Laid off....

245

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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 18,987
    edited September 2008
    Lasareath wrote: »
    I've been noticing Client's taking longer to pay me, I call them and they are waiting for checks from other people. These are clients that have paid me very quickly in the past.
    The same thing here Sal. I have been working for a company that has paid on time, every time for the past six years. They are now late and in the hole about 13K. When talking with my business friends around the country it seems this is now the norm.

    I apologize for getting a little off the topic BL. Back to your regularly scheduled program folks......
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited September 2008
    Biggest job interview so far I have tomorrow morning at 10am. This is my number 1 company and job choice and I've been preparing for this for days now. Basically, if they make an offer, whatever it is, I'm taking it.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited September 2008
    BaggedLancer wrote: »
    Biggest job interview so far I have tomorrow morning at 10am. This is my number 1 company and job choice and I've been preparing for this for days now. Basically, if they make an offer, whatever it is, I'm taking it.

    Good Luck man(kid:p). I'll be praying for ya.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited September 2008
    Hope the interview goes well, bagged!!
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
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  • wallstreet
    wallstreet Posts: 1,405
    edited September 2008
    Good luck bro. Don't forget to review those standard questions that always come up. What are your strengths/weaknesses, etc. What are 5 adjectives to describe you. That one always kills me.
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited September 2008
    Yea, I've been through quite a few interviews lately so I got that stuff hammered down. I've been reviewing the company, it's so big I'm totally lost :(
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  • brettw22
    brettw22 Posts: 7,624
    edited September 2008
    Go in there prepared to ask them questions about them. Not "what do y'all do here" type of stuff, but detailed things........they get off on that.

    I went on an interview and by way of browsing their website noticed that one of the National Sales Reps was the daughter of the company founder.......the guy just about bug eyed with surprise when I mentioned it because all the info was scattered all over their site......
    comment comment comment comment. bitchy.
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited October 2008
    I'd get bug eyed too if you mentioned my daughter...
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited October 2008
    Go get them Mark.
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    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited October 2008
    Got an offer today from a company I interviewed for 2 days ago. Gonna take some serious negotiations to consider it.
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  • ryanjoachim
    ryanjoachim Posts: 2,046
    edited October 2008
    I was working tech support for HP back in Febuary. Had JUST reached the end of my probationary period when a drunk driver pulled out in front of me from a side street on the highway.

    I hit him on his passenger side going about 30-40 mph. He had an old honda (all steel frame), versus my 2005 Saturn Ion 2 fiberglass...I had enough inertia to hit him, bounce off and the momentum made me slide into his car from the bounce.

    Long story short I lost the car, lost my job (couldn't commute to work anymore), sprained my back, neck, and as a result of a left shoulder sprain I also got tendonitis.

    I'm still looking for a job.

    Lots of luck to you!
    MrNightly wrote: »
    "Dr Dunn admitted that his research could also be interpreted as evidence that women are shallower than men. He said: "Let's face it - there's evidence to support it."
    mystik610 wrote: »
    Best Buy is for people who don't know any better. Magnolia is for people who don't know any better and have more money to spend.
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited October 2008
    I'm just trying to figure out why I'm getting offers for less money than I was making before. :(


    Damn economy.
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  • hockeyboy
    hockeyboy Posts: 1,428
    edited October 2008
    They just called a spending freeze at work. No new hires, no bonuses, no raises. At least our sales goal has spiraled to some level of reality.
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  • ryanjoachim
    ryanjoachim Posts: 2,046
    edited October 2008
    It's all about the economy, and what they think they can get you at.

    If you think you have a serious enough oportunity with them, take what they offer and sit on it a bit. With a company that big (based on your previous post) there should be some room later on to re-negociate your salary.

    Or ask for something to off-set the loss...stock options etc.
    MrNightly wrote: »
    "Dr Dunn admitted that his research could also be interpreted as evidence that women are shallower than men. He said: "Let's face it - there's evidence to support it."
    mystik610 wrote: »
    Best Buy is for people who don't know any better. Magnolia is for people who don't know any better and have more money to spend.
    My System:


    TV: SAMSUNG UN55B7000 55" 1080p LED HDTV
    HTPC: Chromecast w/ Plex Media Server. Media streamed from Media Server.
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited October 2008
    ryanjoachim wrote: »
    It's all about the economy, and what they think they can get you at.

    If you think you have a serious enough oportunity with them, take what they offer and sit on it a bit. With a company that big (based on your previous post) there should be some room later on to re-negociate your salary.

