I'm sure you've seen some of the larger announced layoffs this week but I want to touch on some of the smaller companies that don't get press in the MSM.
I work for a smaller company here in Oregon that had 160 employees just 15 months ago, we've been reducing numbers ever since. Today we laid off 24 more, leaving us with just over 70. I know we're not the only small company in the local area in a situation like this, both our suppliers and dealers are in the same condition. In fact, many of our suppliers in the building industry have completely closed up shop.
On the bright side, between online resources (craigslist and Oregon's state job listings) and local newspapers I found almost 30 local job openings in the last week. 2 years ago I could have found 60 in just the local newspaper. (I didn't check the Oregonian or Statesman Journal)
It's pure conjecture, but I'm guessing that we may only be hearing of about 50-75% of the actual layoffs across the country, reporting only the announcements of large corporations doesn't take into account all of the smaller jobs that are interconnected. I honestly don't believe the numbers listed by the various unemployment agencies either, many people are exhausting their benefits and I don't believe those numbers are as accurately reported as the numbers which indicate those actually receiving unemployment insurance. That being said, I expect Oregon's January numbers to jump 3/4 to 1 point from 9% up to 10% when the report comes in this next week.
I'm working on a entry for what to do if you lose your job. I'll have that up in the next week or so; in the mean time: focus on your food preps, polish your resume and reduce excess spending.
To my friends who are no longer at the company, I'm sorry and hope to see you back soon.
Rick
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
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It seems funny that you learn something new every day, regardless if you recognize it or not. Preppers? I'd never heard of the term until today, surfing the Web.
I have been in this mindset for some time and have been working on an urban survival tactics guide for dealing with the basics of homelessness, which is a fact of life for increasing numbers of people--and current trends show no real sign of any real decline.
I actually found you from a a search I was doing on Criminal Street Gangs In The Military! Go Figure!!!
Thanks for all the help!!! I really appreciate it.
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