| Author | Message | ||
     Damnut |
Well here it is........ the writing on the wall Well I may be getting laid-off this week and I'm a little bummed. My company got bought out a couple of months ago by our competitor and they announced today that they are shutting down our new product line. The 3 systems that are already out in the field they are going to replace with their systems and that product line is dead. They also told us that the lay-off is going to be this week. This sucks as I LOVE MY JOB!!!!!! I have basically my dream job that lets me travel all over the place and they pay for it. I don't know if I am going to get hit this time but I know it's coming sooner or later. I can deal with this as I don't have a real SO or kids to worry about. It's just me. So here's the deal. They are giving those who get axed a good severance package. I am thinking that if I get it than I would like to go and travel around and check out a bunch of places that I have always wanted to see. Ireland, England and a bunch of Europe. I know it's not the best time to travel over there (cold) but I figure this would be the best time to do it in my life. I would be getting at least 8 weeks severance and that should last a while if I stretch it out. My buddy did it when he was going to school in London and said I could make it last a long time if I stayed in hostels and such. I'm thinking that I could see a lot in a couple of months. input anyone???  Hey it can be like the DaveS Taos story but with a human "Badwebbers needed to get Damnut across Europe" | ||
| Espcustoms |
I traveled around the UK and Europe for several months starting in December a few years back. Don't let the cold weather scare you. In fact, the lack of tourists made it much more enjoyable. Don't expect your money to stretch very far in the UK though even in hostels. I spent the same amount of money in 3 weeks in England and Scotland as I spent for the next 2 months traveling around Europe. The exchange rate to the Euro was more favorable back then though so it may be a wash these days. NO matter what you spend, it will be worth it. I still consider my time in the UK and Europe to be a turning point in my life. Sounds like it could be the same for you. | ||
| Toona |
Probably NOT what you want to hear, but isn't a severance pkg SUPPOSED to be used to get you by until your next job? If you already have something lined up, that's a different story. If you don't get "hit" this time, take the opportunity to make yourself invaluable to the new mgmt, so that they loose if you leave. | ||
| Khollister |
This may be the old guy perspective, but I think you need to assess your financial situation before making this decision. If you have enough living expenses saved to bridge you until you can land a new, similar paying gig, then you could certainly view the severance as a bonus vacation. I do not what your field is, but not even looking for a new job until 2-3 months after getting laid off might be viewed negatively by prospective employers. Whether this is the case depends, among other things, on how long you were at the previous job and your age. It is very difficult for anyone to give advice on something like this without a lot more information about your personal situation. In fact, I'm not sure I would even take such advice from someone I didn't know well and respect their opinion. Not that we aren't all a great bunch of folks :-) Keith | ||
| G234146 |
Disclaimer- I don't know your full economic situation i.e. bills, savings, etc. so I'm shootin' from the hip here: Take the $$$ and run. I've found that you rarely have a chance to take a long break, without the economic concern. In my opinion, this is an opportunity for you to take a chance and have that dream trip you describe. It will help clear your mind and give u invaluable memories. In my experience, there is always work to be done. U'll find a job soon enough. http://www.vagablogging.net/05-06/mens-journal-how -to-take-a-year-off.html Peace! | ||
| Djkaplan |
I got an outrageously good severance package after my last company got bought out. Being single with no family responsibilities and carrying very little debt, I used the money for an extended hiatus from work, but I didn't go on vacation anywhere. I joined a gym, started running, and got into the best shape of my life. I found out I was a pretty good runner and started competing in local 5ks. I made the podium at every race I entered and even won $75 for getting 2nd overall at a big event where I ran in front of hundreds of spectators. I read a book a week and I went to the movies almost everyday at matinee prices. I learned how to cook something other than spaghetti for the first time in my life and found out I had a knack for cooking and kind of enjoyed it. I started hanging out at a local brew pub and became friends with the barstool prophets there. I played trivia at the pub every Monday night and got introduced to a beautiful woman fresh out of grad school. It wasn't until we moved in together that I felt compelled to start working again. As it turns out, one of the barstool prophets (he owns a heavy freight manufacturing facility) got left high and dry by one of his engineers and he practically begged me to stop by and see if I could help - I've been working as his head of product development and engineering ever since. If that ain't serendipity, I don't know what is. The time I spent unemployed was one of the most fulfilling periods of my life... ever! | ||
