F**KIN' ELL

[bazookaman]

Our company "merged" with another last May. Today I met with my new boss who informs me that after Q1 they will have no need for a full time designer. Super duper!

[timg]

Time to bust out that bazooka ...

[Dick Moore]

Downsizing LEADER!

But seriously, that is a hit. Polish up that resume.

[anonymouse1]

Can you negotiate a contract or half time position with health insurance for a quarter or two? Gives you more time to look for a new job....

[C(-)ris]

At least since they are downsizing you will get unemployment.

[Jimmypoo]

If you are a weapons designer, I hear Syria is still looking.....


Where are you, on the map? Potential opptys local?

[bazookaman]

the thing that worries me most is that i have a 7 month old now and I am the sole provider for her and my wife.

[robfilms]

bazookaman-

difficult timing but that is the emotional side of a business decision. i don't want to sound unsympathetic. i am not. but at this very critical moment in your family's life, how u deal with situation may suggest how you will fare economically in 2008.

first thing, take the emotion out. it is a luxury that u do not have space for.

when that is done, and it is hard to do, u must try to engage your manager in conversation about the company's future needs for a graphic designer.

your manager is measuring u. if u are a good solider and take the bad news well, there maybe a chance to get some form of business from your present employers. what they are saying is they no longer need a full-time graphic designer. they are not saying there is no design work for a graphic designer. if that is so, then perhaps there is a way for u to be their guy to go to for graphic design work when u are no longer full-time.

as someone said, start thinking resume...

...and do u have a web presence. in this day, when folks want to see work, they want to see it online. put together a VERY simple site but do it right now-BEFORE the end of next week so that during Feb and Mar as the days click down, you can let folks know of where they can get in touch w/u.

start putting together a list of good work products that u can showcase. are there other managers who worked with u that are no longer employed by your present company that can throw some biz your way? if u go thru your addressbook, i am sure there are more than a few leads that might lead to freelance work.

lastly, please do not feel that u are alone in this struggle. there are MANY folks in the exact same spot as u. and there will be more to come. anyone can handle themselves well when everything is going their way. it is a real measure of someone when they are faced with a tough patch and can still keep the wheels moving forward.

as to your wife and child, she is really rooting for u. show her enormous patience. i know that u think she should show u enormous patience but is doesn't work like that. she is scared. and u are not (and if u are pretend u are not-see above: take the emotion out!) so the very next chance u have, bring home flowers.

i apologize in advance if i am making suggestions that are too personal. having spent the last 20+years doing media for all types of companies in all type of situations, i very well know the sting of someone saying, "not you". that is why u must remove the emotion from the situation and start making thoughtful business decisions.

good luck to u.

i'm rooting

be well

rob

[Mike V]

Bummer.

Leave on good terms, so that when they need work done they can call you and you can charge them heaps as a freelancer.


Every time I've left a job it always seemed like the end of the world at the time and every time I got a better job with more pay.

[bazookaman]

well. I have to say. at least the guy told me NOW. He could have waited until the END of Q1 and surprise, yer outta here. There is an opportunity that I am attempting though. Its about a 180 from design, but I think I may be burnt out on design for now. So it might be worth pursuing. We'll see. If that doesn't pan out, then the worrying begins.