Bad luck day

[Todd McWilliam]

I got layed off today, this will really put a hamper in the hobby for me. I was building a new layout, and was so pumped about it. I hope I can find a good job again soon. Don't ya just love the economy? Looks like I will be with athearn bb for a while longer.[V][V]

[Anonymous]

No shame in Athearn BB.

There are many things to do without having to spend too much money. You can tweak and adjust what is already down until everything is perfect while planning your future acquistions.

Good luck in your job hunt.

[philnrunt]

Hunker down,Todd, and do what you can with what you have. Now might be the time to start collecting weeds to make trees, or gathering and sizing dirt and rocks for groundcover.
I hope it turns around for you, keep us posted on your search for a new job.

[Anonymous]

Thats weak man. Chin up, find the good in this. You'll have time to revamp plans and explore new ideas between now and whenever the new layout happens.

Good luck in finding a new job. [tup]

[brothaslide]

Todd,

I got laid off a few years back - It was a good thing. We moved, I started my own business - Life is good.

This will work out and you will get back to building that layout you have been dreaming of.

Good luck!

[Virginian]

I sympathize Todd. And while "all's well that ends well" is fine psychology, it feels like s**t when it happens. I would encourage you to go all out to find another, hopefully better, job, and when the going gets bleak the trains can definitely provide some needed escape.
I can't help wonder what's going to happen when they export the better jobs beyond a critical point. Maybe they have a plan to outsource customers too. They better.

[MisterBeasley]

So, Todd, what kind of work do you do and where do you live? No time like the present to start that "networking" stuff. Model Railroading demonstrates certain skills which employers look for - manual dexterity, craftsmanship, ability to plan and execute, familiarity with electronics, patience and perserverence.

[Anonymous]

Sorry to hear that Todd. How long have you work there? Is it temporary or indefinite? Is it common for your company have lay offs? Some companies lay off employees then call them back after a couple weeks just so they don't have to pay unemployment insurance. Then later, lay them off again.
Hang in there! I hope this turns out to be a good thing for you. Keep us updated.

[SilverSpike]

Todd,

I have been layed off more that once in the past and it does not feel good at all. But the one thing I learned from my expereince is that there are better opportunities waiting for you. When one door closes on you there are five more waiting to open up. Keep your chin up, bru***he dust off the old resume, get it updated, and start your new job search. I have changed my career path three times, so look at this experience as a new beginning. Better things are ahead.

In the mean time between interviews and job hunting, I like some of the ideas posted above for keeping your self busy. Remember the old saying about idle minds. I like the idea of going on a scenery hunt for dirt, rocks, trees, and such, and all for free!

Good luck!

Ryan

[twhite]

Todd: My sympathies to you, it's not a good feeling at all. I agree with some of the others though, you can spend your Model Railroading time tweaking what you've got--it's astonishing how many little projects you can find that you didn't know existed. As to the job market--depending on your line of work, just keep networking. Very often, one door is shut so that another one can open.
Best of luck to you,
Tom

[davekelly]

Todd,

Feel for ya. Currently in the same situation. Still looking. Although there are times that frustration rules, something will come up.

Dave

[selector]

I add my sympathy, Todd. I also second the networking idea above; that's where many find a whole new life (including a new job).

For times when you need to depressurize, may I suggest Aggro-trees? They are very inexpensive, but will take time to build in numbers that you will need if you have planned that type of layout. Great for stress reduction.

Also, I think you might have some time now to look critically at your overall layout. Perhaps you will find yourself modifying your approach with a sober second look....and that would turn out to be a bonus if the new way is better!!

I know you are bummed about the job loss. That definitely bites. With some good fortune and some good friends and leads, it will all be a closed chapter before long.

Final suggestion: if you have a significant and close partner (spouse?) don't forget that person. The 'other' feels it, too.

Take care.

-Crandell

[davekelly]

I agree with what Crandell says. My spouse (we've been married a whole 4 weeks now) has been extremely supportive, although I know she is just as frustrated and worried as I am about the situtation.

Tell you this much - as soon as I get my first paycheck she's getting a heck of great night out on the town for making this whole thing bearable.

[tatans]

No one can imagine the feeling of being laid off (not fired) unless it happens to you, I know saying it will get better ahead doesn't mean much eh? but it will, you do realize there are people out there that will have no idea whatsoever what you are experiencing or feeling, this is when your train hobby will help get you through a crap time, how about the guy with no interests but the bar scene, yikes. hang in there.

[Train 284]

QUOTE: Originally posted by HighIron2003ar

No shame in Athearn BB.

