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

[ledhedsymbols]

Kinda saw the writing on the wall. Work has been slowing down (I am a commercial electrician) and I haven't had work for a week or so. Talked the the superintendent/project manager today and I have a meeting Wednesday to discuss what work is coming up and "what's best for my family.". Don't know what else to say... Just a feeling I got during today's conversation. I think he was warming me up so it wouldn't be out of the blue next week. This was the year we were going to get my wife out of the workforce... Hope I'm just being paranoid.

[bivenator]

Fingers crossed for you, we(I) hope to get my wife to join the workforce.

[jwgn777]

I hope you don't loose you job. You should be prepared for something like this to happen in the back of your mind so as the shock of loosing you job isn't as bad. As a 31 year union auto tech for the city of NY we were not immune to getting laid off. And many times I was at the end of the plank with a sword behind my back. There should be work for an electrician out there at least there is in NYC. For some they say not enough work. When he says what's good for you and your family that would concern me. Perhaps He may just cut down your work.

[ledhedsymbols]

Thanks guys, I'm a union worker so I go sign the book and wait. I will try to get permission to salt and go work for someone else. I'm interested in working, not waiting around drinking coffee at the hall until unemployment runs out. Hall trash is what gives the rest of us a bad name. OTOH this would give me a chance to spend more time with the kids and get caught up on the never-ending list of projects. I also already have a couple applications pending at the Boeing plant to work as an electronics engineering tech, which is sort of an engineer's minion from what I have been told. It'll work out, I'm not stupid unskilled or lazy. No matter what I will land on my feet. I have to, two little girls think that their daddy can do anything and I would hate to let them down.

[herr_oberst]

You won't let'em down! Not your style.

[MotoSook]

Look into the pipeline companies or utilities. An electrician could bring skills to build upon and the work is very secure. You could apply to start out as a tech 1 or 2 level and quickly progress if you are good. They won't be looking for an electrician, but your electrician background may get you in as an Electrical and Controls tech or even a cathodic protection tech. You have to think possibilities and potential.

[carambola]

where is the project you are working on?

What is coming up in the pipeline?

Have you considered Traveling?

[ledhedsymbols]

Building a swimming pool in Snohomish WA. They brought in an apprentice to lower their composite labor rate. We have a school, a small water treatment plant, and a commercial building in the dirt right now. I also know that there are a number of really good wireman waiting to go to work on these jobs.

Thanks for the advice on pipeline work and traveling. If I could pack up the FAM and go it might be possible, but being gone for a long period of time is why I got out of the Navy and started doing this.


I just have to wait and see what comes of the meeting Wednesday. Once I know the score I can go from there. The wife and I will talk it over this weekend, and talk about our options.

[Baz]

You're a good man Led....hang in there - it will work out I'm sure. It always does....

Please keep us posted.

[Jim Bremner]

I got laid off this month My boss is an ass oh wait... that's me! Good men land on our feet. I have a few offers I'm fielding I'm sure that you'll find ork as a eletrician!

Jim

[911SauCy]

Tradesmen never parish

[Grog]

WE are building unit 2. A peaking plant, going to hire more staff. Not sure how many yet. It would be IBEW local 125. They hire though the company first, then go outside. you can keep an eye on the PGE (Portland General Electric) web site for jobs. PM me and I can keep you posted on the job openings.

[on2wheels52]

Originally Posted by 911SauCy

Tradesmen never parish

Lots of tradesmen go to church here.
Jim

[jcommin]

I am really sorry: don't get discouraged.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by jcommin

I am really sorry: don't get discouraged.

During my "corporate tenure", I saw many folks (some top performers) shown the door during downsizings/outsourcings etc. It sucks to go through it, but invariably they "landed on their feet" and all ended up just fine. Good luck Ledhed!!!

[johnsjmc]

My daughter is a union construction ,maintainence electrician. She,s been for about 12 years now.
She goes thru periods of layoff usually works 2-20 months on a job followed by 2-12 weeks unemployment. It,s the nature of the work.
She would like to find a plant maintanence job with a cut in pay but more routine /reliable work but hasn,t so far.

[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.

[mikesride]

Your a Navy vet (Thank you sir) with a trade to back him up. I think your the kind of guy that will pull through this situation. Good luck no matter what comes your way.

[vash]

best of luck!!

hopefully it all works out next week and they just send you to a different project. the union electricians stay fairly busy, but the foreman just laid off everyone at our project. they should be up and running soon. takes solid stones to run thru that cycle repeatedly.

my foreman, Bleyco Electric once told me..as an electrician it is wonderful to stand out. he got good at reading plan sheets and finding problems (change order work) and he got promoted very fast. the man is an animal. i hate argueing with him..electrical work is my weakness, and he usually hands me my ass..glad he is an honest man. his sons followed his footsteps..but dont really focus on plan sheets.

commercial electrical jobs are amazing. challenging to the nth degree, at least for me.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by ledhedsymbols

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.

Young man you have the walk of life figured out...there is nothing a committed man and woman can't accomplish. That and you have the right perspective.

Excuse me while I get the f outta the way...