A Door Closed Yesterday... Another Opened

[scott_vt]

Good Mornin Guys,
Yesterday was a pretty traumatic day !

BTW is anyone looking for a layed off "displaced" toolmaker/modelmaker 56 years young with 35 years experience ??? For the past 19 years I have worked for Pitney Bowes,I have had a chance to do some very interesting work for them, unfortunately my services are no longer needed as of yesterday ! Im including a link to an article so you might be better able to understand whats going on with the company.

I might add that in no way am I bitter over what happened, its just the way it is these days ! I received a very equitable severance package that pays me until next summer and at that time I am elgible to collect unemployment and also my pension. Unfortunately the pension isnt great and I would need to supplement it with some other income.

In my entire working carreer I have never been layed off, quite the opposite, I have been gainfully employed ! I have alot of different thoughts and emotions running around in my head, not really knowing what to do next ! Kathleen feels that I should just try and find some part time work and call it a day. I just dont know if Im ready for that yet !

My oldest boy who majored in computer science in college wants to create a web site so that I can sell my wood working talents on line. Im not sure how that would work ! My other son who majored in Fire Science and is a paid firefighter wants me to get my EMT certification and then work part time.

Anyways it sure feels different, Ive never had this happen, I think I can relate to some one like Dougster a little bit now !

Anyways I think Ill have lunch now and then maybe Ill rake somemore leaves this afternoon.

In conclusion it certainly is sad to see our countries work be subcontracted overseas " China " !

Pitney Bowes to Cut 1,500 Jobs: Associated Press Business News: PBI - MSN Money

Have a good day !

 

[Mike058]

I'd go the woodworking/internet site. If my kid would handle the website and all I had to do was buy cool tools to make cool stuff that people would buy, I'd be all over it.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

Scott,
I went through that 25 years ago and ended up better off. Problem is where I am at now is going through this (down sizing, out sourcing) again and I am worried it could happen again. Hope all works out for you, take care.
Bill Jones

 

[ultrarunner]

Hey Scott it is a real problem... less highly skilled craftsmen we wonder why???

I worked in a Tool and Die shop for 16 months right out of college. There were a number a small and medium shops in the area... none of them exist today.

I believe we are losing much of our collective knowledge base and once it's gone...

With your talent, I'm certain the next opportunity is just around the corner.

Just say the word and I will severe my business ties with Pitney Bowes ;-)

 

[Dmace]

I'm sorry to hear about the lay-off, they seem to be very common lately. It does sound like a new door has opened that would fit you well. Designing and building wood crafts is a very skilled trade and starting a company to sell your work is definitely worth the time and effort to see how it goes.

If you don't want to start a new website, you could create a store on Ebay and sell your items items there exculsively. This would also give you a good idea on what your crafts are worth to the average buyer.

If you do start something like that, I will be one of your first customers. I could use a nice welcome/entry sign for the house and a Tractor only parking sign for the new carport coming in on Friday.

My father worked for a GM plant for over 20 years before leaving just before a huge lay-off. He got his CDL license and drives for a living now. At 54 years old, this job is much less stressful and less physical work. He only does local driving so no overnights or long hauls and is much happier.

Good Luck with any future endeavors.

 

[rtdiggr]

I feel for you Scott. I work for what was one of the Big 3 we are doing good at are plant, but we see our industry go down all the time.
I don't want to turn this into a political thread but alot of people don't support there country and then wonder why there are so many people losing there jobs.
Yes i am from Canada but we are in the same boat as you guys.

Good luck.

Shane

 

[Podunkadunk]

Scott,
I don't mean to sound prude, but it sounds to me like you got it licked!

1. You're still young!

2. You got a most righteous severance package!

3. You have a little pocket ching-a-ling coming compliments of a pension. Even though you say it's small, be thankful. Very few places will give you a pension for 20 years of service, much less 19.

4. You've got a beautiful place in VT.

5. You've got your health.

6. You've got 2 great (and educated ) sons that already have plans for you and a couple of viable options!

I think you should replace that "frown " in your post with a

Podunk

 

[scott_vt]

Scott,

I think you should replace that "frown " in your post with a

Podunk

Afternoon Podunk,
Consider it done !

