Job loss and local economy...

**rachelMcK** · 04-30-2008, 09:56 AM

Not mine, but I live in a city which completely depends on the GM plant. Its the entirity of our local economy. DH and I both work in retail. If it goes down, the city goes down, which is pretty sad. A couple of month ago they laid off 1000 workers, i think there was about 200-300 a few months before that, and they got rid of the entire midnight shift. They just announced yesterday that they are laying off another 900 workers in the next few months and will probably lay off more after. The other local manufacturing companies that used to be here have already shut down. Its getting out of hand. DH and I are confused as to what to do. Since our jobs depend on the local economy, if they go down, we go down. DH is looking for an apprenticeship (he's half finished his plumbing hours), and I may go back to school (nursing or something). The whole thing is just kind of scary.

I watched the news last night, they said that Ontario, once the fore-runner of the Canadian economy, is now going to be a "have-not" province, relying on assistance from other provinces...this can't be good at all. The gas prices here are alreayd $1.20/L and they are forecasting $1.50/L by the end of the month.

I've never been one to give into the doom n' gloom of the media, but its starting to really freak me out, especially with all the student debt we have. Any one else feeling this?

**mmy2grls** · 04-30-2008, 11:13 AM

I hear you

Some of the plants in my town make stuff for the automotive companies, one plant layed some off, another is closing in a couple of months.

I work at home so I don't have to personally worry about jobs in my county but I do feel bad for all the families that are affected.

**AmyBoz** · 04-30-2008, 11:22 AM

Rachel, I think you are smart to think about going back to school to get your nursing degree. That is one job that will always be in demand, and furthering your education is always a good thing. Better to do it now while you are employed and can pay for school than to wait and have that option taken out of your hands.

**Pianolady** · 04-30-2008, 02:54 PM

IMO......The willingness to change is an important part of dealing with job loss or possible job loss, and it's always a good idea to be prepared instead of being retroactive. This can be a change of career or possibly even relocation. Although these things are never convenient, sometimes it's the difference between being unemployed or advancing one's career. Nursing will always be in demand, so going back to nursing school seems like a good idea to me!

**dolphin** · 04-30-2008, 04:23 PM

I think you're very smart to make plans for your future.

I believe it's only going to get worse for quite a while.

**ConnieD** · 04-30-2008, 04:58 PM

I soooo hear you!! I live just outside the "former" automotive capitol of Canada. I say "former" because with all the plants closing in the last few years (and more to come). Our local economy depends basically on all three....... GM, Ford and Chrysler.

Hubby works for Ford and his plant is set to close next spring. He's a tradesman (plumber/pipefitter) with higher seniority, so when the time comes he has "bumping" rights, but the whole economical outlook looks grim.......... The only good news is the recent agreement made with the CAW and Ford (to be ratified this weekend), so it looks like we don't have to worry about a strike......... which I'm VERY thankful for us personally.

I agree...... if you can, go back to school and get your nursing. My daughter just finished up her 2nd year university towards a BSc Hon. Biology, Minor in Chemistry. I told her to do something in the medical field because there'll always be a need.

Good luck with your decisions.......

**Michelle68** · 04-30-2008, 05:49 PM

As a nurse, I highly recommend it as a career. I really enjoy what I do and it's nie to know that there are so many jobs around in my field. Good luck, Rachel!

--Michelle