Real Life Adventures of Northern Kingdom Members

[Valandil]

This thread is for updating one another about what is going on in our Real Lives...

[Valandil]

As some of you know, I was laid off from my job fairly recently. In fact, I believe I got notice two months ago today.

This is nothing new for me. The economy has had its ups and downs in the 20 years since I finished college, and the construction industry in general, and my field specifically (architecture) are quite cyclical in nature. I was laid off a couple times before - in '91 and in '02. So - I'm far from panic mode. My boss even talked about possibly calling us back if and when the work picked back up (basically, all our projects started going indefinitely 'on hold'). I'm not counting on that though. I'm not sure my last firm will even be able to hang on, and if they ARE able to call some people back at some point, it might be a long wait until then.

Anyway - I'm getting resumes out to plenty of firms, but frankly nobody is hiring (in fact, about all the firms have had their own layoffs), so I don't expect to turn up much there. Still, I do it, because you never know when things might break, or which firm might suddenly land a major job and need the help.

Also - there are notices about government jobs. The application process is a real pain, but I'm applying for them anyway. If you get one of those, there's a lot more job security. Good benefits too.

But my most likely possibility comes from a bridge left unburned long ago. After my '91 layoff (May) things were really slow for me for about the next 2 1/2 years. I spent part of that - most of '92 - working part-time, as needed, for a Korean guy who had a very small firm. He was slow then, like everyone else, so at one point, he just didn't need me anymore.

I saw him around now and then. He contacted me in early 2000 or 2001 and wanted to take me to dinner. He asked about me coming to work for him, becoming a partner, and working toward a buy-out of the firm (over maybe a 5-year period). I don't think he was able to offer much though, and I had a good job then, so I declined (he never made a specific offer, but I told him how much I was making, and that I had health coverage - and I got the impression he wasn't able to match).

Again, we ran into each other a couple times in the intervening years. When I worked for him before, there were only a couple of us employees - both part-time. In between, especially the past 6-7 years, he had a run of good years, and had a staff of maybe 4-5, and had a good run. Anyway - I called him when this last layoff happened.

He's now in his late 60's, has again only a couple part-timers working for him - both of whom are students. He was letting the workflow slow down, and just doesn't want to work so hard anymore. He's not even drawing a salary, taking his Social Security instead. His plan had been to just close up the place at the end of the year.

So... we're talking. For the present, I am still officially unemployed, and I'm drawing unemployment compensation. I'm also doing a little freelance work for him, part-time, at a very low rate of pay (I'm able to make a certain amount and still get my unemployment). The total gives me enough to keep going. In fact, I don't even know how - but somehow - my bank account balance has stayed higher than usual (as a Christian, I attribute that to the Lord's help... not to minimize that aspect of it, but I'm probably also being more careful).

We haven't worked out details of a transition. I'll be talking with him soon about just HOW we might transition. He still likes the idea of the year-end for the when, so I'm envisioning somehow adjusting/modifying my status at each quarter of the year.

I'll keep you posted as things progress, but I might be operating my own firm at the beginning of 2010.

EDIT: Also - his office is not downtown. It's just about 2 1/2 miles west of me. Much easier to get to!

[Rian]

Whew! lots of things going on! I'm glad to hear you're holding steady financially.

[Gordis]

I had no idea you were having such serious problems, Val.

I hope all will turn better soon! Please, keep us updated....

[Duilin]

I hope everything works out. My sister is also an architect, and it definitely sounds like it's a pretty tough industry to be in right now (she's not lost her job yet, but a lot of her friends are out of work, and her firm's let go several people already).

[Voronwen]

May 18, 2009 11:55:07 GMT Valandil said:

As some of you know, I was laid off from my job fairly recently. In fact, I believe I got notice two months ago today.

I'm so sorry to hear this!!!

as a Christian

I'm a Christian, too - You & your family will be in my prayers.


This economy situation is just awful. My husband (a computer engineer) had temporary layoffs intermittently throughout the winter, as well, and my own seasonal job at a local museum has become even more seasonal So i completely understand.

Well... at least we have things like this place to take our minds off real life once in a while Although i know that doesn't make it any less difficult.

[Arassuil]

11+ years on...

I'm finally retired. Probably not in the best of financial health for it but I'll make do. May take some parttime roles as I see them, but not likely while this C19 bug is prevailing. Fortunately my wife works a good job and is secure with her employer. Anyway.... is anyone still around? Loved the stories you all wrote here.