Losing my job...

Thursday, an article was published stating that the company for which I work will be relocating its IT Services headquarters to Alpharetta, GA.

ThyssenKrupp to bring IT headquarters, jobs to Alpharetta | ajc.com

Yesterday, the CIO of our company sent out an email to our entire department stating that our data center will be moved to Alpharetta and there is a possibility that we will lose our jobs. (There was no emotion in the email, it almost seemed like they were attempting to rip the band-aid off quick)

The article states that they will be creating 110 jobs in GA, but what about the 35 jobs that will be lost here in Memphis and Dallas?

I'm sorry, this news has just ruined my weekend and I needed to vent a bit. I suppose when they lay me off, I will be moving to Dallas so my Fiance can finish up her masters in psychology at Argosy.

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Comments

hex_omega

Pretty shiotty company to let their employees find out from a news article. WHy wouldn't they make sure directly-affected employees know about this beforehand?

Monkerz

Your guess is as good as mine.

ehnde

How much time do you have? Maybe this is a good thing. Maybe you will find a better job with more pay.

eansdad

Did they even ask if you'd relocate? I know it might not be possible for you or others but still.

Bokeh

Dallas always has been a good IT market. Suburbs like Farmers Branch, Plano, Richardson, Lewisville always had good IT openings when I lived down there.

Don't know if it is still going on, but for many many years they used to have the 1st Sat computer sale in Dallas. Started at dusk on the first Friday evening of the month, and went all night long till about 11am Sat morning. Lots and lots of vendors from Dallas area, some came up from Houston and down from OKC. You could just wander the parking lots for hours picking up all kinds of goodies.

erpadmin

Listen, it sounds like a crappy deal, but there are plusses to this:

1) You may get a sweet severance package. Do you know what kind of severance you'll receive?

2) You will get unemployment immediately, because you were laid off through no fault of your own, and they are relocating more than 50 miles (or whatever that number is....but I'm sure it's relevant to your situation).

Between whatever severance and unemployment, you'll have time to find a job....if you were to find a job while collecting, then you get to keep most of your severance....that's a lot of money to spend in Memphis.....

Gotta think of the positives, man. Yes it sucks to lose a job, but you have opportunities. If there is no severance, then yeah, start hitting the job boards.

Monkerz

ehnde wrote: »

How much time do you have? Maybe this is a good thing. Maybe you will find a better job with more pay.

Our director is flying in next week to sit down with us and explain when this move will occur. We are thinking by the end of 2011. Hopefully this will give me enough time to grab my CCNP and throw my resume out in the job market.

eansdad wrote:

Did they even ask if you'd relocate? I know it might not be possible for you or others but still.

I guess we will know something next week. I know they are moving Exec's to ATL, but we are expendable. Besides, I have moved twice for this company and I have asked my fiance to put off her dreams so I could gain experience, twice. I done putting her dreams on the back burner. I suppose this made me open my eyes, if I kept on I would lose the one thing that means to most to me.

Bokeh wrote:

Dallas always has been a good IT market. Suburbs like Farmers Branch, Plano, Richardson, Lewisville always had good IT openings when I lived down there.

I hope so.

erpadmin wrote:

Listen, it sounds like a crappy deal, but there are plusses to this:

1) You may get a sweet severance package. Do you know what kind of severance you'll receive?

2) You will get unemployment immediately, because you were laid off through no fault of your own, and they are relocating more than 50 miles (or whatever that number is....but I'm sure it's relevant to your situation).

Between whatever severance and unemployment, you'll have time to find a job....if you were to find a job while collecting, then you get to keep most of your severance....that's a lot of money to spend in Memphis.....

Gotta think of the positives, man. Yes it sucks to lose a job, but you have opportunities. If there is no severance, then yeah, start hitting the job boards.

From what I have seen in the past with severance, severance pay is remainder of vacation left plus 1 week pay for each year you have been with the company. So I'd be looking at around 5k.

I'm just going to buckle down and get CCNP, gain the experience I can from this place and move on when the time comes.

Turgon

Monkerz wrote: »

Thursday, an article was published stating that the company for which I work will be relocating its IT Services headquarters to Alpharetta, GA.

