Laid Off!!

[Double D]

Got back from vacation last night, and they were waiting for me and my partner in the office today at 7:00 am. "Thank you for 8 years of service, but please pack your things and don't come back"

Seems they want to consolodate offices and don't need any more "highly paid managers". Thankfully, they offered most of the staff a spot.

My partner and I started the company 8 years ago, and within a year we were approached by a Fortune 50 company with an offer we couldn't refuse. Things went well for 3 or 4 years, and we made them a nice return on their investment. But management shakeups above us in the past few years made changes that were starting to handcuff us. Now we were being told who we could work for, how much we could pay the staff, and how much we were expected to make every month. The result was that our best people and clients gradually decided to make other arrangements, and we were constantly trying to do more with less. We have been losing money for the past 9 months, so I guess the writing was on the wall.

I've been working continuously since I was 12, and never had this happen. Strange feeling.

But I see this as an opportunity. I had been growing fat, dumb and unhappy for the past couple years, so maybe this is the kick in the pants I needed. Just would have liked to have it done without being treated like a criminal.

I have a small fund set aside for just such an occurance, so the kids will still get fed for a while

So if anybody needs a mechanical engineer, cockpit monkey or boat driver until I get this all sorted out, please feel free to call Looks like I'll have the time

[whitey]

Damn Doug that sucks im sorry to hear that. Time to get Diana back to work so you can fish.

[Hatterized]

mister DD...sorry to hear such...just like America changes everyday...so does the workplace...so much for job security anymore...take the opportunity to enjoy your life...sounds like a professional in the trade as yourself will have many doors open up with better opportunities.

[Deep C]

Damn! That sucks... I had it happen a few times and no worse feeling. Mini was a baby of fourteen months old last time. Murray Bros went mostly clothing and gifts and catalog after a change of ownership. Us high priced fishing side of the store guys got the axe.
It sucked being thrust into that situation with a baby but you nailed it on the head... Not a sedt back... An opportunity....

I kicked my own lure company in gear. I had to take a job repoing furniture and appliances to keep a stream of cash flow while the new business got off the ground but it wasn't too long before things got good. I had worked for myself before so I knew the drill. What I do now certainly won't make me a wealthy man but getting laid off won't ever happen again...

Hang tight brother good will come of it...

[Green Machine]

That sucks. I am very sorry to hear that Doug. I really hope you find something soon.

[sportfishingusa]

good luck doug!! this economy is not doing anyone any justice at this time man!! go ahead and move on to bigger and better things!! you got this bro!!

Let start a charter business.. Take my boats! you can have em! make money with em. lol

Any time you want to FISh let me know!1 i am in!

[Avenger]

My partner and I started the company 8 years ago, and within a year we were approached by a Fortune 50 company with an offer we couldn't refuse.

We have been losing money for the past 9 months

Sounds like they did you a favor. Do you have a no-compete clasue in your contract? I'd open the same type of business, take all their customers and drive them under.

Seriously though, it's just the sound of a new door opening. Talented people like you get laid off and end up doing better afterwards. Ask any former IBM employee.

[Capt. Michael Mata]

Doug,

That really sucks. I guess you, Brian and I will be fishing alot this summer. Let me know if I can help, I will keep my ears open.

[preed]

sent you a pm...

[Flatdog]

Hang in there dude same this side of the pond anyone got work for this man???