Lost my job...

[Isaacm1986]

Well I finally got laid off today, what a bummer! I have been working construction for 6 years, and the company i worked for can no longer stay in business. I know jobs are extremely hard right now, especially for any sort of construction. I don't suppose anyone in washington state knows of a job? Well something will turn up for sure. Just puts the boat project on hold for a while.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Lost my job...

Well that sucks !!. Why not take up truck driving ?? I made a good living from it.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Lost my job...

So sorry to hear that. I hope something turns up for you. Things in construction should get better towards spring I would think. In the meantime brush up on the resume.

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: Lost my job...

Don't lose faith, and just keep charging up the hill!
Times are tough so you must be too.
I was off for a long time (to me) and landed a great job last October.
DRIVE ON!

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Lost my job...

Depending on what kind of construction look into redos,additions,small jobs.I have had to think outside the box a lot last year we changed our business model 4 times last year it was not easy but we are getting it done, good luck hope that helps.

 

[phwrd]

Re: Lost my job...

Man, I am sorry to hear about that.

My younger brother does carpenter work here in Florida, inside mostly, some decks, some docks.

Work is getting hard to come by for him, seems down here, the only think people what to renovate right now is the bath. Fortunately, he does really good drywall, tile and crown molding work.

I do computer programming, but keep thinking that I need to find something where I can be my own boss?Tired of dealing with too many chiefs and not enough Indians?most of them a few feathers short of a full bonnet.

Good Luck on hooking up somewhere.

 

[rbh]

Re: Lost my job...

Its never a good time to you lose your job, what kind of skills do you have.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Lost my job...

If you can concentrate on the less expensive parts, it may be a great time to kick the boat work into high gear. Depends on the savings balance, I guess. Tough times are a good time to look at the bright side of unemployment. Don't want to get burnt out before you begin.

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: Lost my job...

I've been a carpenter for over 10 yrs now and have been pretty much layed off since Aug. 08. I have picked up a number of side jobs to keep us going but I'm hoping that the spring brings better times. Somthing's gotta give.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Lost my job...

Take your skills and post them on Craigslist. At least maybe you can pick up some side jobs doing home repair and construction.
If you do be sure it is cash only.

As far as the truck driving suggestion unless you have experience and references don't bother with it.
That is what i fell back on after being out of work for nearly a year.Trucking companies are getting super picky and the pay scale is less than it was when i was driving back in the early 90's.

My neighbor does construction and home repair and has been really busy just from word of mouth.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Lost my job...

Trucking companies are getting super picky and the pay scale is less than it was when i was driving back in the early 90's.

Gary, Maybe down there it is. But up here things are just fine .

 

[Tubingluvr]

Re: Lost my job...

Welcome to the club Isaacm - keep sending out resumes and eventually something will turn up.
I spend about 1 to 2 hours a day on-line searching and emailing resumes out.
I got laid off from Waste Management at thanksgiving and probably have applied for around 70 positions so far.
Things are still pretty slow but there are a few skilled trades jobs out there.
Like has been said think outside the box, just because your a carpenter doesn't mean you have to work for a construction company.
Check your state gov. web site for possible openings, check with realtors and large property management companies(apartment communities).
And don't let up.....alot of people are agressive in their search at first but when nothing materializes they give up.

Keep on Keeping on!!

 

[Bucks45]

Re: Lost my job...

Sorry to hear that. Keep your head up, you'll find something.

 

[sprintst]

Re: Lost my job...

I'd also say to post an ad in local news/community paper. You may end up being your own boss. My neighbour started the same way a couple years back and is super busy now from word of mouth. He started out from a cheap community paper ad.

 

[PW2]

Re: Lost my job...

Construction will come back. People need places to live.

Probably not till the end of 2010, though.

It's always been a bit of a boom or bust profession, however.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Lost my job...

Gary, Maybe down there it is. But up here things are just fine .

Must be this area.I know the Carolina area is tough in the trucking industry right now.
Our unemployment rate is still around 11% so companies want drivers cheap.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Lost my job...

I've been a carpenter since Aug. 1977. I have NEVER fought for work like I have the last 2 years !!!!! I'm hoping this job that I checked into Tuesday comes through. It is 6-8 months worth of work !! (ALL inside) Another company, on the same job, has work until March 2011. Hoping to land one of them !!!!!

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: Lost my job...

Construction is full of bankruptcies all around.
It will slowly improve, but not to what it was a few years back.

You may need to move to wherever some new opportunity exists.

Good luck!

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: Lost my job...

Well yesterday landed a job chaging oil in a lube shop, I guess it is not glamourous, and it pays a lot less. but there is no shame in working to provide for my family. So i am thankful for anything i can get.

Thanks all for the encouraging words.

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: Lost my job...

Good on Ya!!