| Damnut |
ok about my financial situation and my job. I will be ok if I take off for 2-3 months. Not a problem. Like I said I don't have any kids or a steady girlfriend. I don't have any major bills, mortgage, car payment, child support ect...... Now my job. I'm a tech support engineer and work for a company that makes test equipment for the semi-conductor industry. Basically my company builds machines that test silicon wafers for imperfections. My department makes equipment that tests harddrive disks for the uniformity of the magnetic recording layer before they get put into the actual harddrive. I install and repair these systems. I have been all over the US and a few places in the far east. I have only been to Portugal, France, Turkey and Amsterdam in Europe and would like to see all of it or least a good section. I basically had 2 jobs, this one for 5 years and I worked at Texas Instruments for 5 years before they closed down the facility. oh no I see a trend...... No I do not have something lined up already. I don't even know if I'm going to get whacked this time but I know it's coming. I still have a job for now. I am just thinking that I love to travel and I have always wanted to go backpack through Europe. This could be my only opportunity to do so. My company has about 200 employees, the company that bought has a more than 5000 employees. I know my company is a pretty much done for. How long do you think I have before they close us down completely? a year maybe two?? I feel for the people that I work with that have families. Some of them expressed that they are not in the position that I am in and can't afford to lose their job right now. And right before Christmas. Some of you may know the company that bought us, especially of you live in the bay area. KLA-Tencor | ||
| Pwnzor |
You could die tomorrow. Go to Australia. Enjoy yourself while you can, this could just as easily be a sign for you to make a big change in your life. Jump on it. Watch out for stingrays. | ||
| Iamike |
We had a guy at work that never went on vacation, just stayed home and saved his money. He was going to retire at 55 then he and the wife were going to travel the world. He had a severe stroke two months after retirement and his plans were over. If you get a chance to live - take it. | ||
| Phat_j |
amen........ if you get the chance, go..... but go somewhere warm..... | ||
| Slaughter |
If you can swing the time away - go for it. Doesn't sound like you have obligations. In the meantime: http://www.lmpeople.com/careers/search/search.asp Check Aeronautics Company in California. We're in a world of hurt for good IS/IT troops. Not a bad place to work, either. (Message edited by slaughter on December 04, 2006) | ||
| Damnut |
Thanks Slaughter but if I move from away from New England, which I'm thinking of doing as well, I'm probably going to move back to south Florida. | ||
| Slaughter |
Gotchya. | ||
| Frankfast |
If you go to Europe you should try to delay until June so you can go to the Isle of Man races. I've been to Daytona and this makes Daytona look like Nascar. Best racing anywhere and the beer is great. | ||
| Interest |
If you are looking into going overseas on abudget, I highly recommend Thailand. Their economy is fairly low, the Thai Baht is about 38 Baht to $1 US. You can go down into the islands and experience some of the most beautiful islands and stay in a bungalow onthe beach for around $15 per night. The Thai people genuinely like Americans also, because we are much more respectful than many European and Australian travelers. (And we aren't afraid to tip!) It's a great place right now. It used to be run by the Prime Minister who was trying to take power away from the King, but the people ousted him for Freedom. (Thai means "Free" in thai), and the country is the only country to never be colonized by another country. I highly recommend anyone who is looking to travel overseas to consider Thailand for your next excursion. Very inexpensive for a quality trip. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
I wish I had decisions such as yours to make. Take the trip. | ||
| Skyguy |
Take the Trip!!! TO many people wait until they are to old to have any fun. I traveled Europe doing private paragliding trips for the rich and famous so I actually made money going. However after the Euro it became to expensive to hang out there. Check out Costa Rica if you want to stretch you dollar and still see really cool stuff. Whatever you do have fun! Not to many people will ever get a similar opportunity. Oh and if you go to Thailand....... Watch out for the he shes!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Teddagreek |
You can call in your unemployment.. You don't even have to show anymore... They even do direct deposit. | ||
| Vegasbueller |
Take the trip! Sammie and I started this year and will work for it all next year to go to Egypt in 2008. I agree with the ones that say do it now because tomorrow, well it might just not be there! On another note.... my airline is going public in a few weeks. I worry much about the same buy out/layoff situation. Enjoy yourself and you have to keep us all posted right here. Nick | ||
| Dragon_slayer |
