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Post by Karen on Apr 2, 2009 17:24:27 GMT -5
So I work for an architectural/construction company. In the states, that industry has really taken a hit with the economy. Between 2 rounds of layoffs in the last 11 months, we're down almost 25% of the company. We know what revenue goal our company needs to make in order to break even this year and we were told after the last round of layoffs that we were staffed appropriately.
Just got the email today that we're still not there - still have another 20% of revenue to get in 7 months (which seems like a lot, but not in construction - so much planning/prep work). The president wrote that he'll be going back to the managers for ways to cut costs again and will report back next week. He wants to keep the lines of communication open for his staff and their families... Hello, does that SCREAM prepare for the worst?
I CANNOT be out of a job right now. Or health insurance... Ugh, the stress is incredible!
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Post by ouchy on Apr 2, 2009 19:50:14 GMT -5
Oooooh! I seriously hope that you won't be cut!!!! Awwww. Will you be able to afford COBRA, god forbid it comes to that?
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Post by Karen on Apr 2, 2009 20:06:57 GMT -5
I don't think so. I know there's some talk about a reduction in cobra cost for a bit that's supposed to kick in sometime soon for people that are laid off, but I don't know much about it.
All the managers talked to their staff this last week to talk about our career goals, other areas of the company that we'd like to learn more about while we're slow. They're presenting it all tomorrow to the higher ups. I know I'm being super-paranoid, but I think it's what they're going to use to weed out the ones that are in-flexible. Luckily, I think I'm pretty flexible but I just don't know if it's enough. There really aren't many more positions they could cut while still staying afloat...
On the upside, I got a call last week from a guy that got laid off in round one. He's with an HVAC company and they're busy and thinking about hiring, and he thought of me... I told him now might not be a good time with all the health stuff, but I wanted to be kept in the loop when they get around to posting it. At least I may have that going for me if it comes to that, but I'd really prefer not to get into HVAC! Boring. Ugh, too much to think about.
Getting laid off WOULD eliminate the running into the ex issue, though!
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Post by JackMcFarland on Apr 2, 2009 20:21:24 GMT -5
oh, ill keep my fingers crossed for you! :\ this economy is starting to really hit home now... did anyone watch the rep budget proposal yesterday? i didnt get to watch the entire thing, but i think they have some really good ideas.... though im not that educated on economy, etc... what ryan (r from... mi i wanna say?) said made a lot of sense.
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Post by Karen on Apr 10, 2009 22:08:27 GMT -5
Here's the email we got this afternoon from the president of the company. Good Friday of all days (not that I'm religious - I just think the name is ironic given the news).
I have spent much of this week analyzing our expenses as they relate to the work volume we have projected through the end of the year and beyond. The reality we are facing at this time is that expenses need to be reduced. We are considering numerous cost cutting measures that unfortunately will need to include a reduction in staff. This is the last thing we want to consider however I have analyzed this from every angle and it is necessary. I do not want to cause panic, however I would like input if (A) you have ideas for cost reductions (B) are willing to reduce hours or (C) would consider a reduction in pay. While I can not guarantee that every suggestion will be used, we want to ensure that every option is considered. We value your opinion and feel it is important to be as forthright and inclusive as possible.
I'm barely scraping by as is working full time here and part time elsewhere. A cut in pay or hours isn't possible. Ugh - too many things going on at once!!
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Post by ouchy on Apr 10, 2009 23:27:07 GMT -5
Oh wow. That is scary. I'd be putting submitting my resume to different places straight away just in case!
Fingers crossed for you!
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Post by Karen on Apr 11, 2009 5:44:38 GMT -5
I know - have to totally revamp my resume now! My sister is in town this weekend from Boston so I may have her help me get started and give me some pointers. Going to call my old coworker that called a few weeks ago to see if I was looking for a job and see if he wants to have lunch next week and see if they're still looking to fill a position.
Even if I am spared and not laid off, I'd still be stuck with tons of other work. Our admin department of 5 has already taken over responsibilities of 4 people that got laid off already and we're also just recently spending 5 hours a week each covering the receptionist position (which I HATE) so she can split up her time to cover some of the work that's left after another girl quit and moved away.
I woke up at 4:30 this morning and STILL can't get back to sleep. All this sucks.
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Post by JackMcFarland on Apr 11, 2009 8:31:59 GMT -5
I'm sorry  I'll keep my fingers crossed for you too. And... I'd send them another e-mail saying: D) You are the president, you find cost reduction ideas WITHOUT cutting pay, hours, or people. |
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Post by ouchy on Apr 11, 2009 12:30:45 GMT -5
Maybe the company can just tax all the workers to raise money to pay everyone.  Just kidding. |
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Post by JackMcFarland on Apr 11, 2009 13:02:02 GMT -5
LOL. We're not going to cut your pay, BUT... we're going to tax you 25% on your current pay to pay the rest of the company!!!
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Post by Kitty on Apr 14, 2009 12:08:33 GMT -5
OMG that sucks Olsenka!! It does seem like these bad things come in waves. I hope you can keep your head above water until things settle down.. Good idear getting the resume revamped, I hope that went well over the weekend.
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Post by Karen on Apr 14, 2009 12:32:00 GMT -5
Yeah, something's going to happen this week. Soon. HR and the president have been meeting a ton yesterday and today, and the executive committee has another meeting this afternoon (they had one yesterday afternoon, too). Our HR woman is usually very chatty and sociable, but she looked rough today and I guess she almost started crying during a meeting with the engineers/architects yesterday when they were asking what would happen to benefits.
Everyone knows something is going down, but no one knows what. I can't even think straight right now and work is so slow that I can't even distract myself at all by staying busy. And, to top it off, I was supposed to have a meeting with my boss this morning but when I went into her office, she was walking towards the bathroom and had tears in her eyes and hasn't mentioned a thing abotu rescheduling, which makes me think she knows a bit more than she's leading on. Everyone just wishes they'd get it over with already! My guess is more layoffs & cut in hours for everyone else, or the company closes up all together...
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Post by italialynn on Apr 14, 2009 12:59:47 GMT -5
I'm so, so sorry sweetie. I just hope it's not you....this is such a scary time for many of us right now. It just downright sucks.
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Post by ouchy on Apr 14, 2009 13:41:07 GMT -5
You're in my thoughts.
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bigal
Full Member
Posts: 146
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Post by bigal on Apr 14, 2009 15:07:34 GMT -5
oh honey, I'm so sorry for all stress. I'll be thinking about you!
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I'll keep my fingers crossed for you too. And... I'd send them another e-mail saying: D) You are the president, you find cost reduction ideas WITHOUT cutting pay, hours, or people. 
Just kidding. 