    Or ask for something to off-set the loss...stock options etc.

    This offer today was for a smaller company i interviewed for 2 days ago. 100 employees versus 140,000 employees.
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  • ryanjoachim
    ryanjoachim Posts: 2,046
    edited October 2008
    BaggedLancer wrote: »
    This offer today was for a smaller company i interviewed for 2 days ago. 100 employees versus 140,000 employees.

    Ah. It could be all they can afford, or it could be based on what they think your workload is going to average out to be.
    MrNightly wrote: »
    "Dr Dunn admitted that his research could also be interpreted as evidence that women are shallower than men. He said: "Let's face it - there's evidence to support it."
    mystik610 wrote: »
    Best Buy is for people who don't know any better. Magnolia is for people who don't know any better and have more money to spend.
    My System:


    TV: SAMSUNG UN55B7000 55" 1080p LED HDTV
    HTPC: Chromecast w/ Plex Media Server. Media streamed from Media Server.
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited October 2008
    And what's with this trend of trying to sell benefits as an excuse for low salaries? You can't spend benefits and they are all pretty much the same.
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  • ryanjoachim
    ryanjoachim Posts: 2,046
    edited October 2008
    With the big company, you said it would take around 4 months to get hired...is it the interview process that takes that long? Or is it a guarantee that after 4 months you'll get hired?
    MrNightly wrote: »
    "Dr Dunn admitted that his research could also be interpreted as evidence that women are shallower than men. He said: "Let's face it - there's evidence to support it."
    mystik610 wrote: »
    Best Buy is for people who don't know any better. Magnolia is for people who don't know any better and have more money to spend.
    My System:


    TV: SAMSUNG UN55B7000 55" 1080p LED HDTV
    HTPC: Chromecast w/ Plex Media Server. Media streamed from Media Server.
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited October 2008
    ryanjoachim wrote: »
    With the big company, you said it would take around 4 months to get hired...is it the interview process that takes that long? Or is it a guarantee that after 4 months you'll get hired?

    No, I'll know within 2-4 days if i get an offer. Takes 4 months for the security stuff and background investigations, etc.
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  • ryanjoachim
    ryanjoachim Posts: 2,046
    edited October 2008
    BaggedLancer wrote: »
    And what's with this trend of trying to sell benefits as an excuse for low salaries? You can't spend benefits and they are all pretty much the same.

    I know what you mean. I would LOVE to have a great benefits package if I ever use my benefits...

    Try telling them they can give you the basic benefits package for an extra 10k a year lol
    MrNightly wrote: »
    "Dr Dunn admitted that his research could also be interpreted as evidence that women are shallower than men. He said: "Let's face it - there's evidence to support it."
    mystik610 wrote: »
    Best Buy is for people who don't know any better. Magnolia is for people who don't know any better and have more money to spend.
    My System:


    TV: SAMSUNG UN55B7000 55" 1080p LED HDTV
    HTPC: Chromecast w/ Plex Media Server. Media streamed from Media Server.
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  • ryanjoachim
    ryanjoachim Posts: 2,046
    edited October 2008
    BaggedLancer wrote: »
    No, I'll know within 2-4 days if i get an offer. Takes 4 months for the security stuff and background investigations, etc.

    That's good. I know you're probably already planning on doing this, but I would sit on the first offer for long enough to get a feel for how the interview with the big company went.

    But you're probably already planning on doing something like that anyways
    MrNightly wrote: »
    "Dr Dunn admitted that his research could also be interpreted as evidence that women are shallower than men. He said: "Let's face it - there's evidence to support it."
    mystik610 wrote: »
    Best Buy is for people who don't know any better. Magnolia is for people who don't know any better and have more money to spend.
    My System:


    TV: SAMSUNG UN55B7000 55" 1080p LED HDTV
    HTPC: Chromecast w/ Plex Media Server. Media streamed from Media Server.
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited October 2008
    ryanjoachim wrote: »
    That's good. I know you're probably already planning on doing this, but I would sit on the first offer for long enough to get a feel for how the interview with the big company went.

    But you're probably already planning on doing something like that anyways

    Yep. I'm waiting it out as long as I can. If I don't hear from the big company I'm going for the little guy. I need a job now, not later.
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  • ryanjoachim
    ryanjoachim Posts: 2,046
    edited October 2008
    I hear ya. If nothing else the small company can be your launch pad. Get the experience you need, then use that in the future.