 

[jimg]

Hi Scott,
BTDT it stinks but as you understand life goes on. So, youve gotten over the major hurdle. Good for you!

That said, do you have the means to purchase some machine tools and work out of your home? If so I think youll *never* be wanting for work. Machinists (as opposed to machine operators) are few and far between. The skills/knowledge youve acquired in your career have considerable worth. While the woodworking gig would be fun it hardly pays the bills or is worth much more than a PT amusement. Unless you do something like hi-end cabinets/counters all you can look forward to is hard work/long hours and perhaps subsistence pay. Doing hi-end work expect a pretty aggressive work schedule. On the furniture end of things the number of people w/ the means and taste for high qual furniture are *few* and theyve been mostly spoken for (when they decide to spend their $$). I have some considerable experience in this end of the world. In the end I decided that being a machinist was best of all. Its the perfect marriage of hand and brain work and in huge demand.

I wish you the best!!!

 

[EddieWalker]

Scotty,

Sorry to hear of your news. I don't have any doubt that you will come out stronger and better from this, but I also know how much of a hurdle it is to get started all over again. If anybody can do it, I know you can!!!!!!!!!

As an amature woodworker and craftsman, I have a small understanding of your woodworking skills. I also know how much time and effort go into creating a quality piece of work. Selling it online and on ebay is probably going to be a big disapointment. The reality is that online buyers are looking for bargains and convienence. Not quality.

If it's in your heart to try woodworking, then you need to decide what you will do and make some pieces. Then find a good venue for selling them. We have some giant flea markets here with everything from junk to high end furniture. The guys selling the good stuff have been doing it for years and people come to them because of his quality and reasonable prices.

In my experience, people want to look at it in person. A picture will not sell it for you for what you have into the materials. It's sad, but your time isn't worth very much to bargain hunters. When they look at in person and meet you in person, then it's just a matter of winning them over.

My current client list for woodworking projects is pretty small, but it's growing. I build shelves, storage units, boxes and tables. All are pretty unique, and they have all sold on word of mouth. It's not enough to live off of, or even enough to consider it real income, but it is a profit.

There are dozens of cabinet makers in my area too. Most are terrible, but they make a living. I don't understand it because of how lousey their work is. There are only a few that build quality cabinets and they price diffrence in the workmanship is like night and day. Costs are aslo allot more, but they stay busy because there is always a demand for quality. The other guys come and go.

If you decide to put up a webpage, then just use it as a resume to show off your work. Then put it on your business cards so potential clients can look at what you are capable of. My clients really like this and it's gotten me quite a few jobs.

Eddie

 

[GreenMtns]

Hi Scotty

I know its a bit of a shock to lose a job that you've have for years. I too was very hesitant to move to a better job some years ago because I could not see life from a different perspective. Strange because a lot of the really good things in my life have happened AFTER the change.
You are in a pretty good place with you severance and pension package. If you really like woodworking, follow it by all means. Keep something in mind. If you do this, your Vermont address is money in the bank. It seems there is a strong belief by those with a ton of money, that anything that says "Made in Vermont" MUST be better than any made elsewhere and they are willing to pay a premium for it. And remember, you will be working at your own pace, in your own time.

If your son is good at wed site design let him have a go at it. What the heck do you have to lose?

PS Sending you a PM

 

['Bota Fan]

Scotty, that you can post as positively as you did only one day after receiving this news is amazing. You're on the right track.

Seems you could take the advice of both of your sons and have plenty to do between woodworking and the EMT thing. All the best to you.

 

[RobertN]

EMT class would be good for a start. You have time to sign up for Spring semester. I have a friend who is a volunteer medic outside of Brookfield/New-Milford.

Being an active Scout leader, I like having my EMT training and certs. None of our kids have gotten hurt on an outing yet, but I like knowing how to handle it when it does happen(I hope it doesn't, but still am prepared).

