OH BRIAN!!! (2)

[cnw1995]

I saw another interesting metric on China's growth (in the Economist mag) that posits they've lost approximately 27 million manufacturing jobs within the past four years themselves. A similiar metric (from Harper's magazine that pulled it from DoL info) presumed that most (83%) American jobs lost in the recent (current?) recession were not reproduced or outsourced overseas but truly lost to automation, changed biz practices, loss of business, and an interesting host of other reasons.

[FJ and G]

Doug,

A tidbit of interesting info. A good percentage of tax forms are outsourced to India for preparation; you will never know it, however. This info was mentioned on NPR radio a few weeks ago when they discussed the pros and cons of outsourcing. They also mentioned that Japan outsources auto stuff to this country.

I've gotta believe, however, that we are probably more on the jobs lost side of the equation.

dav

[cnw1995]

Dave, you have a lot of good advice. I'm told these days to try to stick close to the customer/client - if I'm part of the face-to-face team, I'm much harder to outsource...

[Anonymous]

Being a computer programmer, an issue of concern for me these days is the trend to outsource jobs like mine to India, where the programmers make $5 an hour. My salary costs my firm a LOT more than that.

I took an adult education class last fall called "Basic Cabinet Making." I need to go back & take the follow up course, "Advanced Cabinet Making," but I'm doing a bunch of projects at home as time & money permits. I figure that this country will always have need of guys who can work wood into book cases & such for the rich folks that are getting richer laying the rest of us off.

Besides, it's work that I enjoy.

Tony

[FJ and G]

.

[Anonymous]

I learned the hard way that Jobs are never secure... only people are or can be by taking control of their lives

You take control by constantly re-inventing who you are and what you can do. As soon as you feel you have job security... look around it's time to change again.

A while ago before I started Law School, we were told we could not have children. My decision to change careers was based partly on that medical condition as well the job insecurities as an engineer.

To my surprise, life changed again and my son was born. After plowing thru four years of school and five years at someone else's law firm, I started my own law firm with another partner from the first firm.

During the last three years, growing the firm, I feel that I can earn however much time I want to put into this. In other words I control a lot more of my life. I’m not suggesting at all that this is the right course for anyone else. I’m just saying you need to take steps to control your future and not be dependant on the stupidity of others making decisions that affect you.

It doesn't matter what line of work you're in or not in just keep thinking and moving toward the goal of being the one making the right choices for you.

Alan

[Big_Boy_4005]

No Odd-d, I'M THE HERMIT!!!! That's kind of how this whole thing got started, remember? Part of what I was originally trying to do was explain why I am on line so much. Well, one thing lead to another, and here we are.

All much wiser for the experience.

[swg]

[Anonymous]

Gee, Dave, it's a relief to hear that you are still employed. You hermit life sounds pretty good especially if you have a particularly stressful life. Instead of powering your trains with a water wheel why not take up live steam?

Barefoot and wild or a drawing room sophisticate, a woman is still a woman, and my late mother told me that women want to be in control. Give your dream a year or two and you will have no time for your trains because that barefooted gal will be sitting comfortably in your cabin while you are out plowing fields, hunting coons etc, chopping wood and saying "yes, dear" twenty times a day. Odd-d

[FJ and G]

.

[Anonymous]

Dave--Sorry to read that you have been laid off. Recently Model Railroader has been advertising an opening for editorial people. BTW I'd love to see your dog toot, chug and smoke. Maybe you could charge admission to see your dog. Don't worry about the layoff. As the old saying goes, if I had as many sticking out of me as I had stuck in me I'd really be something to see. If I had to write a list of all the jobs I've had since I left SIU it would take some pages. I can only think of three or four that I left voluntarily in good graces. I've never returned to the same type of work in my whole "career". Don't worry, you'll do well. Odd-d

[FJ and G]

.

[Anonymous]

Dave:

I had a heck of a year back in 1997. In March of that year, my daughter was born. Talk about a high point in a lifetime! In September of that year, we bought our house & moved in. Talk about stressful! Two of the most stressful things a person can do, and we go and do them within 6 months of each other.

Then, in November 1997, I got laid off. Within 9 months, we end up going through 3 of the most stressful things. And the timing sucked, I mean, here I am with no job, a new house, a new daughter, and Christmas a month away. Luckily, when I got laid off, the company agreed to pay me through the end of the year on salary, plus they gave me 6 months of severance in the next year.

In January, I got a new job that I started in February. We're really loading up on the stress right?

But, when it was all over, my layoff turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I ended up working closer to home, which gave me more time with my family, and our bank account was fine.

So, you see, you never know what can happen.

Tony

[FJ and G]

.

[brianel027]

Well in summation, since I inadvertently started this, I'm touched by the support and kind comments both here, on the OGR forum and that have been emailed to me. I'm still trying to write back to everyone.

