[bptoo]

I've been working for a company as a contractor in the Silicon Valley for a little over two years. I took this job out of necessity when my last company, where I had been for many years folded. About six months ago I was told by one of the Dept Heads here that the company was bidding on a job with the Finnish government, and that if we didn't get it, this company would fold as well. So, these people invested countless man-hours, did exhaustive research, and spent 10 million dollars in bid proposals try to win the bid. Yesterday I was informed that we lost the bid to a Russian company. I forgot to mention that if we got the bid, it would have meant a full-time position for me. They really made it sound like our competition didn't stand a chance. I wasn't really concerned.

When the Dept Head told me what had happened yesterday, he also said that the layoffs would be coming very quickly, by today, Monday at the latest. When all is said and done, this will put about 2000 people out of work. When I lost my last job, I had to look for awhile to find this one, and took a cut in pay to come here. We tapped out our savings, and a few 401k's. Becuase money has been tighter, we haven't had the chance to replace our saving or the 401k funds. So, if I lose my job, it's going to devastate my family.

I've always been able to figure out a way to get us out of any trouble we've ever had. I'm nothing if not creative. But this time, I don't see an answer, and I'm scared to death. There are no jobs in either of my fields of work, and believe me I've checked everywhere. I feel helpless, useless, and like a total waste of space right now. I'll sit at my desk all day waiting for that call or visit from the Manager telling me, "Gee thanks, but...." It may be old-fashioned thinking, but I was always told that a Husband/Father was supposed to take care of his family. I guess that stuck with me, and I'm not feeling good about myself.

There is still an existing project that will go thru the end of next year, but it is ramping down. The good thing is, it's in the phases where it requires all of my types of skillsets. So, I guess there is an outside possibility they might keep me on, at least for awhile longer. But if it comes down to axing full-time employees or contractors, I'm pretty sure I know who will go, and that's understandable.

So, if you have any prayers, chants, mantras, lucky charms...anything, please send them my way. I'm going to need all the help I can get

bp

"The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get to work."

[heidu]

Oh Beep it sounds tough. Waiting and wondering is the worst part. Maybe you will get lucky because it sounds for the time being you are very necessary to them and if you can stay on till the end of the year maybe something will come up either for the company or you.

It may be old fashioned for a man to be the provider but I also think it is very respectable for you to feel that way. In today's society most need a two family income to make it and it's good that you accept your role in that. At the same time don't be too hard on yourself if you lose your job or don't get work right away again. Your family doesn't love you because you bring home a check and I have no doubt as a family you will be able to get thru whatever comes up.

You are not worthless, useless or a waste of space. You are someone who may be facing a big dissapointment and a challenge to find a new way to provide. I have every faith in you that you will not fail and you will not give up.

Sending everything I got your way and wishing the best for you and your family.
BIG GIGANTIC HUMONGOUS HUGE hugs for you my friend.
Heidu

The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.
John Ruskin

[Fuzzybear]

I am so sorry this is happening, beep. I can't begin to imagine how scary and depressing it must be for you But whatever happens, I and many others will be here for you and love you, and I truly believe you will get through this. You are totally not useless or a waste of space, you are wonderful. I'll keep you close in my thoughts and prayers. I have a special lucky charm teddybear too that I am christening with your name

I wish I had some advice to offer, I will talk to M and maybe he will have some ideas.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{bp}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Please take care,
Love,
Fuzzy

[heatherm]

{{{{{{{{{{{{Bp}}}}}}}}}}}}

Oh my...I know how hard it is on you. I was in a similar situation a couple years ago myself. One contract job was ending and I just had a newborn.....lady luck was on my side ....found another job - worked both for a couple weeks and am still with them.....I am sending her to you.

Look at the positive through all of this if you can.....you have specific skills that they need til next year. That gives you some time....in the meantime - network network network Call and email any and all clients, colleagues, former employers, friends, family. Tell them you want work So many times, as I am sure you know, is all from word of mouth.

What field are you in? I am in the IT field and if I can be of any help...please let me know. What is ironic is that my job is helping IT people find work in the IT field....now I am in Nova Scotia but I do have quite a few contacts. I also own my own business too and had a few clients on the west coast. Just let me know ok?

You will get through this....you have us cheering you on and I know things will work out.


Heather

"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change and the REALIST adjusts his sails." ~~~author unknown

[Willow]

((((((((((((BEEP)))))))))))))))
Let us know what happens... K? I'm praying for a window to open if a door shuts.

[ltlredvett]

bp....

I am sorry to hear the stress that you are going through. I have been laid off 3 times over the last five years, so I know what you are going through. And, like you, there is not many jobs in my field of work which certainly limits your choices.

This may create an opportunity for you to find something totally new and different. Be able to explore other options that you may have never thought of before.

I wish you the best of luck and hope that you land on your feet.

[mj14]

bp, you are in my thoughts and prayers today. And I have faith that you will land on your feet, no matter what. I know it is scary now, but it may just be the fates pointing you in a different direction. Unfortunately, those fates sometimes point you in a new direction with a swift kick to the derrier.

Take care, and know that you have lots and lots of folks pulling for you.

*hugs*
mj

[Peanut61]

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, (((Beep)))...

<font color=blue>HI FROM PEANUT</font color=blue>

[bptoo]

Thanks so much everyone for the kind words and the support. It's very comforting to have family at your finger tips.

I've been trying to stay buried in my work, and focus away from all the negative stuff. But it's hard. Everytime I go to the printer to pick something up, I have to wait for someone's resume to print...

Heather, I have two skills (or so I think). I'm a Mechanical/Architectural draftsperson. I use mostly a program called AutoCAD. And I'm also a Document/Quality Control Specialist. Anything at all you might be able to do, a new contact or whatever, would be greatly appreciated. Hugs!

