UPDATE...NEW DETAILS...Post a "Disaster" Coin

RichR · October 11, 2012 12:49AM

My wife and I, after more than 40 years of combined experience between us, were just both laid off from a perfectly successful and extremely profitable large company that decided overnight that they no longer needed entire functions and departments totaling 200 people...and who up until last week were told that they served an important function.

Therefore, post a suitably themed coin or medal.

UPDATE...UPDATE...

OK...an update...now get this...so a small group of the condemned, including both my wife and I, were called back by management today. It seems that they just realized a small detail...namely that we perform completely unique functions with no replacement in the company...DUH! Therefore, they now want to "amend" the previous layoff with the following options:

1. We can continue working for 6 months and in return for training our own replacements (stated outright), we can continue with our benefits and then claim a modest severage package on our way out the door.

or...

2. Agree to relocate from a major city to the middle of no place and continue our current jobs for a period of 2 years, while also training our eventual (lower paid) replacements. We would also also be granted a modest relocation allowance...and job "security" for 2 years.

And we now have all these conditions in writing. How weird is that?

I still can't believe this is happening!

MICHAELDIXON · October 11, 2012 12:54AM

I'm sorry to hear that! Ever thought about going into the coin business?

2ltdjorn · October 11, 2012 12:54AM

Sorry to hear that.

RichR · October 11, 2012 12:56AM

<<I'm sorry to hear that! Ever thought about going into the coin business? >>

Not until 3 hours ago...

DennisH · October 11, 2012 12:57AM

Date is 1895-S:

MICHAELDIXON · October 11, 2012 12:59AM

A "Disaster" coin!

ThePennyLady · October 11, 2012 1:01AM

Wow, Rich, I'm very sorry to hear that. I know what a shock that can be and for it to happen to both of you at the same time has got to be very difficult. However, perhaps this will open up some other doors for you both giving you opportunities to pursue new and better interests, maybe (as already mentioned) even being able to become a full time coin dealer!

GeorgeKellogg · October 11, 2012 1:07AM

Look at it as an unexpected opportunity to do things you haven't had time for and to spend more time with friends and family. It's happened to me, so I know the unsettling feeling. In my case, it led to an exciting 21-year tenure with NASA, which turned out to be the highlight of my career as an engineer. There is always a silver lining to something like this, so be patient and persevere.

Here is my 1852-D half eagle recovered from the S.S. Central America, which sank in September 1857 after encountering a monster hurricane. The piece likely has gold from the Golden State, since the lion's share of gold deposited in Dahlonega in 1852 came from miners returning from California. The coin is one of only three Dahlonega pieces with the PCGS SSCA gold foil label. The photo is courtesy of BluCC.

mingot · October 11, 2012 1:10AM

I spent more money on this coin than I ever had at a stacks auction last summer.

A few hours after auction closed my house was struck by lightning and caught fire. We were out of home for about three months.

I am sorry to hear about your layoff and hope everything turns out OK.

SaorAlba · October 11, 2012 1:20AM

I wish you the best in your endeavours - look at this as a golden opportunity to re-invent yourselves and rise out of this like a Phoenix. It is something that happened a lot more often with our ancestors than us - and I think our generation lately is a bit complacent and not quite as adaptable. Growing up I was raised by my grandmother who grew up during the Great Depression. Because of her I really wasn't afforded the opportunity to be spoiled, and I still live by some of her sayings to this day "Never say you wouldn't do that job, because you just never know" was one of them. And yup, had to do jobs I never thought I would do, and actually enjoyed the experiences.

mingot · October 11, 2012 1:31AM

<< I wish you the best in your endeavours - look at this as a golden opportunity to re-invent yourselves and rise out of this like a Phoenix. It is something that happened a lot more often with our ancestors than us - and I think our generation lately is a bit complacent and not quite as adaptable. Growing up I was raised by my grandmother who grew up during the Great Depression. Because of her I really wasn't afforded the opportunity to be spoiled, and I still live by some of her sayings to this day "Never say you wouldn't do that job, because you just never know" was one of them. And yup, had to do jobs I never thought I would do, and actually enjoyed the experiences. >>

This is good advice.

I was laid off in '03 and man did it sting. I felt so low it still hurts me now to think about it.