There are many things to do without having to spend too much money. You can tweak and adjust what is already down until everything is perfect while planning your future acquistions.

Good luck in your job hunt.

I agree, might as well right? Probably better sooner rather than later. Good luck on the job hunt!!

Matt [8D]

[BMRR]

Todd, I worked for A company 20 years. Then all of A sudden in 1999 they shut down. I didn't know what I was going to do after being there so long. One week later I went to work with an Aerospace Co. Now I think I got the best job in the world !!!! If they hadn't shut the doors I would still be in A job I hated. Some times Things do work out for the best. Good luck, hope you find A job soon.

Stan.

[mcouvillion]

Todd,

Keep your spirits up. I was let go in early December. I started immediately to make my "job" finding a job. After a couple of months, I found one (in early March) where I can work 4 10-hour days and I got a 20% salary increase. Now I have an extra day each weekend for trains, and some extra cash! Focus on what you do well and can provide an employer, and network, network, network. There are plenty of jobs out there, but you have to dig for them. Let everyone you know that you are looking and keep a positive attitude. You may be surprised at how lucky you are to be away from that last job!

Good Luck,

Mark C.

[sparkingbolt]

We all deal with dificulties in different ways. Personally, my interest in my hobbies was almost non existant until the problem of unemployment was addressed by becoming gainfully employed. But I learned that every crisis has a beginning and an end. I would have been less uptight had I realized that.

I had a supportive wife to help me through the tough time too. Everything everyone said above has full merit. Your wife wouldn't be behind you if you weren't a good man, and it's hard to keep a good man down.

If you can find an escape in your hobby and do stuff that is inexpensive, or outright free, well, share the techniques with us!

[ac4400fan]

Todd,It will come around bud,just think of this as a tranission, to a better opp,like the guy's say ,find that time,in finding, some great ideas, to share ,i was lucky ,i had my wife back me up in the 3 yrs i was off, work ,then me and my brother,came together,and we own one of the most buisyest ,shops in the valley,,sometimes,family,is the key ,,take care of yourself

carl.....[:o)][:)][:p][8D]

[Roadtrp]

Todd...

Take care. I know how tough it can be when it happens. My wife has worked for the University of Minnesota for the past 30 years. She recently found out that the University plans to close the college she works for in the next 1-2 years. At least we have time to prepare for it, and given the advance notice I'm sure my wife will be able to find something.

But it will mean giving up her "dream job" that she had spent her whole career working to get. She was the chief financial officer for the college she worked for, and her chances of getting a job like that again are pretty slim.

Hang in there.

I have to believe, for my sake as well as yours; that things like this work out.

[Todd McWilliam]

I'm a mortician, and The Funeral home is cutting back and hiring mortuary students, way cheaper. Since that show on HBO six feet under came out there is a flood of morticians. I enrolled back in college for summer session, and will retrain as an accountant. As far as model railroading,
I have 4 really nice BB locomotives to finish detailing. I only own one Kato, which I saved for for a long time. I love this hobby, and it always makes any s#$ty day better. Thanks for all the support guys

[canazar]

Well, I wont be as poetic as the others about getting laid off. Thats blows. Well, atleast you have a plan. And you have 4 to work on so thats cool. I wish you the best with your travels. Good job path as well, accountants are always needed.

Good luck
John k

[siberianmo]

Not a good time for you, but things WILL look better as you begin in earnest to do the things that MUST done - begin the job search.

All kinds of "wisdom" on this subject, and I'm no expert. But I'll tell you this - your hobby is a great relief, so stick with it! Just don't let it take away from your focus .... use it as a "pressure reliever."

Good luck to you and take to heart some of the responses you have received - really good advice in them. Just keep in mind that "advice" is just that - in the final analysis, YOU make the decisions in YOUR life.

See ya![tup]

[robengland]

There are three upsides I can see in your otherwise unpleasant situation:
1) MR makes a great escape
2) you'll have some spare time
3) everyone has a backlog - I bet you have plenty to go on with without spending a razoo. I can see redundancy coming. Maybe not this year but it'll come. I'm too old, experienced and expensive. They'll work out one day they can replace me with a workaholic young pup and minimise any resulting damage he does. So I reckon I have about 11 years worth of projects on the shelves downstairs, just in case.

Best of luck

[Anonymous]

Weathering your rolling stock might be an inexpensive way to pass the downtime and still be doing something on your railroad. If you don't already have the materials on hand, they're not too spendy and should go a long ways.

The possibility of a future layoff is why I've been hording undecs and decals for the past 18 mo., so I'd have something to do that if that pink slip comes.

Good luck with the job search Todd.