In 2 months time I'll be unemployed, but strangely, I'm not that worried... let's do a poll:

renomedphys · October 9, 2013 6:32AM

A little back story:

I've been employed gainfully by the same group of doctors in Reno for nearly 13 years, but this Monday, they finally decided to call it quits. That's right, the office is closing. While I've been here in Reno, I've been raising 2 kids and supporting my family on my one income. Around 2006, my wife foolishly bought me my first coin in like 15 years (20?) and since then, I've been having a blast collecting some of the best looking copper to ever come out of the US mint. I have had the great fortune to work with some of the best guys in small cents, namely Brian Wagner and Rick Snow, and have developed quite the extensive list of show contacts. I love going to shows, I love the people, and my fellow collectors.

My profession, medical physics, is in great demand across the world, as the growing pool of qualified applicants is consistently drained by an even faster growing need. Only issue there is: the local needs in any town are usually pretty small, and openings only come around so often (about every 6-8 months or so). Plus, I love this place. Don't tell anybody, but IMHO, Reno has some of the best opportunities for an outdoor enthusiast (like myself) in the world, along with the benefit of not having to live in California. My kids grew up here. And not to mention, my ailing in-laws moved out here two years ago so that we could provide them with the personal care they need. Frankly, we can't just leave, so...

I'm gonna go with the ski pass option for now...

AUandAG · October 9, 2013 6:44AM

Instead of calling yourself a ski bum, do some networking on the slopes!

bob

Moldnut · October 9, 2013 7:07AM

BTW, I love Cali and wouldn't go anywhere else

Unknown · October 9, 2013 7:13AM

This content has been removed.

MsMorrisine · October 9, 2013 7:24AM

try some do-it-yourself marketing and sell yourself locally.

create an opportunity.

I'm not sure about md phys, and I note the high demand, but anyway the longer you are out of work the harder it is someone will take you unless you can sell them on wanting that 1 winter all for yourself.

Jinx86 · October 9, 2013 7:34AM

Send the wife out into the world. Id love to be a stay at home dad some day.

SkyMan · October 9, 2013 7:34AM

Medical physics, huh? Never heard of that one before. Obviously temperature can affect things, but how far off does one get from 37 degrees celsius? Maybe you deal with magnetic fields?... light intensity?...? In any case, is there any sort of a reasonable chance that in the next 12 months that sort of a job will open up in Reno? In any sort of technical field you will be significantly less employable after 12 - 24 months if you don't work at it constantly.

Reno's a great place, I would certainly say take the winter off and ski, but if nothing is happening in Reno by the end of April and if you can't get some sort of a telecommute, then I'd say it would be time to look for another location... particularly if your kids are not grown up and you are sending them off to college.

Best of luck with everything!

keyman64 · October 9, 2013 7:37AM

I would recommend the following: Use unemployment as long as you have to while enjoying your ski pass and looking very hard for a new position and doing more around the house, all the while sending the wife back to work.

ricko · October 9, 2013 7:51AM

Get back in the workforce as soon as possible..... breaks in careers are rarely helpful. You stagnate, the profession moves on, contacts go elsewhere and forget about you......Best of luck....Cheers, RickO

SmEagle1795 · October 9, 2013 7:51AM

I'd sell a portion of your collection to pay for your expenses for a while until you can find a new job, even if it is at a lower salary. Also, thank you for the post, as I've always wondered what your username meant!

PerryHall · October 9, 2013 8:12AM

<< I've been employed gainfully by the same group of doctors in Reno for nearly 13 years, but this Monday, they finally decided to call it quits. That's right, the office is closing. >>

I'm curious---is the closing a result of Obamacare?

MsMorrisine · October 9, 2013 8:30AM

<< Get back in the workforce as soon as possible..... breaks in careers are rarely helpful. You stagnate, the profession moves on, contacts go elsewhere and forget about you......Best of luck....Cheers, RickO >>

I'm with you.

And keyman suggests the unemployment route. You paid it out, right? Eh. I've been talked into unemployment benefits twice and felt e en more like I didn't need it the second time. I didn't even try for disability and have had a med prof suggest that perhaps it can be awarded retroactively?!?!?! I'm in the camp of taking that when you need it, not when it's available.

crypto79 · October 9, 2013 9:07AM

I am shocked by the number of "ride unemployment" votes for such an often conservative board.

Get back to work as soon as possible, the rest is a bear to sustaine and have unintended consequences.

EagleEye · October 9, 2013 9:09AM

Enjoy the hiatus. Travel. Go to coin shows. Write a book.

Do what my friend Jim did - ski someplace around the world every month of the year.

renomedphys · October 9, 2013 9:12AM

<< 

<< I've been employed gainfully by the same group of doctors in Reno for nearly 13 years, but this Monday, they finally decided to call it quits. That's right, the office is closing. >>

I'm curious---is the closing a result of Obamacare? >>

About half of it is. The other half is due to aggressive competition.