In hindsight it ended up being one of the best things that has ever happened to me. It wasn't immediate, there was a rough few years where it only got worse, but it set a lot of great things in motion in my life.

DorkGirl · October 11, 2012 2:04AM

Ouch, sorry

TwoSides2aCoin · October 11, 2012 2:12AM

Reality hits hard. This came back questionable authenticity. It's worth melt. And that's 14K or .585 purity. It's not a total disaster... you have a wife, and I have a refinery.
Half full/ Half empty

crazyhounddog · October 11, 2012 2:18AM

I feel your pain. So sorry to hear this news and I'm sure it's tough on the both of you. Just remember things happen for a reason, I totally believe this. I'm sure you'll both recover and the sun will rise..Hang in there..CHD

RichR · October 11, 2012 2:21AM

And did I also mention that we stupidly put off starting a family because [we thought] the company mattered so much...?

Well...now...

BillJones · October 11, 2012 2:21AM

One of the 1857-S double eagles from the SS Central America ...

Back in the late 1980s I was laid off by the old AT&T. For years once you got a position at AT&T and proved to be a good employee you were "set for life" with a good pension and even free telephone service.

My next position was at large insurance company. I ended up on the wrong side of bad boss who did a "house cleaning" in her department. Some people lost jobs they had had for over 20 years. A couple of years senior management woke up figured out that SHE was problem and give her a much deserved "canning, but it was too late for those who had lost their jobs.

For me it was great because it resulted in my career move to becoming a coin dealer for 15 years. I loved everything about my numismatic career except the security issues of traveling with my inventory. I hope that your future moves will be as happy and productive as mine were.

SaorAlba · October 11, 2012 3:17AM

<< And did I also mention that we stupidly put off starting a family because [we thought] the company mattered so much...?

Well...now... >>

Live your life, my wife and I put off the family for five years and then we finally started our family and guess what - I got laid off from my job right after 9-11. Sure it stunk at the time, I gave up a pretty decent paying position. So inadvertently I became a stay at home parent - so the lay off really became a blessing in disguise. Had lots of new found time to spend with my children and actually my wife was jealous for awhile. I really think there is no better job you can have than the one that pays no money but has many benefits. Being a parent is my greatest accomplishment.

There are no companies and no salaries that are worth foregoing what can be the most important factor in your life - your family.

TwoKopeiki · October 11, 2012 3:27AM

Sorry to hear that, Rich. Hopefully the severance package reflected your tenure and provided a bridge to support your family until you find new employment.

kiyote · October 11, 2012 3:31AM

This recession started in '08, basically. You dodged about 5 years of it!

PerryHall · October 11, 2012 3:52AM

Sorry to hear the bad news. Where are you located and what kind of work did you and your wife do? I'm asking because someone on the forum might know of someone who is hiring in your area and may be able to give you some leads for a new job. Best wishes and good luck.

dcarr · October 11, 2012 4:19AM

TomB · October 11, 2012 4:19AM

My field was destroyed in the last ten years and the company where I was Director, R&D went under in mid-2006. Since then I have been underemployed in my own field when I had been able to find a job at all. It is not easy. The "this opens another door" speech sounds nice, but the reality will be quite different. This will not be easy. Good luck.

illini420 · October 11, 2012 4:27AM

Got laid off a little over two years ago completely out of the blue on the morning I got back to work from taking a few days off to visit my mother in the hospital!!! That stung quite a bit, but looking back I'm glad I got out of that job. Hard to see it right now I'm sure, but like the City of Chicago 141 years ago (see below) you will rise like a Phoenix from the flames... Good luck!

1872 CM-13 Great Chicago Fire Medal made from the Chicago Courthouse Bell w/ case

Coinsponge · October 11, 2012 4:57AM

Here is wishing you victory over this setback.

19Lyds · October 11, 2012 5:19AM

Sorry to hear of this misfortune.

Unfortunately, most LARGE companies fall into the "economic doom" hype and in an effort to preserve their stock prices, lay folks off regardless of their prfotability.
I know that my company had cutbacks which put me into a retirement scenario yet their stocks continue to rise. Whether this is related to the "cutbacks" or not I'll never know. All I know now is the high price of medical insurance and that emtpy feeling every Thursday when a nice paycheck is deposited into the checking account!

