unemployed as of right now....

[footprintsinconc]

well just as i was leaving, i found out that they have layed me off! it would have been 8yrs at the end of march. this is a first for me.

we were slow but still have work. we have a new project coming in that i would have been assigned. in my group, i had the longest service there, so this tells me my seniority meant nothing........

i am a civil engineer and use to work for a precaster in town. all of my experience has been in the precast industry. so i hope that i find something soon locally, if i dont, then i am not sure what i am going to do....

[Turaj]

Very sorry to hear that Omar. I thought the situation was getting better or at least was not getting worse in the States. Wish you luck and hope something come up soon.

[cgallery]

Apparently those w/ engineering degrees are finding work easier than others.

Quite honestly, I think there is a possibility you'll find work at a higher wage than your last position in short order.

[leehljp]

I know that hurts, and especially not to know that it is coming until it happens. Keep us updated on any news. CG's response does seem encouraging. I hope that is true and better things work out for you!

[crokett]

I am sorry to hear that. I also thought the situation was getting better, at least for some engineers with experience on civil service projects. I hope you find work soon.

[Uncle Cracker]

Bummer... At least you'll be able to get Unemployment Comp. As an independent consultant, I was not afforded that luxury when business dried up. I hope for both our sakes that things turn around soon...

[Richard in Smithville]

That really sucks. I hope something turns up soon. But at least there's more shop time for now.

[David D]

So sorry to hear that. Very similar situation here. Was with the same company for 7 1/2 years doing engineering work. First week in December got laid off. Had fully intended to retire there. Had seniority over several others in my department and they're still there... Guess I made too much $$$...

Have applied at several places, but no bites yet. It's tough out there...

[LCHIEN]

good luck, omar.

[annunaki]

Bummer. Would this be something you could make?

Here is something I haven't seen in the USA-I saw these in a photo and wrote to the Journalist. Here is her response.
Sent: Tue 19/01/2010 20:53
To: Bunny Guinness
Subject: Your Article Photo showing "Timber-look concrete sleepers" Published:
7:00AM GMT 19 Jan 2010 Telegraph.Co.UK


I have a question regarding an article you wrote for -Telegraph.Co.Uk
By Bunny Guinness
Published: 7:00AM GMT 19 Jan 2010


Ways to update garden paving


Slabs, stones and wood look stylish whatever the weather, says Bunny Guinness .

There is a photo labeled-
"Timber-look concrete sleepers"
But none of the click-on sites mentioned show this beautiful product which looks
like old weathered wood.
Who manufactured the product used in that photo, and what is their site?
I live in Florida, USA, is there a source for that particular product here?
I have searched but have not found any that look as good.

Her Response-


Hi
Am in Asia at mo so only brief reply sorry. They are Timberstone I think made by
Stonemarket a company owned By Marshalls based in Uk. They are great and totally
non slippery unlike the real thing.
Very best,
Bunny

Here is the web site-http://www.stonemarket.co.uk/
Here is a photo of what I was after "Timberstone"
http://www.stonemarket.co.uk/timberstone

Sometimes in Life, when one door closes, another opens

[footprintsinconc]

thanks guys for the encouraging words......since this was my first time, i was really feeling lost and an upset stomach and all. loml had a volunteer session at our children's school, so she made me go out with her. it took my mind off of it.

here in town i have one friend who got layed off back on the day before thanksgiving. he is still looking for a job. another friend who found a job just a week before he got layed off and moved out of town to virginia. both are in the same field. jobs in my field are harder to come by because of the commercial construction slow down. larger contractors who care for their employees are moving them around to other locations to keep them on, others are just getting axed.

i am going to go to the our competitor precaster's office in town tomorrow after i pick up my stuff from my work and see whats cooking there. so wish me luck.

what frustrating is that i had made appointments to get the following taken care next week and i lost my job... one of my main lines in our 5 year old house is blocked, i couldnt get it unpluged, so i have to call someone in. my car needs a new clutch and front axles and front rotors and brakes. our van desperately needs new tire, tranny oil service, coolant, shocks and some electrical trouble shooting done.....

you guys are right, i have to look at this as an opportunity for a better position. no reason to loose hope. thanks for letting me vent

david, what field of engineering are you in?

[annunaki]

Have you heard of Smart Mud?

Smart mud could be the new plastic

http://www.newscientist.com/article/...w-plastic.html

[annunaki]

Agents

I understand in a laymans way about different additives added to concrete ie:Air Entraining, the ancient Romans use of Volcanic Ash-secret of their longevity,etc., but I wonder if anything has been tried using Aerogel?

Concrete is something that has always interested me ever since I helped my Dad mix and pour vertical foundation walls on a vacation home I designed and we built together. Flexible concrete is something I'd like to experiment with sometime.

[sparkeyjames]

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate work stoppage. At least your unemployment checks won't bounce like some of my recent paychecks. Hope I still have a job come this summer. Take your time and find the right job don't just jump at anything.

[cabinetman]

Sorry to hear of your bad news. Apply for unemployment as soon as possible. I might suggest that if you have to go back to your old jobplace to get things, not to show signs of disgust. Likewise when applying for a new job, don't badmouth your previous employer. If you have any periodicals in your area that offer free ads you might try one for "employment wanted". You could also go online and post your resume: http://www.monster.com/. Employers can get a look at your specialty.
.