regulator 0 #1 February 2, 2009 Just today two people in my department (IT) got laid off today. People are getting all stressed out and upset at possibly getting axed themselves. Then they looked over and me doing my job and appearantly unaffected by all of this and they asked me why I wasnt stressed out. Well the simple explanation to this is...I've had lots of jobs I didnt like before I got into a career I am good at. I've had at least 50 or more jobs in my life and I've been there before...getting laid off...getting fired....quitting cause someone pissed me off. I've ran the gamut and quite frankly I know that when I go home I've got my 2 weenie dogs with me and if I had to I could go get a gun from my dads house (he's got an assload) and go hunt for and kill my food if necessary. I know that life isnt always on your side and I dont understand that family of people in California that lost their jobs and suddenly they decide its best to shoot the kids in the dome and kill themselves...give me a fucking break! Go do what everyone else does and find another job. Personally there are no jobs beneath me. If I HAVE To I'd clean toilets to make sure my family had something to eat. My girlfriend has had the same job for over 20 years and now the company she is working for is laying off 5,000 people worldwide and 500 people at her location. (Its quite large). So lets do a poll...how many jobs have YOU had in your lifetime...can you beat 50 (or more) jobs in 39 years of life? Give me your input. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peej 0 #2 February 2, 2009 I can't speak to your situation over there as the crazy job loss thing hasn't hit us as badly just, except for in the mining sector. But i'd agree, if it came down to it i'd do anything to try and support myself and my kids, if i had any. I was having a chat with a friend the other day and we were watching a doccie on people who attempt to mule drugs through Thailand, etc and we were saying that there has to be another way out before you resort to that. I've been alive for 28 years and have only been working for nearly seven in my career and have had four jobs (not counting all the waitering i did back in the day). The Advertising industry has a fairly high rate of turnover and people often leave for better jobs after a year or two. Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #3 February 2, 2009 hrm... I don't know the exact number of different jobs I've had in my life but I have certainly do a variety of things to make money... I've worked as a ride operator and grounds keeper at an amusement park, I've laid sod (which is very hard work), I've been a line cook, Bus boy, diswasher (I've never been a server). I've been a Tutor, labratory technician, Graduate student (also not an easy job)... and with my current employer alone I've been a Failure analysis technician, Aircraft Structural engineer, full time graduate student, and Contract manager for electronic materials. (nevermind all the other little things that I've done periodically such as living in tents, shooting guns, driving 2.5 ton trucks and HMMWVs, etc...)Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #4 February 2, 2009 I'm not sure I'd consider the "getting fired" and "quitting because someone pissed me off" parts of your rant a point of pride. 50 jobs in 39 years (and I'm assuming that only 20ish of those years have been working years) is quite a few indeed. If you're working primarily as a short- to mid-term contractor, that's one thing, but if you've been through 39 employers as regular staff ... if I were looking at your resume to hire you it might make me say "hmm, how long could he possibly last here? Do I really want to invest in hiring this guy?" I agree that the flexibility to handle what life throws at you is a good trait, but not everyone is like that, and if you've been at a company for a long stretch of time it's difficult to face re-entering a job market that may be drastically different from the last time you were in it. Imagine not having looked for a job in 20 years. Last time you looked for a job, resumes were on paper, and internet job boards didn't exist. Most people haven't a clue how to look for a job, network, or market themselves, which adds an extra layer of stress to an already stressful situation. With 50 jobs in your career, you probably haven't been anywhere long enough to form any bonds with the people you work with - no wonder you have a "whatever" attitude about layoffs. For people who have been at a company for a long stretch of time, a big portion of their personal identity can be wrapped up in that job and that employer. They have built relationships and it sucks to have those severed by a layoff. While killing your family because of the stress is a rather extreme reaction and probably indicates some underlying mental health issues, your judgment of people who react differently to the stress of unemployment is a bit harsh. As for me, not counting part-time gigs in high school and college, I've worked for 8 different companies in a 15-year professional career. Two of those were short-term gigs that weren't a good fit, but all the others I've worked for at least a year. I've been through two layoffs, and they suck. One was from a company that wasn't a good fit to begin with, so it wasn't that heartbreaking, but still stressful to find the next gig in a recession (2001). The other was from a job that I really liked, and while I agreed that eliminating my position was the right decision for the business, it still sucked."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 35 #5 February 2, 2009 I've worked for 8 companies in 20 years, but some of them in multiple stints. CAD drafting isn't exactly a stable vocation. My dad? One job in 34 years before retiring as a chemical engineer. I think it's rare to see that these days. He went back to work for other companies in the same field part-time as a consultant a few years back and is 72 now."Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