Oh yeah, since retirement, it's difficult to figure out exactly what day it is since the start of the work week has been eliminated.

Hopefully, you'll recover and resume your employment. Good Luck!

BTW, I have no disaster coins with the exception of "grading disasters" presented below:

It really should have gone MS which since it didn't, was disastrous for me.

DIMEMAN · October 11, 2012 5:38AM

Man, that sucks big time!!! Hope you both find something real good SOON!

daOnlyBG · October 11, 2012 5:40AM

Very sorry to hear about your terminated employment. It must be twice as bad since your wife's job also met the same fate. I'd show the picture of my 1895-O Morgan Dollar, heavily polished and Mint Mark removed, but hey... I figure you don't need to see something that negative right now.
The market isn't at full swing yet; someone on this thread wisely pointed out that you managed to dodge nearly 5 years of the recession. I agree. I couldn't think of a better time to be laid off (not saying that getting laid off is any good) but better now than when the economy is at full swing and competition will be through the roof, and definitely better now when (other) companies will begin to expand their employment.

Good luck with your job search!

Coinsponge · October 11, 2012 5:46AM

Unfortunately, most LARGE companies fall into the "economic doom" hype and in an effort to preserve their stock prices, lay folks off regardless of their prfotability.

These days profitability for companies on the stock market is the name of the game. It can be brutal for a company to miss a profit expectation. That kind of thing is like going into the surf with a bleeding wound. Stock goes down, hedge fund shorts come in. Banks stop lending. Not saying it is good because it does not take into account the human factor but it seems to be the reality in our modern world. That is where working for a smaller company may have some advantage.

morgansforever · October 11, 2012 6:11AM

Sorry to hear Rich, laid off myself as of 24 Sept. Lost a big Gov't contact to an over-seas outfit.
My boss claims it was 60% of our business. I'm working now at getting equipment ready for auction. Painful
to be emptying the shop with the machines that provided me a decent living. I'll miss the ol' Bridgeport

I do qualify for $1493/mo in retraining funds because I'm a Vet. A bit of sunshine in these gloomy times.
Keep your head up Rich and stand tall. Best of luck to you and your family,
Scott

Overdate · October 11, 2012 9:17AM

<< Post a "Disaster" Coin >>

Anyone have a picture of a 1912 dime?

littlebear · October 11, 2012 10:11AM

Wishing you the best, and saying a prayer that you and everyone else will find employment soon.

Larry L.

coindeuce · October 11, 2012 12:02PM

I had been in various facets of the automotive service business for over 25 years when I was laid off in April 2005. I was immediately hired full time in the coin business, and have never looked back ,except to wonder why the hell I stayed in my previous field for so long.
Full steam ahead!

mustangmanbob · October 11, 2012 12:17PM

I was on the other side of the coin, so to speak. I was the "management" and went through 10 lay offs in 30 years. The last time I laid off 13 people, but between me and another manager, we met one on one with 102 people, some of them senior to us, and gave them their notice and severance package. On person had to be chased down through the parking garage. I decided that was the last time for that, and took early retirement. Within a short period, I was contacted off LinkedIn, and took a job that actually paid more, and was the job I had done 20 years earlier. I was a breeze doing more basic management type activities, correcting the mistakes I had made as a young supervisor. Actually had fun going to work again.

If you do not have a good LinkedIn profile, build one NOW and start your links. It is amazing how quick you can build it up. I am at the 500+ level (It stops counting at 500), and it is amazing the information and contact that are 1 - 2 levels down. Also join forums, as many jobs are listed their first.

I also spent a considerable amount of time writing or rewriting my subordinates resumes, so they could look for a better job somewhere else, when the ship was sinking.

If you need more info, contact me.

goodmoney4badmoney · October 11, 2012 12:48PM

Sorry.
Here is a nickel struck on a disaster of a planchet, and it turned out to be a not so great purchase as well.

vibr0nic · October 11, 2012 12:54PM

<< Sorry.
Here is a nickel struck on a disaster of a planchet, and it turned out to be a not so great purchase as well. >>

Your username is remarkably appropriate with this post!

