Recession Victim - Again

[Tim Bateson]

Over the last few months my day-job has lost several business customers who folded & a couple more who just could no longer pay us - that has finally trickled down hill.

So for the 2nd time in 11 months, I'm unemployed. This time however, there was no severance package and no one standing in-line for my services - 21 years Oracle Database Administrator & IT Management.

Now I have a choice of eating and having a roof over my head for a couple more months or paying my taxes on April 15th. Guess which one I choose?

My laser business is surviving the recession, but it won't pay the bills. With the economic slowdown it takes care of it-self & that's about all. I would have to run that puppy 16 hours a day & at least 6 days a week to live off of it. Although I keep busy - I'm not even scratching at that level.

Sorry to complain - just needed to get it out.

Advice & job offers are welcome.

[JohnT Fitzgerald]

Hi Tim - I had to read your post a few times, and couldn't get past the 'shaking my head' phase. I hate to see people who WANT to work, unable to work. This economy really has taken its toll. I hope things pick up and turn around for you soon.

[Steven Wallace]

Tim, My day job is with Intel and I wish I could offer you some solace but I am afraid I may well be in your very same position. We are cutting 350 heads here in Arizona. I wish you the best as I have been in your position twice before. All I can say is that I have made it though both times. However, I am afraid this time could be a lot different. Best wishes to you and your family.

[Dave Johnson29]

So for the 2nd time in 11 months, I'm unemployed.

Bummer Tim, sorry to hear that. In the best interests of hearing of you continuing to eat...

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf

No accountant needed.

[Dee Gallo]

Tim,

I wish I had advice or a job offer for you. This is terrible, and I'm so sorry it happened to you. I hope your laser will be of some help at least, you never know.

best, dee

[Jim Finn]

One solution is what millions of people do ....move to where the jobs are. We have lots of work here in Texas although you may have to get your hands dirty. There are many other places in the USA with better work possibilities still and they are listed here:
Unemployment rates - Unemployment rates by state from CNNMoney

[Todd Schwartz]

Tim,

Sorry to hear about your layoff. I am sitting here today while a major computer company is laying off up to 6000 people. I work for a partner so does not directly effect me, but am seeing a lot of my friends end up in your position.

On a brighter note, are you able to relocate? I have two customers who were looking for Oracle admins, one I know is still trying to fill a Senior Admin position.

PM if you want names.

Todd

[Margaret Turco]

I'm so sorry Tim. No having a severance package is a really bad situation. I've been laid off twice due to companies closing their divisions here and I know how difficult it can be. I don't have any ideas for you either, but I wish you good luck in finding something soon.

[Dan Hintz]

I've been in that position three times, myself, possibly four if things don't turn around soon. The most recent hardship is due to the economy as a whole rather than poor leadership on the company's part, but that doesn't make it any easier to swallow. If anything, I'm ticked off at the greedy (and stupid) homeowners who bought too much house, and I'm PO'd at the banking industry that used predatory tactics to get those homeowners as well as relaxing their lending rules too much... at least if it was poor company decisions I could find another company to work for, but being global we're all SOL.

[Phyllis Meyer]

Sorry to hear about this Tim! I give you so much credit for talking about it, and I hope and pray that more folks will be able to do so. You are not alone, and communication is good. We are a family here and when one of us is hurting, we all do! You will be in our prayers!

Sincerely,
Phyllis

[Scott Shepherd]

Very sorry to hear that Tim. Best of luck trying to skip to the next chapter in your life. I'm sure you'll do just fine. Hang in there.

[Steve Clarkson]

What Scott said......I couldn't have said it better.

[Anthony Welch]

I'm sorry for your misfortune. We'll hope and pray things will turn around for you and your family.

Anthony and Amy

[Albert Nix]

Try to remember that after all is said and done God is in control. Pray for guidance and follow your heart. Diversification may the only way out for a lot of us. Good luck!!

[Phil Thien]

You are obviously a very smart guy. Have you considered applying for work with the FDIC? They need computer-savvy people. The downside is it requires extensive travel. The upside is, they are hiring.