regulator 0 #6 February 2, 2009 I have had a lot of contract jobs yes...and when I was in my early 20's and I didnt have my degree yet, there were a lot of jobs I didnt want from the start so I am definately NOT bragging...no point in that I'm just stating the obvious that you cant get so wrapped up with your career that you stop living after you lose your job. Just pick up your chin and I wll admit being around supportive people ALWAYS helps. My family and friends have always been there for me no matter who I was working for. I also beleive that the next 3 years are going to be huge the existance of humans in general. I just have always had the thought that my family came first and then my job. I like working and I like my job I have now but if I got laid off I'd just refesh my resume and get back to looking for another one. But I am NOT bragging about having so many jobs...and dont think I landed a 65,000 a year job by having 50 previous employers on my resume. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 8 #7 February 2, 2009 Quote (nevermind all the other little things that I've done periodically such as living in tents, shooting guns, driving 2.5 ton trucks and HMMVEEs, etc...) HMMWV Air Force I take it?"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrewEckhardt 0 #8 February 2, 2009 QuoteJust today two people in my department (IT) got laid off today. People are getting all stressed out and upset at possibly getting axed themselves. Before the 2001 recession, when my company was going down hill I quickly found another job with a pay raise. After when my next company crashed I spent $30,000 of my savings living until I got my next pay check doing temporary contracting work and then took an $8000 pay cut. While not entirely pleasant my living expenses were relatively low at the time and it was manageable. Now I have a disabled wife, live in a state with double the taxes, and have two step children in out of state colleges with their own apartments. The economy is in worse shape. When we had lay-offs I was a lot more concerned. QuoteIf I HAVE To I'd clean toilets to make sure my family had something to eat. I'd turn to squatting and poaching first. No point in being miserable all your waking hours. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #9 February 2, 2009 Quote Quote (nevermind all the other little things that I've done periodically such as living in tents, shooting guns, driving 2.5 ton trucks and HMMVEEs, etc...) HMMWV Air Force I take it? oops... I misspelled it... and yes... did the aircraft structural engineer give me away? Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheCaptain 2 #10 February 2, 2009 List of jobs held in my life Ceramic Caster for 1 year Burger flipper for 3 years Spot welder, shear operator, CNC mill operator, Press brake operator, CNC punch operator, Press brake lead, CNC mill programmer, CNC punch programmer 13 Years same company (was laid off for 6 months were I was a shear operator at another company) CNC programmer 2 months CNC programmer/ sales & quoting 9 years Tandem Instructor 5 years part time So total I have worked for 7 companies since my first job when I was 13Kirk He's dead Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GARYC24 3 #11 February 2, 2009 Just counting main (career jobs) since 1980. 8 different companies. Six of these places are no longer in buisness. Total jobs since High School: 17 Age: 49 Also, present job just lay-offed 3 engineers last Friday. Lots of doomsayers around. Work is slow and seems I'm lucky to still have a source of income. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 8 #12 February 2, 2009 no, the part about shooting guns, living in tents and driving LMTVs... the fact that I havnt met one chairforce guy who can spell HMMWV. "I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chiquita24 0 #13 February 2, 2009 I've had quite a few jobs too, but I've worked 2 jobs to makes ends meet most of the time. I started working when I was 15 and have had a job ever since. I worked at a grocery store for 5 1/2 years and made more money when I left there than I've been offered at any job with my degree plus I had the best benefits ever. After getting my degree, I worked at a couple different group home type settings with deliquent teenagers and found out that I really HATED it. Needless to say I didn't stay at those jobs for longer than 6 months and I realize that doesn't look so good. I moved to Mexico for a few years and worked Manifest and as a editor and now I'm home working in retail. Trying to get back into my field but not sure what I want to do. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
