru the 90's and early 2000's are gone forever and my kid will probably know the life I had.
Pay had always been decent and in a good position.
That kind of thing is unheard of now.
Been thru all kinds of ups & downs in that period. Have closed about 10 plants around the country and relocated production facilities, many out of the country.
Figured I'd be out of a job several times as my own plants have been slated to close or relocate.
Somehow, keep staying here, though I've reinvented this place about 4 times now. Seems like 4 different jobs....
First time in the last 6 yrs that we're really slow!
Absolutely no OT this year. Will probably make $40k less this year because of it.
Wouldn't be surprised if I'm not shipping out this operation to Mexico next year if things don't pick up..
That's why I'm building up the bumper/armor biz on the side just in case.
Have been doing fab work on the side for about 7 yrs since things got shaky.
Wife is with IRS so that's probably safe ...
Unfortunately, those very prosperous years that we enjoyed thru the 90's and early 2000's are gone forever and my kid will probably know the life I had.