    Also, if a smaller company is hiring in todays market it could be that they have a strong financial backbone set up, and might have a lot of growing to do themselves. In which case you'll be in a great spot to move up and move forward with them.

    Just the silver lining if the big job falls through.
    MrNightly wrote: »
    "Dr Dunn admitted that his research could also be interpreted as evidence that women are shallower than men. He said: "Let's face it - there's evidence to support it."
    mystik610 wrote: »
    Best Buy is for people who don't know any better. Magnolia is for people who don't know any better and have more money to spend.
    My System:


    TV: SAMSUNG UN55B7000 55" 1080p LED HDTV
    HTPC: Chromecast w/ Plex Media Server. Media streamed from Media Server.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited October 2008
    Keeping my fingers crossed for you Mark!
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,663
    edited October 2008
    Good luck and best wishes on the job hunt.

    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • movtarget
    movtarget Posts: 125
    edited October 2008
    Good luck. I manage/hire in the IT field, and offers (from small and large companies) are not very negotiable these days, but I have given several of my star performers larger than usual raises this year, to ensure retention.

    Some non-monetary areas to negotiate the offer that they might have flexibility in:

    Flexibility in work arrangements: 4 day (long-day) weeks, or work from home 1 or more days per week after properly embedded in the job (gas/commute savings are real dollars)

    Additional vacation time: Extra week of vacation on top of their standard, especially for IT guys (late nights and long weekends are part of the job) R&R is very important

    A promise to do a salary review at 6 months - By then they will see the real value you provide, and may bump you up to retain

    Some things that may limit their options:

    Acquiring you through a recruiting agency: They are going to be paying 20% or so of your first year's salary to the recruiter

    Overdue raises for veteran workers due to the economy: You might be in a long line of either merit or promotional increases that are overdue

    Good Luck

    Movtarget
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  • dpljr
    dpljr Posts: 32
    edited October 2008
    Good luck to you in your search. I may be joining you out there by the end of the month! Don't feel any remorse about taking a job for less than you want while you search for something better, then leaving when you get what you want. If a company tries to lowball you they take that risk.
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  • jdhdiggs
    jdhdiggs Posts: 4,305
    edited October 2008
    ryanjoachim wrote: »
    Try telling them they can give you the basic benefits package for an extra 10k a year lol

    Might not be the worst idea.... ;)

    Oddly enough, this is exactly what my company does. The benifits absolutely suck compared to other places (no 401K match, $4k deductable on health, etc....) BUT they pay me significantly more than someone like Accenture would. With that extra $$$, you can buy your own benifits....

    Mark:

    How far are you willing to move? I'll keep my ears open and see if anything comes up.

    From your current options, I'd take the small company if you have any faith in yourself.
    There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited October 2008
    I'm taking the small company if the big one doesn't pan out into an offer. I'm still going to negotiate though, I need to get a place to live at some point.
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited October 2008
    Did some negotiating on the phone today.....everything is just a silly numbers game. This company definitely wants me as they have called twice since just a couple days ago. Their offer was a tad low and I basically laid out to her what it needs to get to in order to ignore my other "offers". The more I think about it, the more I want to take this job since it puts me right into the city(Boston). I'll be able to get a place to live and MAYBE(3.3% chance) I can get a social life and meet some new people.

    As much as I like the big company, the job would be in the sticks on a secure air force base, the opportunity to hang with a younger crowd wouldn't exist.

    Cons of job 1:

    Smaller Company
    No matching 401k(who gives a **** right now anyway, not worth much)
    Limited resources
    $5k for college tuition(very important to me)

    Pros of job 1:

    Flexible hours(come in between 730 and 930 they told me)
    20 Vacation Days(6 specific days, 14 floaters)
    Yearly bonus(last year was $3k, this year on track to be $5k+)
    Jeans and Tshirt dress code
    Right in the city next to college campuses
    Flexible job function, "make it up as I go" they said

    Cons of Job 2:

    Shirt/Tie everyday
    Older crowd, all engineers
    out in the sticks
    can never really "discuss" what I actually work on daily
    Specific job function(same stuff, different day)

    Pros of job 2:

    Big company(brand name)
    Matching 401k
    $10k for college tuition
    Get my gov security clearance

    Both base salaries are very close. Job 1 I can take the train to work, saving miles on my car and gas. They pay half of the subway pass monthly. Job 2 I need to drive, but luckily it's close, about 13 miles away.

    I'm thinking I'm gonna go for job 1.
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