regulator 0 #14 February 2, 2009 Highly Mobile MultiWheeled Vehicle...I've got at 3 stuck in the mud and had 1 completely under water! But of course I wasnt in the Air Farce... I was 31F Signal Corps US Army 32nd ADA Batallion Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #15 February 2, 2009 Quote no, the part about shooting guns, living in tents and driving LMTVs... the fact that I havnt met one chairforce guy who can spell HMMWV. What can I say... I'd rather fly somewhere then drive... Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pokerstar 0 #16 February 2, 2009 I have been in Consumer Electronics for just over 30 years! (Yikes!) 13 with Circuit City (RIP) 2 w/ a Start-up Mobile Phone / Car Fi company in So Cal (6 stores) 15 with Best Buy. (Of course that 15 may end Feb 19 when they announce corporate layoffs)Fortunately, I'm adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug, uh, regimen to keep my mind, you know, uh, limber. --- The Dude --- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #17 February 2, 2009 ...all of 'em! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrophyHusband 0 #18 February 2, 2009 jobs that i had to fill out a W-4 for, i've had 7. i've now been a stay at home dad for a few years, so while i'm not nervous about losing my job, the idea of looking for a job seams kind of daunting, since i won't be going back into my old trade. "Your scrotum is quite nice" - Skymama www.kjandmegan.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kbordson 8 #19 February 2, 2009 Quote Quote no, the part about shooting guns, living in tents and driving LMTVs... the fact that I havnt met one chairforce guy who can spell HMMWV. What can I say... I'd rather fly somewhere then drive... Ditto. Me. I've had 4 jobs. Student Nurse for Red Cross (2 years) Labor and Delivery Nurse in Air Force (4.5yrs) Resident Physician in OB/Gyn (4yrs) Practicing Physician OB/Gyn (2.5yrs) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iluvtofly 0 #20 February 3, 2009 Let's see...I'm 24 now...been working since I was 15...In those 9 years I've had 7 jobs. Some of them overlap (such as packing during the summer on top of my regular full-time job). I'm currently in the hunt for a new job but that's due to relocation. I'm not that picky, I'm looking at everything from waitressing to something in terms of a career. I just need to get the hell out of bum fuck Pennsyltucky. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SarahC07 0 #21 February 3, 2009 I've been working full/part time since I was ... 18. Current age: 23 Total Jobs (include part time): 6 Career Jobs (post college): 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #22 February 3, 2009 I am not that different than you regulator (though I have probably had half as many jobs as you have had). But I have been working in the IT world since the mid 80s and the longest I ever worked for a company was 4+ years (it happened twice) with the average only being about 12-18 months per company. Of course nobody wants to lose their job when they are not the ones initiating the termination, but I do have to laugh at some of the people who panic when faced with unemployment. I am sure I have not seen it all, but I feel like I have seen almost all the ways companies like to lay people off and so now when it happens I have that "been there done that" feeling. I have some sympathy for the younger generation in times like this because I know what it is like. I finished school in the early 80s just in time for one of the nasty recessions of our time. But sometimes tough times are what are required to bring people out of their comfort zones. We in the western world have become rather soft when it comes to living standards and lifestyles. The world is changing folks. Gone are the days of "a job for life with a generous pension". Those who are unwilling to adapt to this ever changing world will be left behind. We all need to become more entrepreneurial and do what we need to be proactive towards making ourselves and/or our products more marketable. Waiting for the government to create a job for you is NOT the way to move forward in these times. Carpe Diem. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnDeere 0 #23 February 3, 2009 Started working at age 13 now 29. Have had 7 jobs. When i was under the legal working age i worked with two uncle's in there companys on weekends and summers. When i turned 14 worked at Winn Dixie till i got out of high school then onto a fiber glass plant. Then changed trade's and became an automotive electonics tech. Then fell into running a constuction company. Now own my own company for the last 5 1/2 years. I hope i dont loose my current job. It would be had if not impossable to make up my income working for another company!Nothing opens like a Deere! You ignorant fool! Checks are for workers! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrewEckhardt 0 #24 February 3, 2009 Quote Corporations, bosses, and coworkers are not your friends. Some co-workers are. You share more in common with them than everyone but your spouse so they can be good friends. For all the rest on good days you're a (hopefully valuable) resource. On average days you're a threat who should have read _The Art of War_ (Sun Tzu) and _The Prince_ (Machiavelli). On bad days it's personal. You'd be better off heading to a bad part of town and being mugged because it would cost you a lot less. Quote Yor options are (1) Quit or (2) refuse to play the game. You go to work for a paycheck and that's it. When you're spending 38% of your waking hours (sleep 7 hours a night, only work 8 hours a day, only take a half hour break for lunch and commute fifteen minutes each way - it's a conservative lower bound) it's nice to get more than a pay check. While I'm aiming for an early (one friend just retired at 37) retirement without a pay cut, as long as I have to work to maintain an acceptable life style I wouldn't want to do it any other way. I like to invent and build complicated things. I like it a lot more than skydiving, but it's much more expensive when you want results. Fortunately there are venture capitalists who have the budget but not the aptitude. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #25 February 3, 2009 ..... I don't know, I have finished living it yet. or, did you mean, "so far"? (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
