Sign of the times....

[truckin88 104]

I work for a large railroad in NY and CT, it comes under the control of a public authority. Because NY is in a financial crisis, today it went public that there will most likely be a 10% pay cut for all non union employees, which I fall under. I am pro-union, just my job is that type of position. I bust my butt at what I do, and so do many other people. I love what I do, and am grateful to be have been given the job I have, to make the money I do at 26yo. And I am aware that 90% is way better then 0% or 50%, so not complaining, it is just a scarey sign of these unstable times. I am a newly wed with a new house, and it is scarey to think of what this economy holds. I am sure many of you are or have been laid off, because of these times, just know your not alone, it is not just Cali, Florida, and Nevada, it is everywhere. Keep the Faith.

[kajamo240 3]

I work in the collection field and this, sadly, is an all too familiar story. I too am a newly wed with 2 kids under the age of two and I STILL, being in the industry that I am, fear for losing my job or getting a pay reduction...

Hang in there. Remember, the only thing you NEED is family.

[chazm 413]

OH YEA -I can relate - laid off after 25 years with a Trucking company.

My wife lost her job 2 weelks ago after 5 years

And the icing on the cake - 2 mortages - Moved into our new house a year ago and STILL haven't sold our old house.

Gee ya think I'm going to be bying any WH toys soon

Merry Christmas to all and all good night

:)

[rickv1957 74]

I keep hearing that it is getting better, I sure cant see it here in Mo,maybe a long wait if ever,Rick

[can whlvr 994]

up here in ontario,times are hard as well,i am a contractor and i too have had to sharpen my pencil,luckly i have been doing this a long time and am very busy,but last winter was hard,no work for months,so it is everywhere

[Operator 7]

$20 thousand less this year than I did two years ago, too much seasonal lay off time not much over time. And I'm union! Operating Eng.

I feel for us all.

Randy

[fireman 1,022]

2 years ago I worked 700 hours of overtime. Last year 300 hours of OT. This year I think I will end up with 150 hours of OT. But hey,at least I am still getting it. I feel blessed that I have a City/Government job and have just over 100 guys under me. I try to tell all the young kids I can to go for those types of jobs. There is 10 of thousands of 22 year olds with business degrees every year coming out of college and no where near that many jobs available. College is way to expensive and over rated these days. Become a Cop or Fire Fighter or something in public service. They pay for your trainning and usually provide a good salary and benefits.

[truckin88 104]

2 years ago I worked 700 hours of overtime. Last year 300 hours of OT. This year I think I will end up with 150 hours of OT. But hey,at least I am still getting it. I feel blessed that I have a City/Government job and have just over 100 guys under me. I try to tell all the young kids I can to go for those types of jobs. There is 10 of thousands of 22 year olds with business degrees every year coming out of college and no where near that many jobs available. College is way to expensive and over rated these days. Become a Cop or Fire Fighter or something in public service. They pay for your trainning and usually provide a good salary and benefits.

agreed as I am a gov employee, the worst that happens usually is a furloug (sp?), hiring freeze, or cut in pay or OT...but you are still working.

[rickv1957 74]

Randy I belong to operators myself local#101,lots of guys out of work,Rick