Preemptive Job Finding.

[Gymmeh]

Howdy,

Its been awhile since I have actually asked career questions on here...
So here is the background:
1. A month ago, my company layed-off 25% office. We have yet to get a major order (+$10M Cap. Equip.) and a couple of us younger guys have noticed that our work schedules only go out two weeks.

2. Now there are talks or multiple contracts in the works, but none that would see money for 6mo.-1yr.

3. The boss told use he would find some product development to do. (Bosses often say stuff to keep moral up, but its the owner who decides went to make cuts)

4. I have been looking for local jobs... and there are none.

5. I have a house and a family.

Also what really makes me nervous taking a new job preemptively is I know someone who was hired and then the new company had lay-offs and he was on the streets anyway.

Generally just a frustrating situation

SO when do I start seriously start applying for work that requires relocation?

Would it be better for me to find a (contract) job somewhere else, and come back when the economy picks up?
Or try to sell the house... probably at a big loss... and move the family?


Thanks

 

[tygerdawg]

Who said anything about relocation? Think like a free-lancer.

I was laid off at the beginning of the 9-11 induced recession. Really tough times, formally unemployed (receiving a salary paycheck) for 3+ years. I discovered that "there is work under every bush" if you're willing to dig hard enough. The world ALWAYS needs problem-solvers, especially if they are at bargain rates (you can soak 'em later, I promise). I freelanced enough to support me & my family quite well during this time. Now, working full-time is my avocation, freelancing (where the fun is) is my vocation.

Use the time to polish skills, gain contacts, cut your family expenses to the bone (if you don't need it, then you don't have to earn it), gather leads, gather info, learn how to do more with less, network network network like there's no tomorrow because there isn't. We should all be so lucky to have "Depression-era Parents" who taught us that living well doesn't mean making a lot of money.

TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering

http://www.bluetechnik.com

 

[ivymike]

depression-era parents? that'd make you ~70yrs old, wouldn't it?

 

[debodine]

hey hey hey ivymike, don't stomp my toes so hard! LOL My dad was born in 1915 and my mom in 1923 but I am only 53, not 70. (I was born later in my dad's life, his second marriage). I can't speak for tygerdawg though, maybe tygerdawg really IS 70. )

 

[jmw]

Depression-era parents here too.... Tom Brokus calls them (Depression era and Second world war)"The Greatest Generation" - I don't think he has such a high opinion of the "Baby Boomers" though he is one himself.

But I'd still like to be able to earn a living, whatever it is. It would be nice to have stacks of cash but then I guess so would we all, but not to such an extent that we went out and became doctors, dentists or lawyers.

Somehow engineering seems to fit well with the Depression era parents situation.

Gymeeh asks a tough question and I doubt there is a right answer except to keep looking because that way you are at least ahead of the game, prepared and, with a couple of interviews under your belt not only a bit more comforatble at interviews but you will hopefully also get some job offers that will help you properly appraise current and potential positions.

Until you get an interview and get a job offer, you really can't anticipate how to answer the question.

You ought to make sure you have some communications channels open with your boss.
Bosses don't like to "gossip" about job security or make commitments so you need communications on pretty much anything and have some casual chat topics running just to have some chance of "reading" the current situation and who knows, he may let something useful drop.

It also helps to emphasise any and all activities that make you seem valuable to the company... more valuable than someone else. Make sure you follow all the "how to" tips delivered in these threads.

Sorry, but when it comes to me or him, I'd rather it was him. Remember, what you really want is either to stay employed here if that is possible and especially if alternative jobs don't exist and, if you think you are for the chop, you need to have your exit prepared and yourself also. At some point, irrespective of the market conditions, you may actually find there is a better job for you and who knows, without the current uncertainties, you might not have been out there looking when that job comes around.



JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[IRstuff]

Pre-emption is often like trying to figure out the bottom of the market. While it might appear that you ought to have better information than the average shareholder, this is often not the case, since internal information is often contradictory or outright erroneous.

The net result is bailing before getting the pink slip is a crap shot. You have no idea whether you were going to get laid off, or whether the company was on the verge of turning around.

I think a different adage, "Hope for the best, plan for the worst" might be more apropos. Being ready to hit the ground running if pink slips start flying, possibly with feelers already cast beforehand.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[Gymmeh]

IRstuff,

Right now I am in hope for the best, plan for the worst mode...

the problem with this small company is that all it takes is one big order and everyone will be working 50's and 60's hrs to get the work done.

I don't want to be taking a crap shot... I just have never been in a position where everything is on the fence. The first round of layoffs i knew i would survive it since the people that got cut were much worse. Now its only 3 good new guys left...and probably the next round will be us.

 

[Japher]

I would tighten the belt now and stockpile the emergency fund.

Also, if they are sound businessmen running the place they might not cut the new guys, who are being paid less for some of the same work.

As for looking for another job I would do so now. If you don't have job security, which you don't, then don't count on it. Plain and simple. You are responsible for your family, not them.

 

[MintJulep]

There is zero downside to looking for a new job.

When you are fortunate enough to get an offer you don't have to accept it.

When you do have an offer in hand you also have some leverage with your current employer. You can go talk to the higher managers and say stuff like: "Look, I really like working here, but from my perspective things look pretty bleak. What's your take? What is really lined up? I've got this other offer, but I don't want to leave if there is guaranteed work for me here."

You might even get a raise. Or you might be able to negotiate a guaranteed duration contract - payable even if things go to hell.

 

[GregLamberson]

I agree with Tygerdawg's advice. plus, the best time to look for a job is when you have one, then you can take your time and make more of a quality decision and not one cause you have to get your mortgage payment paid.

I don't know where you live, but as Tygerdawg mentioned, there may be some good opportunities for a consultant right where you are. Myself, I do allot of desktop type work from my home office. Invest some time in yourself, put together a nice cover letter or email into highlighting your skills, brush up the CV and start sending stuff out. I still send out probably 10-15 unsolicted emails a month. The hit rate for getting potential work back is around 0% on a bad month and 10% on a good one, so don't get discouraged if you hear nothing back.

Do Google searches, find companies starting projects or working in the field you are in and then research that company and send some notes to some of the key folks in the organization.

Network, find recruitment agencies serving your industry and get your name cirulated. The economy id slow, but there is always a place for someone who can solve problems, performs well and does both consistently.

Another possibility is to find out who is financing projects and approach the banking or finance institutions, there is some good work out there as they need experienced folks in that particular industry to make sure their money gets spent wisely.

Greg Lamberson, BS, MBA
Consultant - Upstream Energy
Website:

http://www.oil-gas-consulting.com

 

[MechEng2005]

I would recommend asking the employer HOW they are hiring in the current economic situation. In this manner, you can find out some useful information. Possibly the company is doing well despite the economy (good sign), maybe the person who had that position just retired, maybe the position has been vacant for awhile and they are finally getting around to fill it (I'd say a bad sign. If they managed this long without somebody doing that job, how secure could you be...).

I would imagine most employers would be fairly open to this innocent question, but the answer could be quite revealing.

-- MechEng2005

 

[Gymmeh]

SO, I was right... not about me getting cut... but 9 others didnt last...

I am quite surprised that i have lasted two rounds of cuts.

However I have still applied for a couple jobs just to be on the safe side. I may score a sweet job.

Thanks

Gymmeh

 

[KENAT]

Gymmeh, I've been in a similar situation for some time, hoping it held out till I got citizenship. So I know how you're feeling. No great sage words of advice but keep you chin up.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484