Job related - What would you do?

**ebonykawai** · 12-08-2008, 12:02 PM

I need some help deciding what to do. I probably won't need to make a decision for a couple weeks. I'm 42, have 2 degrees, and am named on 2 patents as a co-inventor. I work as a chemical analyst in research and development, but I've also done quality control work here. The 'transition' is due to be complete by March 1st. I'm married with 2 kids (one is 18, one 12). We have a decent nest egg, so I'm not too worried about making the mortgage, which is pretty much our only debt. Anyway, here's what's up.

I work for Dupont and they are laying off at my plant. I have 10 years of service and am a member of the Steelworkers union. I don't think that I will lose my job, flat out, but I will lose my position. My possible choices are:

1. Not do anything and bid on whatever job is available to me. I'm almost certainly going to be making $3-5/hour less, and could very well be put onto 12-hour shifts, working midnights, then days, back and forth. I really don't want to work shifts. Been there, done that, thought I paid my dues already. Apparently not.

There's a possibility I'd get my old job back, but who knows when. It could be years.

2. Volunteer to be laid off. I'd get 14 weeks of severance and also unemployment. Maybe I'd find a job I really love, but in this economy, maybe not. I'd have a good 8 months to a year to find something, pretty much living with the same take home amount I have right now. I've never loved my job. It would be very refreshing to do something else, for a company I respected. But again, who knows?

3. Take a 10-week welding program, starting in January. This would be tough, as I'd be working 8 hours a day, then going to the class M-F from 5-10pm, but I'd be done right after the transition date, although since I don't know what I'm planning on doing anyway, maybe this wouldn't be that helpful. However, welding is a hot career in this area and welders are in short supply. The program has a 88-100% placement rate. It would definitely give me a boost in the desireability department.

4. Volunteer to take the layoff and then take the welding program.

5. Go buy a case of Jack Daniels and hide under my bed for 2009.

Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks for your help!

**Rebookie** · 12-08-2008, 12:49 PM

GO with what ever is financially the best.Even if you hate.

*looks at her post8

how much more depressing can y answer be?? I'm glad I don't work for a suicide hotline.

**mmy2grls** · 12-08-2008, 12:51 PM

Option 4 sounds great and you'll more than likely get a job you enjoy

Good luck in what you decide to do

**ebonykawai** · 12-08-2008, 01:13 PM

Thanks for the input. It's like all the choices are bad and I have to choose one. Gah.

**Dancing Lotus** · 12-08-2008, 01:55 PM

You say that if you take the layoff you will still have approximately the same income for an entire year. So no real change in lifestyle or danger of loosing your home. You could then take the welding course and most likely find a new job that you may enjoy more then your current one. IF it were me this is the option I would take.

**FrugalMomof3** · 12-08-2008, 02:56 PM

I love options #3 and #5.... do #3 then go directly to #5

I say take the layoff, get your severance AND unemployment, enjoy the time home, then when time for unemployment ends come near search for a new job or stash away you severance and use that when all else fails.

Seems to me you already have a great head on your shoulders and have been doing the right thing all along... I am sure you will choose the best option that suits you personally and financially.

**LastDragonfly** · 12-08-2008, 03:07 PM

I too say take 2 and try #5 at least twice! LOL

If your income won't change I'd take it. While you are unemployed you could still take the course you want to take. You wont lose your pay if you take another position will you? Will your health benefits remain? Get it all in writing.

Write down all the pros/cons and see what it looks like in black and white kwim?

**leezza** · 12-08-2008, 03:08 PM

Ebony,

3. Take a 10-week welding program, starting in January. This would be tough, as I'd be working 8 hours a day, then going to the class M-F from 5-10pm, but I'd be done right after the transition date, although since I don't know what I'm planning on doing anyway, maybe this wouldn't be that helpful. However, welding is a hot career in this area and welders are in short supply. The program has a 88-100% placement rate. It would definitely give me a boost in the desireability department.

*******************************************************************************

Since you are already a steel worker.....I say keep your job with a ready income and take the class. With welding under your belt there are oppurtunities open to you all over the country, you may not want to move right now but if you ever did this is a good field to have under your belt.

I wouldn't take the lay-off unless you really hate your job! With the economy the way it is right now finding something else may be dicey......You can always search for other jobs while you are working were you are.

Make sure to take all of you sick days and vacation days or see if you can get paid for them.

Does your Union offer apprentiship programs where you could take the welding classes for free and still get the welding certificate?

JMHO,
leezza

**Gardengal18** · 12-08-2008, 03:27 PM

I've never loved my job. It would be very refreshing to do something else, for a company I respected.

This about says it all. As long as the bills can be covered as you say they can, then do what you LOVE, the money will follow as they say.

**ebonykawai** · 12-08-2008, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by AnnK

You say that if you take the layoff you will still have approximately the same income for an entire year. So no real change in lifestyle or danger of loosing your home. You could then take the welding course and most likely find a new job that you may enjoy more then your current one. IF it were me this is the option I would take.

This is the one I'm leaning toward. Thanks so much, everyone, I really appreciate bouncing the ideas off other people. Choices can be so overwhelming.

**ebonykawai** · 12-08-2008, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by leezza

Ebony,

Does your Union offer apprentiship programs where you could take the welding classes for free and still get the welding certificate?

JMHO,
leezza

Hmmm. Very good question, I don't know. But I'll find out! I don't hate my present job, but I'll be losing that one. I do hate oscillating shifts, though, which is where I'm probably headed and what makes this decision so difficult. It's basically a choice between stability and mental/physical health. And that's sorta scary.

**Ilovesewing** · 12-08-2008, 07:06 PM

I was laid off from Monsanto 7 years ago, and it turned out to be a great thing! Are you sure you only get 14 weeks severance? That doesn't sound like much for ten years of employment. After all was said and done I ended up with about 9 months pay, received unemployment for a year, and ended up finding a new part-time job that I just love - with no commute!

If you like welding I say take the class and move in that direction. My ds is thinking of going into welding, and I know he loves it. I know it pays well!

If you don't voluntarily layoff, will the severance be there if they do non-voluntary layoffs later? If so, I would keep the job for now, take the welding class and see what happens. If not, and you really don't like your job, I would take the severance and the welding class and move on.

Good luck in your decision!

**rowdy35** · 12-08-2008, 11:50 PM

the good news is that it looks like you are out of debt from your signature line. therefore there is no need to panic ! Best of luck to you with your decision making.

**ebonykawai** · 12-09-2008, 09:36 AM

Yes, well the only debt we have is the mortgage. I'm not certain how much is left, but it was $87,000 11 years ago. We pay a little extra each month. So no, not really any debt to be worried about, and my frugality has greatly improved the amount we can save, which is great. I'm just afraid of making a wrong decision and ending up poor again. We worked so hard to be where we are, and now...

Dupont as a company really stinks, I hate to say. I only get one week of pay for each year of service. Everyone assumes Dupont is a great company to work for, but in reality it's been the WORST experience ever. I make a good wage, but that's about it. I'm not real sorry to say goodbye, so long as I get a decent paying job to replace it.

The union is still bargaining at this point, but the company announced this morning that more of us are due to ge the ax. It's pretty nerve wracking around here.

**lgw** · 12-15-2008, 02:15 PM

What are your degrees in? Would they provide you with other options? And are you sure that you want to be a welder? It can be a grueling career, and at 42, I'm not sure it's something you'd want to jump into. Can you build on either of your degrees?