I feel pretty good today. Sorry, it's long.

Oh Haha · 10:08 AM

As some of you know, I was told about three weeks ago that most of our business was sold to a friendly competitor. I had to work with the new owners in making the transition from us to them as seamless as possible. Ok, you might think that "it's just some vending machines, what's the big deal?" When you have built relationships with your customers and HR/purchasing people it IS a big deal as they have come to trust me that we are giving them great service.

I have been with this company for 18 years, starting out as a routeperson, moving with the company when they closed my branch in 1995, 2 marriages, 1 divorce, bought a house, had kids, etc. I fully planned to move up and retire one day but now that is all gone. ( I start with the new owners Monday but at an entry level position at 50% less than I was making. A gal that worked for me will now have more time than I.)

I did my best to make the transition work for everyone, keeping a positive attitude the entire time. At home, however, I was a mess. Any little thing would bug me and I was a real jerk to my wife and , in some ways, my kids. I envisioned losing all we had worked for these past years. I even offered the 911 to a friend, figuring the money in the bank would be better than the car. I still have it, BTW. I may get to keep it.

When Friday came, my manager was in town so we could take care of security passes, the car, and I filled him in on all that I could think of to help him continue to run the branch with the 4 emplyees left.

I honestly didn't feel this much anguish when I went through my divorce. I was pi$$ed at everything and everyone. My wife has been incredible through the whole process, however. We want her to be able to stay home with the kids until they start school full time. She could go back to work in HR without much problem but unless we absolutely need the money, we want to avoid that.

I bought a Pontiac Grand Prix to be my DD. 165,000 miles but it seems to run good and it is in good shape. I could have been forced to buy a real POS.

Yesterday, my wife made a deal to swap the BMW for a Montana minivan, even up.

When she asked what I thought about doing it, I simply told her "I don't even care, anymore. Do whatever you want with the wagon."

She did good. The van really is a nice vehicle and will cut our insurance close to 50% per month.

We were counting on getting a lump sum from my pension and 401 K but have been told we have to wait until at least June to be able to do anything. This cash was to go toward our 1 credit card that would be paid off with enough left over to bank. Now, we will have to get by until I can get some of my pension. We are not going to starve or lose our house at this point but I sure felt like I wasn't going to be able to support my family and that, I think, was getting to me the most.

I spent the morning today tinkering with our "new" cars, fixing small issues that will bug me and that was very good for me. I was able to reflect on my life and what I have in the privacy of the garage. I have a lot compared to others. My wife is awesome, my kids are healthy, and we have a home.

Thanks for reading/listening to my ramblings. (911rob-thank you again for your response to my post in the Ford SHO thread.)

If anything, I know there are other Pelicans that are without a job and may be going through bad times, to varying degrees. I may have a job come Monday but some of the same feelings might be shared with those folks. I hope this helps just one of those who may be feeling the same way.

I don't know what is going to happen with the new company but I have resolved to work for them just as I did for my old company. I may try to pick up some other work when the weather breaks. I can do most jobs that require labor and I don't mind getting dirty.

crustychief · crustychief's Garage

I am glad you are feeling better Wayne.. I am still looking for work, I have been selling off the kids' motorcycles. So far I have enough to last until June. Just applied for unemployment, I really didn't want to. But as far as being Happy? I am happy, same as you, awesome family and healthy.

pavulon · 02-15-2009, 11:22 AM

Do your best to keep your chin up and do a great job as (and you already know this) it is the only way that you will advance or get a good recommendation if you change employers. At times like these, keeping pay and effort separate is really tough but you're already showing that you can do it!!! A lot of people can't manage to do their best...even in good times.

911boost · 911boost's Garage

Good job hanging in there.

Back in 2000, my company was aquired, and then a year later we aquired a major National Competitor. Like you, I had worked my way up in the company, and was very high in our Minneapolis Branch. Once the chips fell, it looked like the competitor was going to manage the Minneapolis area, and the company wanted me to report to him.

My wife had a great job, but I was concerned for my future. Long story short, I transferred with the company to a new area, in Colorado. It took my wife a very long time to find work, and it was a rough couple of years.

Now, we couldn't be happier, and taking the pay cut and the move has worked out very well for me.

I also hear you on your purchase of older cars. My daily driver (during the winter, and snow months) is a 2004 Ford. I just sold my 2001 Tahoe, as it was needing a new transmission....

Bill

Seahawk · 02-15-2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oh Haha

My wife is awesome, my kids are healthy, and we have a home.