ThyssenKrupp to bring IT headquarters, jobs to Alpharetta | ajc.com

Yesterday, the CIO of our company sent out an email to our entire department stating that our data center will be moved to Alpharetta and there is a possibility that we will lose our jobs. (There was no emotion in the email, it almost seemed like they were attempting to rip the band-aid off quick)

The article states that they will be creating 110 jobs in GA, but what about the 35 jobs that will be lost here in Memphis and Dallas?

I'm sorry, this news has just ruined my weekend and I needed to vent a bit. I suppose when they lay me off, I will be moving to Dallas so my Fiance can finish up her masters in psychology at Argosy.

Im sorry to hear about this. Unfortunately it's the nature of this business to run the risk of being shafted. A lot of companies keep this sort of news dark. I suggest you see what severance they are offering and also get some qualified external advice on that matter as well as your unemployment benefit options. It sounds like you are already resigned to not moving to Alpharetta assuming your job was to be transferred there so I would start hitting the boards now to see what job openings are available in the weeks ahead.

We will see a lot more of this sort of thing this year and many companies announce layoffs just after a holiday period so get your CV across to the agencies right now before the rest start hitting boards.

Good luck!

Turgon

Monkerz wrote: »

Thursday, an article was published stating that the company for which I work will be relocating its IT Services headquarters to Alpharetta, GA.

ThyssenKrupp to bring IT headquarters, jobs to Alpharetta | ajc.com

Yesterday, the CIO of our company sent out an email to our entire department stating that our data center will be moved to Alpharetta and there is a possibility that we will lose our jobs. (There was no emotion in the email, it almost seemed like they were attempting to rip the band-aid off quick)

The article states that they will be creating 110 jobs in GA, but what about the 35 jobs that will be lost here in Memphis and Dallas?

I'm sorry, this news has just ruined my weekend and I needed to vent a bit. I suppose when they lay me off, I will be moving to Dallas so my Fiance can finish up her masters in psychology at Argosy.

Im sorry to hear about this. Unfortunately it's the nature of this business to run the risk of being shafted. A lot of companies keep this sort of news dark. I suggest you see what severance they are offering and also get some qualified external advice on that matter as well as your unemployment benefit options. If you have a union representative talk to them. If not, seek advice elsewhere. It sounds like you are already resigned to not moving to Alpharetta assuming your job was to be transferred there so I would start hitting the boards now to see what job openings are available in the weeks ahead.

We will see a lot more of this sort of thing this year and many companies announce layoffs just after a holiday period so get your CV across to the agencies right now before the rest start hitting boards.

Good luck!

Turgon

Monkerz wrote: »

I guess we will know something next week. I know they are moving Exec's to ATL, but we are expendable. Besides, I have moved twice for this company and I have asked my fiance to put off her dreams so I could gain experience, twice. I done putting her dreams on the back burner. I suppose this made me open my eyes, if I kept on I would lose the one thing that means to most to me.

There is a school of thought that we are suppose to be some kind of nomadic migrant workforce that should just pack our bags and follow the money trail. Personally I think that's bullshit and part of the reason why we have these problems. It isn't 'the' reason but it's a prevailing philosophy that does nothing to prevent this from happening. People have homes and kids in school in their locale and sometimes old folks and sick members of family to look out for, as well as partners with ties locally and emotional connections to where they live. It's very difficult and sometimes futile to try and put a dollar value on all that because it's your life. Of course, the companies dont really care about any of that or if you can or cannot move because they have already prepared themselves to manage without you if it comes down to it.

Do what is right for you and your fiance at this time because you intend to make a go of it and stay together and most likely 10 years down the line you wont be with this company anyway if you choose to follow your job.

gosh1976

That sucks sorry to hear it. If given the opportunity to relocate and you consider it something to think about may be that Georgia State and Emory University are both known for having good Psychology departments where your wife could finish her masters. I suppose she would have to pay out-of-state tuition or wait a year to start. Doesn't sound like it's in the cards but I thought I would put it out there.

Mike-Mike

erpadmin wrote: »

Listen, it sounds like a crappy deal, but there are plusses to this:

1) You may get a sweet severance package. Do you know what kind of severance you'll receive?

2) You will get unemployment immediately, because you were laid off through no fault of your own, and they are relocating more than 50 miles (or whatever that number is....but I'm sure it's relevant to your situation).

.

