Bummer

[huskertko]

Well my career path took a rather serious hit on Friday.  I, along with all my teammates, were informed that our salaries were being cut between 25% and 30% and that our incentive structure was also being changed making it so that to make the same amount of money as before, we will all have to increase our production at least 30% just to make the same amount of money as before.

It is widely believed by all involved that they think that we were overpaid and instead of laying us off or firing us they made these changes so that we would quit and they wouldn't have to pay any severance packages.  I guess the years that I gave them as well as the professional experience I brought to the company didn't mean much to them, they are so concerned with the bottom line that they are willing to lose good, experienced employees in return for that.  By the way, just so this doesn't sound like total sour grapes, the company I worked for has turned a profit every year for as long as I have been there.  I am not saying that I was the only reason for this profit, as there are a lot of talented people responsible for that fact, what I am trying to convey is that this wasn't a situation that the company is hemoraging money and needed to rein in spending.

My wife and I are considering me becoming Mr Mom and staying home with the kiddos to avoid the expense of day care, and me getting a P/T job in the evenings to help with the bills.  This isn't necessarily a bad thing, because I have always hated the fact that daycare got to see my oldest son grow up more than I did, now I would be able to spent time with him as well as be around while my 7 month old daughter grows up.

What this will do is seriously cut into my ability to fish, but unfortunately, that is a sacrifice I am probably going to have to make for the better good.

Sorry for ranting and rambling, I guess I just wanted to let everyone know what was going on, and any prayers you could throw this way would be greatly appreciated.

Husker

[Sam]

Husker,

I hate when that happens.

Welcome to the world of corporate America, where you work your buns off for the other guy only to get the short end of the stick.

It happened to me so you know what I did?  I left my previoius employer in 1988 and formed my own company doing exactly what my former employer did and I have been a pain in their behind for almost 20 years.

Try to find  a career that you like and work from home.  Drive your old company crazy by being a competitor.

Remember, things happen for a reason.  You don't understand or see the reason today, but you will in time.  When someone shuts a door a window opens.

God Bless and good luck with your family and your career.  You are on the verg of something big.  You don't know what it is, but it will certanily find you.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Everything happens for a reason.  Hang tough.

[frogtog]

Mabe everything ain't as good for the company as you think! I have been running a small business for 25 years and when things get bad we have to make

ajustments to stay in business. If you are sure this is not the case then it is

time for everyone to take a walk. Hope everything turns out ok for you.

[KU_Bassmaster.]

Remember, things happen for a reason. You don't understand or see the reason today, but you will in time. When someone shuts a door a window opens.

You hear it so often and it's so cliche', but it is so true.

Hate to hear about your unfortunate circumstances at the moment though.  Hang tough.

[tallydude]

Huskertko,

What is it that you do?

Jason

[Redlinerobert]

I feel for you.  At the same time, a company wouldn't just arbritrarily lower salaries, there has to be an underlieing reason.  I don't think it's to raise the net profit.  I could be wrong,   but from an employers perspective, it's hard to keep everyone happy.

[justfishin]

Unfortunately the world runs on the almighty dollar. If you think about your situation this seemingly crisis could very well be a blessing. You have the unique opportunity to stay with your kids and raise them and your kids have their dad with them to help form their characters instead of a outside source. Keep a positive view of your situation, like everyone said, its all happening for a reason. Each of us has their own unique path in life. Its not what life throws at you, its how you deal with it. Good luck and God Bless.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

If you are interested in what we discussed in the PM's, I have the contact for you.  We can bypass a few processes and get you in front of her, asap.  Let me know.  

[huskertko]

Huskertko,

What is it that you do?

Jason

I am a mortgage loan officer in an inbound call center, so my income potential is directly related to the amount of phone calls that are coming in.  I know I can potentially make more money if I were to go to a straight commission job, but unfortunately, we are not in a financial position to absorb the slow months and times of year.  Once my kids get in school full time and we don't have the day care expense, that is definitely the way I would look, but now it is just too uncertain, especially with the housing market and economy the way it is.

[Guest avid]

I feel for you. At the same time, a company wouldn't just arbritrarily lower salaries, there has to be an underlieing reason. I don't think it's to raise the net profit. I could be wrong, but from an employers perspective, it's hard to keep everyone happy.

I disagree.

I was at a collection agency for 7 years.  I held various positions and was in the Human Resources department when a new Director of Operations came in.   He had one goal.  Increase profits substantially to make the company more attractive for a buyout.

He cut salaries, froze hiring, threatened, cajoled, lied, and promised whatever he thought an individual needed to hear to get more from him/her for less.

It worked.  There was a marked spike in Profits.  The company sold for a substantial profit.  

There are alot of reasons why a healthy company would lower salaries.

The local employment picuture is another factor.  If unemployment is high in your area, and you don't need highly specialized talent.  Why pay 50K when you can get the job done for 35?   Spread that accross the board and you could save hundreds of thousands a quarter.

[Fisher of Men]

Huskertko,

Being a teacher, I've been in a situation or two where my contract wasn't renewed because of personality conflicts.  My first thoughts each time was "Why is this happening to me?".  Each time, as Sam said, God opened a window of opportunity for me and my family. For over six years now, I am in the best job of my life and I am in a part-time ministry position (both un-solicited).  I am sure that through prayer and His direction you will find that window.  I will hold you in my prayers.

God bless,

Fisher

[frogtog]

When a new CEO comes in and startes changing things and cutting jobs from

people who have worked their butts off for the company. Well then its time to

pull the old American way on him. Open up a can of WHOP *** on him. This

probbly won't save your job but the CEO might be looking him another job. ;D

I hate it when theise companys hire theise little jerks. You let them walk on you

once and they will do it the rest of your life.

[Water Dog]

Husker, I feel for you.  Everything may be a little bleak right now but with your experience I feel sure that you will be able to find another position.  On the positive side you are young enough to pick yourself up and possibly make a change for the better, so buck up!

I worked for a company once that fired the best, most knowledgeable employee that they had one year before his retirement.  That was a wake up call for the rest of us.  Most of us left and never looked back and have never regretted it.

Good luck, and may GOD BLESS you and your family!