American Airlines Cuts - I'm freaking out

**Frugal Nurse** · 05-22-2008, 08:18 AM

BREATHE!!!!!!
BREATHE!!!!

worrying about something that hasn't happened- that you don't know is going to happen - that you have no control over is... well.... wasted energy.
You don't like to waste energy.. do you?

It's good that you use the stress of that knowledge to formulate 'Plan B' - but continue to plug along with 'Plan A' and be prepared for "plan B'.

This way, if the worse should occur- you're ready for it.

But it won't happen.

Now go clean! Burn off that energy! LOL!

**forHISglory** · 05-22-2008, 10:23 AM

Oh my...... So sorry to hear this, both for you and me. I know you must be close to the panic button right now, but stop and start making lists of what your next step(s) can be.

We are flying American this summer and now we have to pay $15 for any checked bags. I was going to check our bags because that's the only way we can get shampoo and other stuff with us. Can't bring that on a carry-on. I hate having to pay $15 just to have those with us. My problem is diddly compared to yours, however.

Just know that we care.

**Jamauk** · 05-22-2008, 10:50 AM

Thanks everyone! I feel much better after waking up this morning, having some coffee and just being able to relax a bit. So far no news with DH's company and we're pretty sure we'll hear something come down the pipe before any major announcements.

forHISglory - remember, you can always take up to 3 oz of fluid in plastic containers in ziploc bags on carry on - doesn't amount to much, but at least its something!

Emily Hope - my DH said he could always retire, too. We just have to figure out how to live on $12/month!

**codycarsonkinsey** · 05-22-2008, 05:59 PM

Hi-

I am somewhat new around here, but wanted to send good thoughts your way. Your post really caught my eye as we are also in the process of adopting and I saw your 100 good wishes quilt reference.

We are LID 6/15/06 for China and I can pretty much relate to where you are financially and otherwise. (Hubby is a general contractor- NOT the best business to be in right now!!!) It all seems to come at once sometimes, huh?

Hang in there, it WILL work out!

Amy

**sdrjeolsen** · 05-22-2008, 09:03 PM

Jessica,

Hope it all works out for you. Thankfully you have some advance warning of something that might happen...might, might not. We were in the same boat recently. Dh had about a 20% chance of keeping his job, The compnay kept on 4 people and let everyone else go when they were bought out....he was kept and got a promotion and raise to boot. We scrimped and saved planning for the worst....and fighting off bad thoughts, trying to keep the best in mind. It all worked out. But I understand the hitting close to home feeling. Good luck. Start planning now and maxamize every penny while you have the opportunity. Hopefully he will keep his job and it will just mean more money to build the house with!

**Jessesbride** · 05-23-2008, 09:46 AM

Life can get so hard sometimes, can't it?! Has he possibly thought about joining SkyWest Airlines? My brother in law works there & from what he's said in the past, they are the only airlines that haven't cut people from their force, plus they are constantly upgrading their pilots skills. Or whatabout the FAA? Apparently they have positions were you are actually checking the systems to make sure all in proper order? and you do a TON of flying. Just wondered if these are possibilities that your hubby has looked into. Hope this helps!!!

Kim

**Jamauk** · 05-23-2008, 09:49 AM

Thanks for the ideas - I'll have to mention the FAA to DH. He is looking into Washington State Patrol right now. Apparently they have airplanes in addition to helicopters. I had no idea!

**Jessesbride** · 05-23-2008, 09:59 AM

OH! Also... My BIL Chris is stationed out of Denver, CO but lives in Edmond, OK with his family. & he just stays with other pilots (& sometimes w/pilots & their families), so even if he got stationed elsewhere it's not always that big a deal. Keeping you all in my prayers!

Kim

**Jamauk** · 05-23-2008, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by Jessesbride

OH! Also... My BIL Chris is stationed out of Denver, CO but lives in Edmond, OK with his family. & he just stays with other pilots (& sometimes w/pilots & their families), so even if he got stationed elsewhere it's not always that big a deal. Keeping you all in my prayers!

Kim

Oooohhh, We know all about commuting! We live just outside of Seattle and DH is based in New York! Its a six hour commute!

**TheRootedNomad** · 05-23-2008, 01:40 PM

How about UPS??? (especially if something comes down in the fall when they start getting REALLY busy)

**Jamauk** · 05-23-2008, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by TheRootedNomad

How about UPS??? (especially if something comes down in the fall when they start getting REALLY busy)

AAAWWW, now you're going to make me cry! Getting a pilot position at UPS is super super difficult. You have to know the right people even to just get an interview. Well - about four years ago, DH knew the right person, an interview was offered and because his company was absolutely booming - we turned it down!!!!

(Kicking ourselves right now!!)

Everything happens for a reason, I guess!

**Didi** · 05-25-2008, 04:26 AM

Originally Posted by forHISglory

Oh my...... So sorry to hear this, both for you and me. I know you must be close to the panic button right now, but stop and start making lists of what your next step(s) can be.

We are flying American this summer and now we have to pay $15 for any checked bags. I was going to check our bags because that's the only way we can get shampoo and other stuff with us. Can't bring that on a carry-on. I hate having to pay $15 just to have those with us. My problem is diddly compared to yours, however.

Just know that we care.

I don't know if you like Lush, but they sell solid shampoo, solid deo, soap etc. I usually fly with handluggage only and I find their products very convenient and it's less likely that your bag/suitcase will get lost.

**Didi** · 05-25-2008, 04:36 AM

Jessica,

Unless your husband has been given notice, I would not switch employers because of the 'last in, first out' principle.

Rather, I would try to see what you can do right now:
live below your means
Create an emergency fund,
reduce your expenses (memberships, cycle more, make your own clothes/food etc.) and use that money for your EF.
check out what you can do ( I know you're a SAHM, but maybe your husband can be a SAHD while you work and he's in between jobs, or perhaps there are things you can do already).

Good luck & try to use your energy you now spend on worrying on something creative and rewarding!

**qtkitty** · 05-25-2008, 06:06 AM

*hugs* That has to be nerve racking seeing the job market become shakey. As Joe always says Plan for the worst hope for the best .. and you will always come out ahead.

Didi~ the last in first out policy doesn't always work... a lot of places will let go the people who are close to retiring first because they are older.. most often though they offer then a better retirement plan, but it saves them money because they can bring in new people for a lot less $.

**Didi** · 05-25-2008, 09:12 AM

(I know it's slightly different here, but still). The company I work is currently just hiring people on a 1 year contract (versus permanent contract). In case of economic problems the company will simply not give them another contract so these people 'flow away' naturally (so they're not fired as last in, first out... their contracts are not prolonged).

But in case you're confident that the last in, first out will not apply and that you will not get paid less / less benefits etc. (employers can now offer below the regular salaries) you can start looking for another employer.