That's a true trifecta...if you can manage to attain that, you'll weather the storm, any storm.

I wish you and what is no doubt a great family all the best.

Paul

Jim Richards · 02-15-2009, 01:12 PM

+1

Wickd89 · 02-15-2009, 01:27 PM

Just want to say how proud I am of you. Your attitude will make all the difference.

As we all go through this tough period, the best we can do is work hard and try to help our businesses or companies succeed. If we say screw it, you can garrantee that you will be out the door first.

I pray every day that I have my job, and do everything to help my company succeed; because my job depends on it!

911Rob · 911Rob's Garage

Yes, I'm proud of you too Wayne, you're one of the most successful guys I know!
Good on ya!

Hard-Deck · 02-15-2009, 08:15 PM

Wayne, great job hanging in there. These are tough times and your character shows your true colors. I wish you and your family the best.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Wayne,

I know exactly how you feel as we have in in turmoil for a few years now. I left Ford after 11 years and tried to keep things stable for our family. Faced some serious health issues last year and came through fine but with a significant lifestyle change. These are very trying times and we all will have to make adjustments. We're turning in our leased Mazda CX7 in May and buying a used car for Beth to reduce our expenses and we're reducing expenses wherever we can, although we will NOT sell Helga as the car provide much-needed recreation all summer long. Keep your 911 and remember wht's really important (family, health, friends, etc...). Stay strong!!

RoninLB · 02-16-2009, 03:51 AM

A male needs a challenge and opportunity. Something in our brain scrambles when food and shelter is challenged for whatever reason. Me attempting to give advise in a trying time is bs. Former success happened for a reason and if I was to bet on a future outcome I'd bet on the one who has a history of winning.

thx for expressing what being a male is all about

kach22i · kach22i's Garage

Wayne, it's been tough for me too. I closed my office and have been working for very little money as contract services. I cashed in an IRA, will go to pay taxes, purchase a new rusty ride and provide a cash cushion, something I've not had in years.

Long term stress is a killer, we will both need our 911's this spring to calm down and relax.

I'm keeping the 911 for health reasons.

strupgolf · 02-16-2009, 05:52 AM

Sorry to hear all that, but you have most of everything in life that you need; family. I was in your position a year ago, 18 yrs and then out the door. But after a while, you start to spend less and somehow it works out. I take it your wife does not work(outside the house) which is one thing I had. I'm working for a lot less these days, but I'm enjoying it. I took the classes, got the certification and now I drive charter buses around the midwest. I love it. I might work 15 hour days for 4 days straight, but then have a week off. But its not really work, just seems that way. I'm at the age where I cant retire, but this job offers me the chance to work well past 65 if I want to, full or part time. Anyway, enough of me. Look to the family for all your strength and you will pull through. One door closes, another opens up.

Laneco · 02-16-2009, 06:24 AM

You're a class act, Wayne. Hang in there.

angela

fingpilot · 02-16-2009, 11:09 AM

If Wayne can make it in Michigan, there's hope for us in California.

I don't mean that flippantly, things are pretty bad out here, the only good thing at the moment is that it is raining.

onewhippedpuppy · 02-16-2009, 11:53 AM

Nothing like some time in the garage to get your head straight.

Like Ronin said, something goes a little nutty in a man's head when his ability to support his family is at risk. For me at least, it's a big self worth issue. But as I think you're finding, you make the cuts where you need to and make things work. Stay strong and cling to that family, they're the best thing in your life and nobody can take that away from you.

MRM · 02-16-2009, 01:08 PM

Wayne, there are few inviolable rules on this board. Among them include never insult our host and don't take Warren's name in vain.

To that I would add, you never need apologize for a long thread when you are reporting on a good day, especially after a long run of bad luck.

Best wishes to you and your family.

wcc · 02-16-2009, 05:43 PM

Hang in there Wayne! You have the foundation to make it through these rough times!

pwd72s · 02-16-2009, 06:23 PM

Now we know the REAL "Wayne's World"! Great way of looking at things, man!

Danimal16 · 02-17-2009, 06:00 AM

Wayne,

Thanks for sharing. AND STAY WHO YOU ARE. Your wife sounds like a real keeper, so take care of her and she will take care of you. I am sorry you are going through this but want you to know that as I have experienced, some changes do open paths to new and greater adventures, I mean it. Life goes on and in many cases it goes on in a far better place. Keep us posted and don't let it grind on you.