AUandAG · October 11, 2012 1:26PM

I thought there is Federal Laws that say they have to give you 60 days notice. You
may have them over a barrel. Check it out.

bob

PS: Good luck and sorry that happened to you both.

SaorAlba · October 11, 2012 8:39PM

<< I thought there is Federal Laws that say they have to give you 60 days notice. You
may have them over a barrel. Check it out.

bob

PS: Good luck and sorry that happened to you both. >>

I was laid off whilst I was on FMLA - they legally cannot do that. So I was advised by the unemployment office that I could make them bring me back, but then they could turn around and lay me off again a day later. There is a backdoor in most legislation unfortunately.

johnny9434 · October 12, 2012 5:30AM

im sorry to hear about your loss and do hope it works out for you. a disasterous coin i think would be the susan b anthony coin series. ok just kidding but had to throw it out there

19Lyds · October 12, 2012 6:10AM

<< 

<< I thought there is Federal Laws that say they have to give you 60 days notice. You
may have them over a barrel. Check it out.

bob

PS: Good luck and sorry that happened to you both. >>

I was laid off whilst I was on FMLA - they legally cannot do that. So I was advised by the unemployment office that I could make them bring me back, but then they could turn around and lay me off again a day later. There is a backdoor in most legislation unfortunately. >>

Two weeks is standard. 60 days is simply a convenience that some employers offered in the past.

coinkat · October 12, 2012 7:42AM

sorry to read the news and we all wish you the best

mkman123 · October 12, 2012 7:49AM

Remember you have coins if you ever need money. Some people out their waste their money on material things that when they sell won't give them as much % back like coins/bullion could

SaorAlba · October 12, 2012 7:51AM

<< Remember you have coins if you ever need money. Some people out their waste their money on material things that when they sell won't give them as much % back like coins/bullion could >>

Yup, would explain why I cleaned out most of my gold holdings in 1995 and then again in 2001/2. Insurance policy, that is how I view gold.

RichR · October 12, 2012 11:18AM

Disaster "update" posted at the top of this thread...

coinsarefun · October 12, 2012 12:58PM

<< Disaster "update" posted at the top of this thread... >>

Obtain a lawyer......wrongful termination, win the lawsuits and retire!!!

acloco · October 12, 2012 1:24PM

<< 

<< Disaster "update" posted at the top of this thread... >>

Obtain a lawyer......wrongful termination, win the lawsuits and retire!!! >>

DITTO!!!!

pcgs69 · October 12, 2012 1:43PM

Well, at least they'll give you a few more months and it's not sudden....

Here's a total disaster of an 1885 Seated Dime.

Overdate · October 12, 2012 3:18PM

This "disaster" inhabits my key ring - 1879-CC.

Barberian · October 12, 2012 5:22PM

<< And did I also mention that we stupidly put off starting a family because [we thought] the company mattered so much...?

Well...now... >>

After working for the company for 40 years????!!! So you're what? 58 years old and planning on starting a family? Yeah, I'd guess you waited too long.

Sorry. I've been out of work for 4 years and all I've got to say is get used to it.

Edited to add: 40 years between the TWO of us! Oh! Just hop in the sack and figure it out 9 months later!

greghansen · October 12, 2012 8:36PM

Very painful for both sides of the income producing family to get hit at same time. We have a H&W working at the lawfirm and though we have been through the 'right sizing' process over the past few years, nobody would have ever DREAMED of laying off both income producers for a family...especially at the same time. I'm afraid to say your loyalty and sacrifices do not seem to have been reciprocated. I hope anyone now or in the future in a management capacity would retain the humanity to consider such things in making work force decisions.

I hope you don't let anger or frustration guide your current decision. If the temporary thing is your best option to give you time to make your new plans or at least get interim employement, then take it and don't let pride force a bad decision. Maybe one of you can return for the short term gig while the other gets resituated in a new direction. Genuinely wish your family the best and hope your disruption is brief and inconsequential.

ColonelJessup · October 13, 2012 1:11AM

Not until I get it back into the holder

UPDATE...NEW DETAILS...Post a "Disaster" Coin

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UPDATE...NEW DETAILS...Post a &quot;Disaster&quot; Coin

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UPDATE...NEW DETAILS...Post a "Disaster" Coin