Impending layoffs

**mommy4ever** · 09-26-2007, 09:13 AM

There is speculation, purely speculation that the company dh works for might have some layoffs in the future.

Ironically, this is due to the strong Canadian $$. I never realized that it would cause a problem

Just because the dollar is stong doesn't mean that the cost of living goes down, that things cost less. No one is lowering prices. So technically it costs MORE. Books are one simple example. US price $5.99 Canadian price $9.99. But $1=.9965CAD. So it's costing up MORE. I does mean it's cheaper to bring in from the US, but that hurts the local economy. GM just laid off 1200 employees for December

Potentially more.

Which leads to dh. Dh company is US owned. The employees there are being paid nearly 2x what the american employees are. This was ok a few years ago when the $ was at .63. So there is speculation they will pull out as it is too pricey to maintain the plant here, but all the staff is very specialized so it would really be an issue to start a new one elsewhere. Hopefully the US economy picks up and that will reduce the risk.

So dh is seeing the light. We are on a 1 year plan to tackle debt. Hopefully I can make enough progress soon, to keep him motivated. I hate that he has a 3 day weekend every week because he blows through money like water on those days. I really wish they'd go to a 5 day work week. Or he's complaining that we owe too much, or I"m doing something wrong and then he goes and spends more~!

In a few months, I'll be making nearly as much as him for take home..lol. How's that for a SAHM? Within a couple hundred, but he still doesn't see my income as significant. Yes, the gross isn't the same, but I don't pay any taxes up front, no premiums, etc. I pay at the end of they year and due to writeoffs I pay minimal. But he still doesn't see it.

Men are so headstrong!

**sdrjeolsen** · 09-26-2007, 09:31 AM

Sorry that you have that hanging over your head. I hope the economy picks up here too.

My dh is the same with blowing through money on his days off. It can be frustrating some times. His company is a bit unstable right now too, and it bothers me because we have the house now to pay for. They are actually up for sale because they haven't turned a profit in at least 2 years, their stock is less than half what it was at that time. It can get scary to think about sometimes....especially since we have 13-15 years till we see the expenses drop significantly, a lot can happen between now and then.

Thankfully, you have the skills to make it through if something did happen, and you have the support of those here. Also, one year will go by fast and before you know it you will have some breathing room finanacially.

Hopefully it will just stay in the speculation stage for the next year and hopefully longer. Good luck!

**PaulaMM** · 09-26-2007, 09:42 AM

I don't have any advice, just the prayer and hope for things to work out.

I'll echo the sentiment of the other poster: thank goodness you have the skills and means to supply income for your family in case the worst does come to pass.

((((Hugz))))

**mommy4ever** · 09-26-2007, 10:15 AM

It's just a stressful thing! This is the first job in 15 years that he's liked. That makes MY life easier, or it did. He's been complaining more and more about it. I'm going to have to put the bug in for him to keep his eyes open for a new opportunity. I realize that he won't want to, but if the ship sinks, he doesn't need to be there until the end. He needs to think of the family and what's best in the long run. I just hope it gets settled before long.

**daisymay1960** · 09-26-2007, 10:53 AM

Ironically, this is due to the strong Canadian $$. I never realized that it would cause a problem ............................................

It makes Canadian goods too expensive to export and foreign goods cheaper to import , and sadly people like to buy everything as cheap as possible , though in the long term the costs are high , lost jobs and hardship , and lost manufactoring skills countrywide.

here in the UK we have lost a lot of our manufactoring to cheap imports its not good

sorry off my soapbox now lol

and fingers crossed for you

**mommy4ever** · 09-26-2007, 11:05 AM

Yup, strong currency can work against you in terms of exporting, works with in terms of importing.

What's more important? Jobs or cheap goods?

**pammy** · 09-26-2007, 11:18 AM

Am hoping everything works out for you guys. And so glad you have a plan already, that's awesome!!!! Will say a prayer that everything goes in your favor, hang in there.

**leezza** · 09-26-2007, 02:34 PM

If I may suggest from my own experiences as of late......please put as much away into a savings account as you can. Even if you don't need it, it will make you feel more secure with it being there.

I know sometimes its hard to get guys to get on board, but it sounds like your hubby needs a sit down so he can realize whats going on....JMHO.

Good Luck,
leezza