Well, love to everyone. I'm gonna climb back under my desk and try to remain unnoticed...

sigh.

bp

"The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get to work."

[heatherm]

{{{{{{{Bp}}}}}}}

I will pm you my email address and you can send me your resume. I just worked with someone with drafting skills too and helped him find a job locally with a printing/publishing company...how ironic is that eh?

Stay strong hun. I will do whatever I can.


Heather

"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change and the REALIST adjusts his sails." ~~~author unknown

[Willow]

There are some jobs in Nashville listed for a person with experience in autocad. Here's the link: <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.CareerBuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.asp?strCrit=QID=A3846789532896;st=a;use=ALL;rawWords=autocad;TID=51458;BID=CLLK;CTY=Nashville;SID=TN;CID=US;ENR=YES;DTP=ALL;YDI=YES;IND=All;PDQ=All;JN=All;POY=NO;ETD=JTFT;ETD=JTPT;ETD=JTCT;ETD=JTIN;RE=ALL;MGT=DC;SUP=DC;FRE=30;CHL=AL;QS=sid_gatnt02;SS=NO&ch=AL&lr=cbga_tnt>A job for BPtoo?</A>

[Rapunzel]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{bp}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Sending prayers your way. It will work out for the best, one way or another. Who wouldn't want to keep you?


<font color=red>"Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing." -Harriet Braiker</font color=red>

[SeptemberMorn]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{BP}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} If I had a magic wand or could wiggle my nose, I would for you. All I can do is pray for you and your family and tell you this from experience:

<center>God doesn't close one door that He doesn't open another.

Everything happens for a good reason. </center>



<font color=blue>Don't die with your music still in you.</font color=blue>

[bptoo]

Hey Willow, Thank you so much for this! I will definitely check it out. When you said Nashville, the first thing I thought of was how much everyone in my family loves country music...

I'll let you know what I find out, and thanks again dear!

Love ya,
bp

"The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get to work."

[bptoo]

I survived the day without the axe falling. Depending on who I overheard, or talked to, or got an email from (see a trend forming here?), I'll either be let go on Monday, or be there thru the end of the year. No in between.

I've decided it's the weekend, I've earned the time off, and I'm NOT going to spend it stressing out over something I can't control. The wisdom to know the difference, right?

I'm so glad you all are here for me. Between you and my 3D family ( I read that somewhere here, I think it was my blonde bear), I feel very safe, for today. And I can only take them one at a time. 15 years of sobriety taught me that. I knew all that educatin' didn't go for nothin' .

Where is kv anyway? Enquiring minds want to know...

LTA,
bp

"The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get to work."

[Rapunzel]

Good for you, enjoy your weekend and you know where to find us if you need us.

<font color=red>"Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing." -Harriet Braiker</font color=red>

[inkblot]

I am hoping the best for you, BP! Fingers, legs, arms and toes crossed and saying prayers that things go well for you!

[heidu]

Somebody's got a good attitude!! Enjoy your weekend.
Hugs,
Heidu

The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.
John Ruskin

[Willow]

I would be soooooo happy if you got a job and moved near me my dear friend

Hey... maybe you would be here to see me play a song at the Bluebird Cafe!

[Sam]

((((((((((bptoo))))))))))

Boy! Can I ever relate to that. I've been there - done that - ahem, come to think of it, I'm still kinda there due to all those bills that piled up.

First things first though. The entire blame can be placed upon your parents. It's all their fault for it's not your fault you weren't born rich! I mean - it's the least they could have done. I tell my step mother it's her fault that I was born so dran good looking instead of rich - she simply asks me if I have looked in the mirrow lately. Such as it is ...

I worked at a wholesale grocer as a route saleman. I really loved the job, except that I had become to much like family and everyone enjoyed me coming, and as a result - I could never get away from them and so my days were always long.

The problem arose when the President of the company made changes that resulted in the loss of several of my customers. Finally, I was laid off due to that loss. He even cried when he told he was having to lay me off (I think I cried hardest- after I left).

Jobs here are hard to come by - even the bad ones, so it took me 2 years to finally get one that would allow me to actually pay my bills and remain at home. It was always important that I stay here - more of a sense of loyality to them, because they had raise dme and seen me through school.

And to make matters worst - the company that laid me off, sent my 401K to me, instead of a bank, which cost me bigtime in pentalities - all because of their mistake. Had they sent it directly to the bank - it would have cost me nothing!

So here I am - scratching every dollar I can, spending it all on bills and trying to get the second mortage I had to get paid off. It's not easy and very stressful. Some days are hard to make through. I get this goal of getting out of debt in my mind, and most times even refuse to eat anything during the day. I drink coffee (I will spunge for coffee) and figure if I can save $5.00 a day at 5 days, that's $25.00 a week - $100.00 a month - $1200.00 a year ... yipppee. One would think I'd be losing weight - must be that coffee?

So I know first-hand how tough it can be. One day I had several thousands in savings, and now - it's stressful just seeing the mail come.

I do send you my best wishes - will keep you in my thoughts, and hope that everything works out for you. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Your friend Sam



Anyone can say I love you, but actions speak louder than words.

[jac]

sam,

If you reinvest that as "qualified" money within a certain period of time then you will face no penalties. I work in the investment field and if you want more infor then just pm me

I will be more than happy to help.

jac

bp--
sorry did not mean to exclude you. I know things are rough-I know I am barely squeaking by and that really stinks.

[Sam]

Hi (((((jac)))))

Thanks for the tip. The thing is - that was 2 years ago so I'm not sure I could do anything about it now. I sure wish I had known that then .. sighsss.

Your friend Sam

Anyone can say I love you, but actions speak louder than words.