Oh this is easy. Short term thinking; live your dream! Long term thinking; be prepared for reality when you get back! Remember there are two sides to every coin. 9 years ago I got laid off with 6 months pay. Ex's credit charges suck that away. Joined union and went back to work. Two months later a friend informed me that he could get me on a pro Indy car team (a dream of mine). Too late as I was committed to my course of action. Now a new friend maybe able to get me on a pro Nascar team but I am older and concerned about medical insurance (I am still in good health but noticing aging). Just remember life normally goes around in a big circle and you are the one who must decide where to stand on it. In the morning, only your feet goes into your shoes. (Yes, that is an original quote, and yes, I will place it on the quote thread!) | ||
| Dragon_slayer |
Oh and BTW, when people tell you tomorrow may never come, for most it does and harshly! It's your call and you must deal with your life, not most of us. Good luck and if you do go remember, WE WANT PICTURES AND DETAILS! | ||
| Thansesxb9rs |
Live life to the fullest and capitalize on any great opportunities that may come up in life. Taking few months off to just explore the world will never hurt you job wise. Just remember to live life for yourself and not the man!!!! I would love to just take off and travel the world, this could end up being a very good experience in your life. Just do it. Because once you get married you will not have this chance agian, just ask all the married folk. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
I hate to be a captain bring down, but I have been there. It didn't end so well... I got laid off the weekend before x-mas a few years ago. We didn't get severance pay, but I had been stockpiling cash because I knew this might come. Well I decided to take some time off (worked for a .com). Bad idea... Loved the time off, but the problems was everyone else in my industry was getting laid off. Jobs were scarce. The fact that I took time off looked REALLY BAD on my resume. It got to the point that I almost moved. Instead I was fortune enough to be able to start my own business. It puts food on the table, but the $ is not what I once had. If I were to do it again. I would line up a gig in a few weeks (maybe longer if you can get it). Get your ducks in a row then take a vacation. Now if your financial situation is such that you can afford to take a year off (savings+severance). I would take the trip, come back and train for the next perfect job. | ||
| Livnlo |
pack up your ride ship to destination and ride away you only live once and life is to short and all those other clechaise if you can do it you should | ||
| Espcustoms |
All this talk about financial responsibility is well and good, but let's give the guy some credit and assume he's capable of making a reasonable decision without a lecture. I say if you have a chance to travel, you take it! I'll second what Interest says about Thailand too. I could have stayed there forever. You can stretch your money a long long way, the people are amazing and the surroundings... paradise. Make sure to go to Ko Tao in the gulf and learn to Scuba dive (if you don't already). It's practically a religious experience. | ||
| Roadrailer |
The fact that I took time off looked REALLY BAD on my resume. This is an excellent point, and one that is almost never mentioned in threads like this. Huge gaps in your employment history throw up red flags in HR departments, and your explanation (if they believe it) of taking time off to travel sounds irresponsible to a lot of people. Right or wrong, that's the way it is. I'm not trying to discourage you from traveling, but do take a hard look at the potential long-term repurcussions of your decision. You may die tomorrow, or you may live to be 100. It would suck to spend years making up for a couple of months of fun. | ||
| Bomber |
I don't know of a hiring manager that would think badly of someone that took a break, if they were honest -- and if/when I meet him/her, I won't work for em breaks in employment can also be explained by doing consulting while looking for the perfect staff-member gig . . . . . work to live, not t'other way round | ||
| Court |
>>>>breaks in employment can also be explained by doing consulting while looking for the perfect staff-member gig . . . . .  | ||
| Damnut |
Thanks all!!! Your feedback has been great. The hammer is suppose come down tomorrow. People are saying that because I'm a traveling engineer that I am safe but you never know. I'll keep my fingers crossed........ | ||
| Red_chili |
Balance. Tomorrow may never come so live now, vs. tomorrow may come with a big price tag you didn't plan on paying. So go to Europe for half the time you'd dreamt of, and search for employment there! That is a gap that makes sense to HR, and it sounds like you were aggressively pursuing career options when given the chance. Then when you apply for THEIR job, tell them you took the trip partly as a dream and partly to learn about the IT (or whatever) business and companies on the other side of the pond, and want to bring that knowledge to your new position with them - and contribute to THEIR goals. The half of money you save, put in an IRA. You could put in a quarter to every dollar I do and end up ahead of me if you started now. Both/and, balanced, without looking 'for it all' in either. Got it from Ecclesiastes. (Message edited by Red_Chili on December 06, 2006) |
