Well, at least I still have a job.

[j_garcia]

We have been having selective layoffs here, which has made things tense to say the least. It is good that what we do spans most industries, but unfortunately no industry is immune from the current problems. We had to take a 7% salary cut in order to prevent additional layoffs, which I think is quite fair. I should have no problem managing that, and I am happy to still have a job comparatively. That means I will likely put off any A/V purchases that I have been planning though.

 

[mperfct]

Sorry to hear about the pay cuts, but like you, I'm glad to hear you still have a job. Did they outline any plan to get you back to current salary after a period of time or anything of that sort?

 

[j_garcia]

They said they will keep it as short as possible. When sales pick up, salaries will go back to normal, which unfortunately is an unknown at this time. We have customers who are basically shutting down one week out of the month, so that represents almost a 25% cut in pay for those people if they don't have any vacation to use, so 7% seems pretty decent in comparison.

 

[markw]

That's a great way to look at things.

Things are tough all over and that pay cut sure beats no job at all.

Now, if these spoiled bastisches here in NJ could buy into that, we might be a bit happier. The State union workers are asked (told) to take two days off and asked to forgo a 3.5% raise and all hell breaks loose.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/03/corzine_granted_authority_to_o.html

Sure seems to beat layoffs to me...

 

[Midcow2]

Glad you still have a job.

I glad you didn't lose your job. Sorry about the pay cut. I thought the economy was turning around, but today the stock market doesn't look too good.

I have been kind-of-sort-of looking for another job, my the market is very bleak rigth now. Maybe retirement really is in the cards.

Take care,

MidCow2

 

[darien87]

We had layoffs at my company too. Those of us that are still around took a 10% paycut. In addition to that, they cut out a bonus program for new parts that usually netted me an extra $300 a month or so. The part that really kills me is that the bonus program was part of the negotiation when I asked for a raise at my last review. My boss said you can have X amount without the bonus, or X amount with the bonus. Of course, my salary was higher with the bonus. So now that they've taken away the bonus, it's basically a "double-whammy" in revenue loss for me.

But like you said, at least I still have a job. I've been looking around for weekend restaurant work and haven't been able to find any,

 

[jamie2112]

Hey there John glad you are still working. Things will get better buddy....

 

[jwenthold99]

bummer on the pay cut, but yes, still having a job is good.

I work as a project manager in construction, and we have been extremely busy bidding projects lately, so maybe things are starting to turn around! we can hope...

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Sorry to hear that John.

This is the first time I have seen the economy affect the Health Care field like this. I see clinicians being laid off and I have never seen that before.

 

[j_garcia]

We had layoffs at my company too. Those of us that are still around took a 10% paycut. In addition to that, they cut out a bonus program for new parts that usually netted me an extra $300 a month or so. The part that really kills me is that the bonus program was part of the negotiation when I asked for a raise at my last review. My boss said you can have X amount without the bonus, or X amount with the bonus. Of course, my salary was higher with the bonus. So now that they've taken away the bonus, it's basically a "double-whammy" in revenue loss for me.

But like you said, at least I still have a job. I've been looking around for weekend restaurant work and haven't been able to find any,

Wow, that sucks man. You can't really plan for things like that though; those are the kinds of things that you have to roll with the punches on. The "extra" job market isn't much better than the regular one, so good luck on that front.

 

[speakerman39]

Darn it John. Very sorry to hear about the pay cut. Glad that you did not lose your job though. Hopefully, things(sales) will pick up soon and get back to normal. Nationwide, we all are feeling the brunt of this weak economy we now live in. However, I do see a light at the end of the tunnel as things are not going to improve overnight. I believe that our country can solve this problem. It just may be a while before things get better. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Nemo128]

Now, if these spoiled bastisches here in NJ could buy into that, we might be a bit happier. The State union workers are asked (told) to take two days off and asked to forgo a 3.5% raise and all hell breaks loose.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/03/corzine_granted_authority_to_o.html

Sure seems to beat layoffs to me...

mark, I hear ya. This sense of entitlement that a lot of people maintain is a big part of the problem. I am, as I'm sure most of us are, glad to have my health and a wage to keep me going in these tough times.

j_garcia, glad you're still working and especially that you are being positive about the situation. We need more positive people these days.