It's so easy when we are all cruising the Forums to get excited about this new train item and that new engine... to say it's good or bad, runs poorly, runs good... this or that juicy rumor... whatever. You sit there looking at words on a computer screen, see a name with the words and don't always remember or realize there is a real human being behind them. What is obvious to me now, is that maybe I'm not entirely alone. I suppose I already knew that, but we all sometimes take things for granted.

Which is (getting back to trains for a change for me) what makes this hobby great for us folks - even if our friends and family don't entirely understand it - it's a wonderful escape. And a whole lot more.

You all know what I'm talking about... when friends or family roll their eyes in disbelief wondering if there isn't something wrong with you?! They'll never know the joy of blowing a circuit board, burning out a smoke unit or a big massive derailment at the very back of the layout when you can't reach it. Well okay, that stuff isn't joy... but when everything works right, that's another story!!

I have an Uncle who is in the TCA. He's always ribbing me on how K-Line is junk. Of course, I know what he means... he's saying it in terms of investment/resale/collectible value. But what is junk to one is treasure to another. Much more importantly than any given train item being uncataloged or a limited production item, it takes some kind of emotional connection first - between people and some particular train item before it ever becomes worth anything monetarily. It's that emotional connection a lot of us have with the trains that makes this hobby worthwhile in many ways.

Obviously from what I read here, these strong feelings that many of us have over these trains of ours may also come from the fact that many of us have strong feelings on other things too. It's fair to say that folks who would offer advice on trains to anyone and everyone here on the internet must be a pretty darn caring bunch. Case proven here.

Nope, life ain't easy and that's for darn sure. I once had friends that were in the Peace Corp. and I got to hear some pretty depressing stories... there are folks in other corners of the World who have it far worse. But that doesn't make mine, yours, or anyone else's problems any easier either. It does put perspective on things. As Neil Young once sang "just because your problems are meaningless, doesn't make them go away."

I'm not out of the woods yet. But I'm trying to see the light ahead as an opening to the tunnel and not another on-coming train... time will tell.
And it's been mighty nice to hear from so many folks, many of whom are facing some tough times of their own too!!
Fleet621, you and I could have a club... it's called the human race... at least we're not alone in it.

Well, let it not be said that we train guys can't take a few minutes away from the usual topics of bashing MTH's lawsuits, or the newest K-Line rumour or the latest Lionel goofup (and I'm as guilty as anyone else) to care about real folks here on the Forum. As witnessed here over the past months, not everyone can afford to spend hundred's of dollars on a single train engine. As also witnessed here, it's not a necessary prerequisite either... to both enjoy the hobby and to also give a hoot and a toot about some of the other folks who are really into it.

Not much more I can say gang... Thanks! Really!

Okay, now everyone get back to the problems with FasTrack, the MTH lawsuits, overpriced Lionel stuff...
oh the heck with that crap... back to the fun (and escape) of running trains!

[Anonymous]

Brian & fleet621 just want to let you both know my thoughts & prays are with you both. Brian I am 5'6" too hang in there. fleet621 I work in a heavy truck shop ,my back has given me trouble for years.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46

[Anonymous]

I've sat here and read long enough now it's my turn to contribute.Brian I know where your at right now is hard I've been out of work for 16 months with no hope of going back to work in the forseeable futureand no paycheck. I blew a disc in my back at work and had to have surgery which workers comp still hasn't paid for and now my doctor released me with a 50lb weight limit for the next 2mon and then he said I could go back to normal.I had a heart attack last August which the doctors think was attibuted to muscle spasms in my back contracting on the nerves to the back of my heart thank god for my wifes insureance.But then in december my company laid me off well I wasnt getting a paycheck anyway and the temporary layoff turned into a perminent layoff the week my doctor released me to go back to work in march because now I'm an Insurance liability which is the answer I get from anybody I applie to for work or I'm over Qualified or the fact that there is hardly any work in our area of MI.The only difference is I have a family to support my wife paychecks dont cut it we've gone through our savings and borrowed from freinds and family but I fear the end is near and I'm not sure how this will end yet we probably will be evicteted next month and lose her 2001 dodge.So now we are contemplating moving back to Las vegas because theres more work out there and the money is better. I'm just praying my lawyer can get something going with the insurance company about getting me back my paycheck and retraining me for a different kind of job.I used to be a heavy truck mechanic but the doctor says that the back to normal stuff doesnt include heavy truck work so hopefully something happens soon.Like I said I'm kinda in your shoes but please don't do any thing crazy which is something I have to keep reminding myself all the time too.I really belive deep down that we will both get through this bad patch and please if you ever need to talk about anything do not hesitate to email me with a good phone # and as long as I have my internet and my phone is still connected I'll call you ASAP OK! Sorry to everyone about running off at the keyboard but maybe I'm finally admitting that I need help to.[:(]

[Anonymous]

David:

Yep, Saratoga Springs, NY. Home of the Saratoga race track.