I got laid off in much the same way as Monkerz is describing... different company and different industry, but yeah, pretty much a similar situation...

i did get a sweet package for leaving... and i got unemployment right away, I also got training approval to go back to school and not have to get a job while looking for unemployment...

another guy who got laid off who was in my school, the government paid for his school, books, and unemployment.... so make sure to check into everything you can

ehnde

Turgon wrote: »

There is a school of thought that we are suppose to be some kind of nomadic migrant workforce that should just pack our bags and follow the money trail. Personally I think that's bullshit and part of the reason why we have these problems. It isn't 'the' reason but it's a prevailing philosophy that does nothing to prevent this from happening. People have homes and kids in school in their locale and sometimes old folks and sick members of family to look out for, as well as partners with ties locally and emotional connections to where they live. It's very difficult and sometimes futile to try and put a dollar value on all that because it's your life. Of course, the companies dont really care about any of that or if you can or cannot move because they have already prepared themselves to manage without you if it comes down to it.

Do what is right for you and your fiance at this time because you intend to make a go of it and stay together and most likely 10 years down the line you wont be with this company anyway if you choose to follow your job.

I agree with you Turgon, but the days of working for the same company for 40 years are long gone for most of us. Monkerz has the right attitude - keep your eye on the next cert. Stagnation leads to unemployment.

Turgon

ehnde wrote: »

I agree with you Turgon, but the days of working for the same company for 40 years are long gone for most of us. Monkerz has the right attitude - keep your eye on the next cert. Stagnation leads to unemployment.

Those days went a long time ago that's for sure.

veritas_libertas

I'm sorry to hear this.

I guess we will know something next week. I know they are moving Exec's to ATL, but we are expendable. Besides, I have moved twice for this company and I have asked my fiance to put off her dreams so I could gain experience, twice. I done putting her dreams on the back burner. I suppose this made me open my eyes, if I kept on I would lose the one thing that means to most to me.

Good for you.

Hypntick

Well, I feel your pain there. Good luck on the move, there really is nothing worth staying in Memphis for as it is. I agree with everyone else that it's pretty crappy that you had to first find out from a news article. Perhaps it's for the best that you'll get out of here, I know since Hilton has laid off their entire IT staff (cough cough) that there is going to be some saturation going on for a little bit here as well.

On the other hand if you do decide to stay, there are jobs available. Unfortunately most are through contracting agencies. If you feel like looking here still and want any info on decent contracting people to speak with let me know, i've got a few contacts i've dealt with who have done me well. Good luck in whatever you do.

Monkerz

Thank you for the support guys. I am just going to go out and enjoy life, this weekend. I want to wait to hear what our managers say next week.

If it comes to it, I may start toying around on LinkedIn a bit more. I think I will have at least a year before I get the boot.

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/christopher-monk/21/2a7/b12

erpadmin

ehnde wrote: »

keep your eye on the next cert.

There's a difference between getting a cert because it's something you've been doing a while and you want to quantify/qualify your experience, and obtaining one because it could be your next meal ticket. With the mentality of the latter, we should all be studying for CCIEs. Even those new to IT who can't even spell "Cisco", let alone run a show command.

There is definitely value in keeping an eye out for the next cert, but keep an eye on the next cert that will not only help move your skillset up, but if you chase the wrong one, the chances for burn out will exponentially increase.

My point: Do a cert because you see yourself liking it as well as prove competence in the job you are looking for with that cert and you see yourself sticking around in your chosen field in IT for X amount of years...not because some magazine says it's the hottest thing this year.

Also, if IT is something you want to do, but the market in where you live, for lack of a better word, sucks, nothing is wrong with migrating to an area that you're comfortable with where the market is much better. I'm fortunate that I live in an area where the market is pretty good and the pay is above decent (cost of living notwithstanding).

za3bour

Sorry about this, my only advice being in the same boat in the past is to USE your free time available.

ehnde

erpadmin wrote: »

...not because some magazine says it's the hottest thing this year.

That needed to be said

It seems like every clown sitting in starbucks sipping a latte thinks he's a competent authority on the subject of where "the market" is "trending" in I.T.

These articles are really annoying when they're talking about your livelihood so casually and have no clue.

Turgon

ehnde wrote: »

That needed to be said It seems like every clown sitting in starbucks sipping a latte thinks he's a competent authority on the subject of where "the market" is "trending" in I.T.

These articles are really annoying when they're talking about your livelihood so casually and have no clue.

