My plant is closing! Updated.

[flash3992]

This will probably be my last week working at the place I've been working for the last 11 years. That's why I haven't been here on DoD. We found out last October. I've been lucky to keep working there this long. There are now 2 people left in my department. The supervisor and me. My last day will probably be this Friday or Saturday. And, as the saying goes, I don't know what I'm going to do. I am 50 years old. I would love to go back to school, but for what. I'm 50 and STILL don't know what I want to be when I grow up. Any ideas on what a guy my age can become? Other than extinct of course!

Has any DoDers lived through a company shut down? What did you do? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[LACECOUPONS]

some time i wonder abou t the place i work,i cut back alot and trying to paid my house off,my husand is on disability so i know he want be able to work.so i kept you and all in my prayers.They had all ready build several plants overseas and we are just holding on.

[galena]

Sorry to hear about that, flash. I went through something similar quite a few years ago when our company was purchased and consolidated their offices. I stayed on to the end when there were only 5 of us left in our huge building.

It might be the beginning of something better for you and you'll look back on the whole experience in a positive way.

[MallShopper]

Sorry to hear that. I had the same thing happen a couple of years ago. Get yourself some education. If you are unemployed the government has lots of free training programs. You may have the skills to do something that you really enjoy.

[flash3992]

Here's the update. It's 10:25am Wednesday. I have to work 3rd shift tonight. At 5am Thursday, it's over. I will no longer be employed by Ravenna Aluminum Inc, unless a miracle happens. MallShopper, that's what I plan to do. If I can go to school, although I have no idea what I'd go for, I'm gonna do it. Just wanted to let ya'll know what's happening. Gotta go.

[YorkieLover]

Hey, Flash. I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm afraid 'job security' is not to be found anymore. I worry for our children.

Have you checked with any of the vendors of your company? If you have built up rapport with any of those companies, don't hesitate to ask them if they have any positions open. Chances are they have heard or know of your work and you may have an easier 'in' than the average Joe.

((Hugs)) to you and your family, and I wish you the best in your search.

[AndersonGal]

Geezzz, I have not been here for so long and this is the first thing I see.
So sorry Flash. Hey that kind of **** happened to me last fall.
But, you'll find something. Sign up at a temp agency while your looking.

[mrbowler]

Originally Posted by flash3992

Here's the update. It's 10:25am Wednesday. I have to work 3rd shift tonight. At 5am Thursday, it's over. I will no longer be employed by Ravenna Aluminum Inc, unless a miracle happens. MallShopper, that's what I plan to do. If I can go to school, although I have no idea what I'd go for, I'm gonna do it. Just wanted to let ya'll know what's happening. Gotta go.

JMO-Try to get retrained in a field in which it is harder for the employer to discriminate against you. If you have the ability(skills), and capital then you could consider going into a business for yourself-it all depends. Keep a positive attitude-the message boards are filled with folks that are happy to give you a pat on the back or provide uplifting thoughts You might look back on this as a positive change in your life or then again it might be a path in which you wish you never experienced.

[corysharpe]

I'd agree with MallShopper. It sounds harsh, but America is one of the best places to be unemployed in. Take advantage of government safety nets. These days it's not unusual for someone to hold multiple, disparate career paths. Just yesterday I talked to a rookie police officer who had just come out of academy after being laid off his old manufacturing job. Just goes to show, really.