I can feel it... I think I am getting laid off next week.

[SiberianDVM]

Good luck to you, led.

My GF and I are in the group that's about to be "furloughed", whatever that turns out to be. My job is supposedly "essential", so I have this sneaky feeling that I will be told to go to work no matter what, and they will probably get around to paying me sooner or later.

All in all, not very encouraging. ****** politicians.

[lowyder993s]

Do you feel you have enough experience or the desire to strike out on your own? This isn't the best of times to be starting a business; but a guy like you sounds like you have what it takes. Best of luck!

[J P Stein]

Originally Posted by ledhedsymbols

Thanks for the support and kind words everyone. I have only worked for the one outfit since getting out of the Navy five years ago. Nothing concrete has happened yet, and I have always know it is a possibility. I have never been "let go" so it is a weird feeling. I known this is how the industry works, which is why I am currently in school for process instrumentation and calibration, as well as having a couple irons in the fire at the Boeing plant in Everett. My wife is awesome and sees this as a total team effort. I'm sure it will all turn up in spades, fortune favors the prepared.

I went to work at Boeing in 1988 after about 25 years working various other places in several fields....all involved some type of construction.

A hard working, sharp cookie can thrive there. They have worked thru the boom/bust cycle here of late to eliminate it.....the last 10-15 years have been hire, not layoff. I started out as a boat builder in 1964 and ended up retiring from Boeing as a CMM operator in QC......good work if you can get it.
If you're looking for stability (and with small kids, who isn't), that's the spot around the NW. It would seem that they are looking for guys like you.

[ledhedsymbols]

I honestly don't think that am ready to strike out on my own. I just finished the apprenticeship, and don't have much experience doing the usual small shop work. Most of my time has been big industrial rather than tenant improvements and small works. I also would need an administrator's license, not too big of a deal, and a contractor license. Maybe in a few years, but not just yet.


I have to be honest, I'm a long time member her but don't post much. It never ceases to amaze me how supportive this little corner of the internet is in general. Sometimes a couple poopy-heads go at it, but on balance Pelican has to be one of the most kind-hearted, close knit, and generally helpful groups of people on the whole wide interwebs.

[Hard-Deck]

Thanks for your service Sailor. I have to tell you that without my wife I wouldn't be where I am in life either, and I'm glad you cherish that situation for yourself. Keep that mindset going and keep your head up and you'll be just fine.

[tweezers74]

oh gosh. I feel for you. I was laid off just the end of last year and it was horrible. I hope you don't find yourself in that situation.

[carambola]

so you are just turned out.

how many are sitting are sitting on the books ahead of you?

are you allowed to self represent?

how long do you think you will be out of work?

I saw 2010-2011 coming and hunkered down, went back to school and got, of all things, a nurse's license.
never lost my spot on the book. finally got a two weeker in dec/11. haven't sat a day since. show up sober, don't bull**** with everyone on the jobsite, lend a compassionate ear but repeat none of it, ignore the drama, above all else - be a consistent producer.

But i'm just a foreman in LU351.

[ledhedsymbols]

Yup, the ink is still wet on my JW ticket. I'm sure that's part of it too. Just how it happens. I'm the same pay-rate as someone with ten years more experience...

There were about 350 guys on the books last I checked which was right before the holidays. Calls are coming in, usually at least 10 or so a week. Work at the refineries in Bellingham has been steady, lots of data center work in Eastern Washington if I am willing to go that far (I am.) So it isn't dismal or anything, just kind of a weird feeling to feel like it's coming. I've only worked for one company in five years, and they have kept me steadily employed for all but a couple weeks here and there.

We can't self represent in our local. There is a possibility of a foreman call-out by name, but I don't see that happening. I'm working on the EPRI instrumentation certification, so that may open some doors in a couple months if I need it. I may be able to talk to a couple of non-union friends and see if their companies would have me knowing I would be working as a salt. .. Have to see how it rolls and make some phone calls

[carambola]

get certified as a welder

[ledhedsymbols]

Good advice! I'm working on instrumentation and after that PLCs. Welding is next. We have a handshake deal with the UA pipefitters JATC in town. We do the instrumentation course for them and we get welding for free.

[carambola]

realistically, get to know your BAs.
continue your labor walks
get involved with a campaign
love your family above all else

[notfarnow]

Good luck, one way or another. I was in the same boat 4 years ago, writing was pretty much on the wall... it was a terrifying few weeks waiting, and when I finally did get canned it was almost a relief. It was a tough time, I got my ass kicked pretty bad and we really struggled for a while, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me and I am very grateful for it.

No one will EVER lay me off again, I'll say that much.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Sucks and I certainly feel for you. I wish I could say that the anticipation and apprehension about a pending layoff is worse than actually being laid off but I can't - they're both equally crappy.

Have you considered going open shop? I personally favor the open shop guys rather than the union guys whenever I can (around here it's Local 103 and I can't stand dealing with them). Just curious - I know it's a deeply personal decision and there can be many variables. I wish you well and from what I've seen a good electrician usually won't sit idle for very long out if work - it's not like it was five years ago for sure but there's enough out there for most good and dedicated guys to find a place at the table to eat. All the best.

[ledhedsymbols]

I owe the local at least five years before I can consider it. If anything I would get the licensing and go contracting. I just don't feel like I have a good enough handle on the trade to do it on my own yet. Hopefully this is all me being paranoid, or maybe the super wanted to see if I might be willing to sit for a few weeks instead of taking a layoff.
I will be sure to report the results of the conversation on Wednesday.

[legion]

Originally Posted by carambola

get certified as a welder

I'm curious why you say this.

[ledhedsymbols]

Been chasing the superintendent since Wednesday. Finally caught up with him today, apparently he has been running a night crew this week. He said he has work coming up but is having trouble because it isn't needing people yet. He asked if I could hold on for one more week, and if he doesn't have something for me he will give me a layoff slip.

On the upside I think I have a good shot at getting an interview with Boeing for an electronics gig. Worst case I sign the union book and keep working on other jobs at the same time...Not what I was hoping for, but I guess I can wait another week. It isn't that big a deal in the grand scheme of things. I have a pile of old radios that need work, and a couple beautiful little girls that don't see enough of their daddy anyway.

[flipper35]

I was laid off a few years ago and it actually was a great opportunity. I stayed busy getting resumes out and keeping networked, but I also had time duing the week when everyone else was working to go to the lake with my daughter and fish and otherwise spend time with her and my wife. To top it off I got a better job with better pay within a few months. It was probably one of the least stressful times of my life even with the small amount of uncertainty. I knew the change was good when I was laid off and knew if I worked at it something right would come along. Sometimes this is what we need to kick us out of the rut and into a groove. Good luck, but it sounds like you have the right attitude to make the right things happen.

[tweezers74]

Ditto to the above. Laid off in November of last year, started a new job in January with a substantial raise. So cliché, but things happen for a reason. Keep us in the loop of what happens. We are here for you.

[carambola]

i don't know you, but i feel that i like you.

do yourself one favor

you've been working heavy, whether you realize it or not, join a gym to maintain yourself in your time off.

or do some calisthenics.

[scottmandue]

If all else fails seeing as you don't feel confident in your experience to step out on your own and start your own shop (BTDT by the way, worked in my dad's HVAC biz for ten years, it came down to either step out on my own or change direction).

Have you considered approaching some of the large electrical contractors in the area to see if they need a foreman?