Tony

[FJ and G]

Tony,

Is that Saratoga Springs NY? My folks live up that way in Gloversville & Troy. I'll be up to visit this summer or fall, Brian, so send me an email and I'll stop by.

Dave

[Anonymous]

Brian:

As someone said, you don't need a wife & kids to be happy. Happiness comes from inside; believe me, having a wife won't make you any happier if you're not already comfortable & happy. Heck, there are times when having a wife will make you miserable!! [;)]

I agree with those that say you should try to start your own train manufacturing endeavor. I've seen articles on people who scratch build rolling stock & buildings and all kinds of stuff. Put your creativity to work for you & see what you can do!

I understand about the bill collectors & how it can make you depressed. I was once in a situation where I owed more money than I should have, about $20K, to various credit cards and other credit lines. Thankfully, I had a job & was able to work my way out of debt. At this point in my life, the only loan I have is the mortgage. If I could pay off $20K of debt, you can get yourself out of your situation. Just believe in yourself.

And, because I said it originally in Elliot's posting that got deleted, if it's close enough for you, check out that printing company in Saratoga Springs. It may not be office work, but it will pay the bills & get those collectors off your back. And there ain't nothing dishonorable or wrong with getting your hands dirty. Once the bill collectors are appeased, things will start to look brighter.

I'm going to call my brother-in-law tonight & find out the name of his company. If you're intrested, email me through my profile & I'll get back to you with the company name. It's shift work, and it requires you to work with ink, but at least it's a steady paychck.

Good luck

Tony

[FJ and G]

.

[Anonymous]

Yo! Brian!

You haven't answered any of my E-Mails! I was worried! Glad you're still
here! Especially after learning of things here. There really IS a light at the
end of the tunnel...and it's NOT a train! Keep on pluggin' away. Things
will eventually turn around. You have my moral support and that of my
better half. She helped me through many a rough time.

I really think you should try that one sugestion regarding contacting a
smaller train builder for possible employment or marketing assistance
for your ideas. They really are great. We have discussed this a few times
on the E-Mail side of things and we are definitely on the same page. I
wish I could help with the job thing but I'm retired and wouldn't know
where to direct you other than where others here have. If there is any-
thing else I can help with, though, please drop a line. You have friends
here. That's what friends are for.

[mpzpw3]

Brian, I don't know you very well, but I read your posts and replys. I know trains aren't everything, so if you need to talk to someone you don't know, e-mail me anytime.

[alton6]

WELL.............one might first consult with certain other mavericks, such as John Smith of Pecos River Brass (PRB) and even a few members of these forums, for their hobby business senarios and suggestions. Success can be had in manufacturing, we all know that. As my father used to say though, "It's not all beer and skittles!"

How about an after-market endeavor, where people donate threadbare o-27 stock to be updated and remarketed as more modern fare? Just a thought...

Welcome back, Agent027!

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

The[}:)] Doctor is in !!! Brian, One of our fellow posters stated it well, Start your own
train making!!! You seem to have the right idea, Now find someone with Some money
to invest in a venture like yours and go from there. Look at the folk that brought back
Marx Tinplate(but for adults) as a template to start with. Find someone who thinks like
you and press on! We are in need of good starter sets that parents can afford that give
good play value and don't have electronic junk that they don't need. I only have one
loco like that, A MTH SP Daylight 4449. So, Go for it!!! I can think of worse things to
make. Till My Next Missive, I Remain The Humble, Yet Strangely [}:)] Doctor!!!

[Big_Boy_4005]

Hey Brian, it's good to have you back, you gave us all a hell of a scare. On the one hand I'm sorry for for saying those things that set you off, but on the other hand, it was good that you said that stuff when you were among friends. There are a lot of good people around here who want to help you get through this.

Personally, I have been to the edge and back a few times in my life, and have learned that once you get things going again, all of those bad feelings fade. It takes time and hard work, but it can be done, and modern medicine can be very helpful along the way. Start slowly, take that low paying job, but keep looking.

In the future if you ever need to talk, EMAIL ME !!!!

Oh, and with regard to women, be careful what you wish for!!!! [swg]

[Anonymous]

Good advice, ChiefEagles, and Amen!

[ChiefEagles]

Getting married is not the secret to a good life. I'd learn to ignore those comments. Most of those women were raised like the women in "Mona Lisa Smiles". You have kids and you have kids and keep house and have kids and wait on husband. My son never had a steady girlfriend since high school. He is now 28 and suddenly this pretty NY Italian has moved in with him [yes a Yankee]. Do not really condone cohabitation but he is grown. Says they re getting married. If God has the right one for you, she will come along. If not, that is no bad thing. Have faith. God will provide, if you do have faith.