 

[kenmac]

Hate to hear that happen to you . Keep your head up and a good attitude. Smemthing will come along that will work out for the better

good luck to you

 

[Bird]

Scotty, I certainly wish you the best. Whatever route you take, if you're going to work for a living, try to make it something you enjoy doing.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

WOW... Even if you see something like that coming, it's still a blow when it happens. I'm with Bird. Not IF, but WHEN you find something else, make it something you want to do and will enjoy. Any thoughts of opening your own machine shop? I've seen examples of your work and it would be a shame to put that sort of talent on the shelf.

Good things happen for good people. You'll land on your feet. Hang in there buddy.

Bill

 

[Steve_Miller]

I see you have your smile back instead of the frown, you just remembered that this can mean more tractor time. What ever you do you will succeed at and we will be happy for you, from every post of yours I've ever read it seems that you are very resourceful, so I know it will be successful. Just try and stick close to home and remember, every day you wake up, means it's going to be a good day. I believe in you.
I quit a government job that was well paying and had an excellent benefits and pension twelve years ago for a job where I got dirty and made six dollars less an hour and practically no pension, but I was much happier as I didn't have to travel an hour each way to and from work. Now I can bicycle the two miles back and forth to work and I'm home every day at 2:30 in the afternoon. My free time means a lot to me just to be able to be outside while its still light after work. Just in travel time alone if you add it up may surprise you. I traveled about two hours a day, five days a week, forty eight weeks a year, that equates to 480 hours a year I now have to myself at home. Sorry to babble, it's just my nature sometimes.


Steve

 

[motepoc]

Scotty,

About the same happened to me. I was a scheduler/planner maintaining a work schedule for 16 mechanics and 14 CE (electricians/instrument) men. They have been moving the textile work out of this country for a long time. Since I took the byeout back in 2001 I have worked at several different jobs. While at our plant I was a mechanic for about 15 years, a computer support technician for 13 years, and a scheduler/planner for 5 years. Before I actually had to leave I went to the local Tech School here in town and asked them if they could use my talents. I don't have a college degree, but with all the experience I've had, it was good enough to teach a night industrial maintenance class. Did that for three years and was rated in the top 5 % of the instructors at the school. Could this be a possibility for you? Check in at the tech school in your area. The people in my classes were very good. We had one or two that wanted to cut up, but the others let them know real quick why they were there and that they had paid with their money, so if the foolers wanted to leave they could.
Also, went back to work on and off three times for a year each time to help the old company out. They were sending jobs out of country, but they had helped me put 5 kids thru school, and provide well for my family. And they are sending me a check each month, so helping them out isn't a problem. I have also worked in a bowling alley (because we bowl a lot) as night manager two nights and mechanic two nights and opening manager on Saturday with the kids.
I believe that with the attitude you have shown, you can do just about anything. You might think about going back to school yourself. You might want to check into the program where your employer pays up to $5,000 for you to retrain, because of the jobs going out of country.
Good luck, and let us know how it's going.

 

[jpm]

scotty sorry to hear about the job.
you could think of it as a chance to do something else you like but doesn't pay as well ,ie woodworking ect with out as much bs.or you can go to vt and take up skiing

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

BTDT too. Twice. No pension. Not fun. I think the uncertainty is the hardest part. I helped a painter do some painting. Some Roofing, etc...ended up at a motorcyle shop for 1/3 the pay. Had fun, just broke all the time.

Ended up going to college while collecting unemployment. The funny thing is back then, they frowned on attending college while "trying to find a job". Nowadays, they will actually pay for some types of training if your type of work is moved "overseas". Check into this. Different states have different rules.

Finished 2+ years of college. Finally got offered about 3/4 of my original pay to run a big CNC lathe. Qiut school. Still in manufacturing after 29 years tired of watching jobs go to China. Chaps my ***** to see this happen.

America needs to wake up and realize we are losing our talent and its hard to convince a young person to work in this line of work knowing that shop after shop is closing.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. China's been tying their currency to the dollar and not letting it float. They are maybe thinking differently now. If they let their currency rise, it will help make things not so rosy to send jobs over there. I find it hard to believe that American companies will put their companies at risk being so dependent on their parts coming from China. OK, I'm getting off my soapbox.

I don't know your financial needs but I can say, you have some time on your hands to think about what you want to do and the possibilities are almost endless. I'm happily married with kids now but I've always dreamed of being the pool cleaner at the playboy mansion!