Don't get me started on Starbucks. I don't know how anyone can drink that over priced muck they try to pass off as decent coffee.

The point is taken though. No cert is a ticket to ride. It was in 1999 when the IT we take for granted today was a new thing. The money poured in and everyone got on the ride while companies, many of them new or young, took chances on relatively inexperienced people with new qualifications. It's a huge employer today and just about everyone is either already qualified or getting qualified in something. I recall a poster in 2001 saying 'We are the Steel Workers of the 21st Century' during the telco crash. Make your own assessments about what you need to do to differentiate yourself from the herd, keep in work, and when events take work away from you, find it again quickly.

To the OP you have your head screwed on. Im sure things will workout whatever happens and whatever you decide to do.

xenodamus

Hate to hear that, man. If you're right, and the move doesn't happen until the end of the year then at least you've got some lead time to figure things out. I actually toyed with the idea of moving to TX before I got my current job. I looked at the listings for a few cities over there, including Dallas, and there were always a good number of jobs posted. Your recent promotion will make a nice addition to your resume as well. Make the most of your down time and maybe this will open up the door to bigger and better things.

Monkerz

xenodamus wrote: »

Hate to hear that, man. If you're right, and the move doesn't happen until the end of the year then at least you've got some lead time to figure things out. I actually toyed with the idea of moving to TX before I got my current job. I looked at the listings for a few cities over there, including Dallas, and there were always a good number of jobs posted. Your recent promotion will make a nice addition to your resume as well. Make the most of your down time and maybe this will open up the door to bigger and better things.

Thanks X, I'm actually updating my resume now and looking around on monster.com.

tpatt100

To be honest I am not sure pursuing a cert now will actually help. If you are looking for a job now I would focus on sitting down and documenting what your real skills are and finding the gaps in your knowledge and filling those gaps. Reason is you are going to need to start interviewing again and the stress that comes from looking for a job when you need one will need to be overcome with confidence in what you can provide your next employer.

N2IT

tpatt100 wrote: »

To be honest I am not sure pursuing a cert now will actually help. If you are looking for a job now I would focus on sitting down and documenting what your real skills are and finding the gaps in your knowledge and filling those gaps. Reason is you are going to need to start interviewing again and the stress that comes from looking for a job when you need one will need to be overcome with confidence in what you can provide your next employer.

+1

Certs are overrated IMO. They do help but your experience and willingness to want to work in the industry are you two biggest assets. Don't take away from them by holing up and certing.

Instead create multiple resumes and devise a game plan on how you are going to find another job.

N2IT

ehnde wrote: »

I agree with you Turgon, but the days of working for the same company for 40 years are long gone for most of us. Monkerz has the right attitude - keep your eye on the next cert. Stagnation leads to unemployment.

I personally think not applying and giving up leads to unemployment.

Turgon

N2IT wrote: »

I personally think not applying and giving up leads to unemployment.

Very true. Don't get hung up on certifications. Spend time researching job opportunities, getting your CV together and applying for jobs.

Mike-Mike

Turgon wrote: »

Don't get me started on Starbucks. I don't know how anyone can drink that over priced muck they try to pass off as decent coffee.
.

on another message board someone called it "mermaid juice" made me laugh, but not out loud

Plantwiz

Ok, you've had your little rant...

NOW -

erpadmin wrote: »

Listen, it sounds like a crappy deal, but there are plusses to this:

1) You may get a sweet severance package. Do you know what kind of severance you'll receive?

2) You will get unemployment immediately, because you were laid off through no fault of your own, and they are relocating more than 50 miles (or whatever that number is....but I'm sure it's relevant to your situation).

Between whatever severance and unemployment, you'll have time to find a job....if you were to find a job while collecting, then you get to keep most of your severance....that's a lot of money to spend in Memphis.....

Gotta think of the positives, man. Yes it sucks to lose a job, but you have opportunities. If there is no severance, then yeah, start hitting the job boards.

I agree with this 100%.

It's ok to be ticked, but life keeps moving, no job is secure, and you always take your skills with you, so take the positive out of this, consider it time for a change and make something better!

Monkerz

Just found out for sure we will be losing our jobs by April of 2012.

Severance is 3 months pay and 1 week for every year with the company. Plus unused vacation.

I am looking into the unemployment pay now. I have never filed for unemployment.