[Kooljock1]

Brian,

Look at it this way: I've got a wife, 3 kids, a job that keeps me hopping and tired 6 sometimes 7 days a week, AND I STILL HAVE NO SAVINGS!!!!

Seriously, have you ever thought of harnessing that bottomless passion you have to follow your dream? I'm a passionate guy myself, and I know that great success only comes when you're truly passionate about what you're doing.

Can't get a job with a train maker? BE a train maker! Don't like the current crop of starter sets? MAKE YOUR OWN!

Remember, Mike Wolf started out in his parents garage on a shoe string! You can do it too! And not only that, you can employ as many under-employed short guys as you want as your business expands!

You're a passionate guy Brian. Don't squander it! Follow your dream. Remember, most millionaires have failed miserably multiple times before finally making it. You can do this Brian. And when you do, I'll be first in line to buy a set for one of my kids!

Or me.

Jon [8D]

[brianel027]

Well gang, don't know what to say... I'm kind of blown away at all the nice comments and the overload of emails I've personally gotten.

Did I say I was having compter problems? No, I don't think I did... did I? I was just absolutely out of it.

I'm hardly out of the woods yet, but I keep hoping. The economy stinks and we all know it. The loss of US manufacturing and the white collar out-sourcing have put a real strain on remaining jobs. Employers see an opportunity to pay less than they have in decades, while still demanding 4-6 years of college and experience on top of that - all for $8.00 per hour. Believe me, I'm not joking... this is real. The days of an employer taking some time to train someone are over with and finished. They full expect for less money to hire some one who will sit down at the desk and do everthing right the very first time with not one single question asked. I know plenty of married couples with both folks working who fail to bring in 35K between the two ot them.


Being on the Forum (s) has been something of a lifesaver for me. I can talk trains til I'm blue in the face. It's a nice escape and I forget that I've been out of work for almost a year. This has never ever happened to me. Yeah, a lot of things are not going well right now.

Ironically gang, this is one of the big reasons I've always been such an outspoken voice for decent quality budget priced stater trains. I know many folks with kids who would love to get their kids a train set, but simply cannot afford $200 for one. they don't care about electronics, believe me - I know -I ask. They care about durability, play value and price... those are the top concerns.

Did have one very promising interview that offered me more money than I've ever been offered anywhere (even by one of our beloved train companies - who all don't pay so well, gang). I was excited and anxiously waiting... But I got the rejection letter that I was over-qualified. Usually it's the other way around... no college.

Anyways, I wish I hadn't said anything on Elliot's original post... I was in a moment of fighting off the usual bill collectors and dealing with some other problems. Also dealing with what to do with my expansive train collection. I've contacted a couple museums on the condition that the stuff would be guaranteed for display. Not exactly my best plan, but needs to be thought about.

Gang, go to your favorite search engine and do a search for "statistics on short men" or "short men statistics." I'm almost 50, not quite 5'6" and small framed. Yeah, I look a good 20 years younger than I should. But check those statistics... short men don't get married, don't have kids, and get paid much less than taller men. I know, I know, this sounds like a cop out. But I've been living it for years. Could never understand how I could leave one job and watch the next guy come in and make 10K more than I was for someone not as experienced - except that he was a foot taller.

For years, I took a portable layout to train shows and any event that would want a train display... no rope, no barrier. Any kid who waited a turn got to run the trains. It gave me a wonderful chance to find out what parents want, and to promote the hobby. Especially the idea of it being a family project. Mom's in particular were always impressed with my self-made stuff and the creativity that went into it. The SOLE reason I stopped doing these shows was I got sick of the women telling me things like:
"That's unbelievavble... you're not married? But you are so good with kids."
"How can you still be single? I don't believe that... look how these kids all take to you."

The final straw was the end of a long weekend where my friend and I had counted no less than 60 of these comments. Some of these women had actually turned down dates with me years earlier and now couldn't understand how I wasn't married. Anyways some woman who had been marveling at my layout told me "I had missed my ultimate calling in life if I wasn't a father with kids." I almost blew a gasket. I told her "I needed to get a date first" but that's not what I really wanted to say. Bet you guys can take a good guess!!! [censored]
I know my short height has a lot to do with it. I didn't know it then, but I've since seen the statistics.

IAnd i's just all hitting me right now... no wife, no kids, no job, no prospects, no savings now and an uncertain near future.

It's my problem. But I do want to thank all you guys for the kind notes. I may be kicking myself, but at least for the moment I am still kicking.
[banghead]

[Anonymous]

Relieved and glad. We all need friends at times and Brian you have many here. You have been a great help to me as I have started to travel travel the toy train tracks.

steve