I thought I'd update the OT crowd on my 2014 employment saga. Cliff's Notes - laid off in April after my employer was purchased by our primary competitor and my organization largely eliminated, considered moving to AZ, started my own specialty car business. In the event you're bored, my drama is documented here:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/807779-laid-off-today.html
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/825110-what-ive-been-up.html
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/829500-garage.html
As of Monday I'm happy to report that I'm again gainfully employed. Again in aerospace, but now at a smaller manufacturer of motors, fans, actuators, starter/generators, and other such gizmos. They are owned by a large aerospace consortium but have very independent P&L responsibility, so it's really the best of both worlds. My new role is a mix of engineering and sales, which is super appealing to me. On the surface it seems to draw in much of what I have enjoyed in past roles, and I love the company and the people.
Yes I'm keeping the car business, it will just be in a reduced capacity. I'm going to probably stick to buying and selling Porsches, as well as continuing to offer flat rate auction locating services. I'll likely turn 2-3 cars per month, currently incoming are a 2009 Cayman and 2010 Boxster.:cool:
It's been a damn hard year, but today I have a job that I'm excited about, a company that I'm excited about, the same pay that I had at my previous job, and my own profitable side business. So in the end, after a tough eight months, I'm better off.
Number one lesson learned from this experience - limit your liability. We were fortunate to only have a very reasonable 15 year fixed rate mortgage, significant equity, and a strong cash savings account, so we were well prepared to weather the storm. If we had car payments or other liabilities, it would have been very difficult. As a result of this experience, top priority is to pay off our house and stay debt free. If I had one bit of advice to offer, it would be to build up a cash savings account with approximately 6 months of living expenses then aggressively attack your debt until it is gone. True freedom is owing no one.
Anyway, great way to start 2015. Thanks to everyone for their help and support, you helped me through a tough time. This is a special place.