Cameonut · October 9, 2013 9:13AM

Surely over 13 years in Reno you have contacts at other practices that could use your skill set. Perhaps also, the doctors you worked for might be able to assist in finding another position.

These are the times where your professional networks are most valuable. Use them to the max.

Good luck - I wish you well. And in the meantime, enjoy the skiing - you may not get another extended "vacation" for a long time.

MsMorrisine · October 9, 2013 9:17AM

<< 

<< 

<< I've been employed gainfully by the same group of doctors in Reno for nearly 13 years, but this Monday, they finally decided to call it quits. That's right, the office is closing. >>

I'm curious---is the closing a result of Obamacare? >>

About half of it is. The other half is due to aggressive competition. >>

Superior service didn't keep them coming?

BryceM · October 9, 2013 9:55AM

Where are you at in your career? Young? Close to retirement? The right answer depends a bit on this.

Go to work for the competition?

Do locums work around the country? Does that exist in the field?

I agree with the networking idea. Use the docs to help you find the next job. Reno is fantastic, but there are equally nice places that still give you close contact to the outdoors. Boise, Tri-cities area in Washington, Flagstaff, St. George Utah, Santa Fe. Those who have never lived in smaller Western US cities really don't know what they're missing. If you like skiing, it's hard to do better than somewhere along the Wasatch front in Utah. Moving sucks, but some things about it are terribly liberating. Use the opportunity to move your career up a notch. It doesn't hurt to interview places that are slightly over your head.

GotTheBug · October 9, 2013 9:57AM

You live in Reno? Awesome - ski pass, ski pass, ski pass!

OperationButter · October 9, 2013 10:18AM

<< 

<< 

<< I've been employed gainfully by the same group of doctors in Reno for nearly 13 years, but this Monday, they finally decided to call it quits. That's right, the office is closing. >>

I'm curious---is the closing a result of Obamacare? >>

About half of it is. The other half is due to aggressive competition. >>

Competition hiring?

Walkerfan · October 9, 2013 10:33AM

I would NEVER sell my coins or tap into my IRA. Sometimes, things happen for a reason and BETTER opportunities come along. Use unemployment, while you can, and keep your eyes and ears open for something else. Worrying never helped anyone, so enjoy each day as it comes along and, if an opportunity presents itself---by all means seize it. If the wife has the opportunity to work for a little while and is willing-----that's OK, too.

Cougar1978 · October 9, 2013 10:43AM

Liquidate your retirement, pay off the house, send the wife back to work, ride unemployment until you find something, and if you have a six figure collection thats a good beginning inventory so get out on the show circuit and have some fun.

A guy from the coin club was laid off at 63. He was going to give his job search 30 days then file for early social (he was collecting unemployment right away - planning to ride it 99 weeks) and had plans for the show circuit with his six figure inventory. Nine days after his layoff he found a much better job with much better working conditions, an office 4x the size of the one in the metal building of a dump he was working in, more money, free family health insurance, etc. He was shocked but elated. For months before the collapse he had tolerated demanding unreasonable long hours in a company that was sinking fast not to mention a harsh, demeaning, hostile work environment. In his new job he actually has 30-40% slack time and his boss who he hardly ever sees is in a building over a mile away. He is in a new mfg facility on a hallway where most of the offices are vacant due to salesmen being out in the field. His boss has probably written him 5 emails in the last four months compared to the 24/7 barrage of emails from his boss at the old company which were demanding, demeaning, and worse yet often the byproduct of a co worker making much to do about nothing about minor issues. His old job is like a bad dream receding into the sands of time.

Use the unemployment for all you can get out of it. I don't know how close you are to early social but that can be an option too if you there.

Type2 · October 9, 2013 11:11AM

Cherrypick can off set or help some of the pain and you can keep some as well.

dizzyfoxx · October 9, 2013 11:22AM

Hey Matt, life is so damn short! -So much shorter than most all of us realize!

My only response here, is simply do what brings you the most joy! Of course taking into account your family's best interest, coupled with your love of this awesome hobby!

My Father-in-law (who is gone now) always said, "We only go around this big "Merry-go-round" once! Enjoy the ride!"

Broadstruck · October 9, 2013 11:32AM

I voted "Send my wife to work and just hang out with the kids / become a stay at home dad?" earlier today.

Also glanced at your username for years now it makes so much sense

jdimmick · October 9, 2013 12:20PM

Im unemployed too, and love not having to work or do anything

Swampboy · October 9, 2013 12:29PM

I voted "Ride my motorcycle across America."

I have done it and I'm thinking you'll probably come up with the best future plan for you and your family as soon as you turn around and start heading head home.

It's called serious ME time.

Catbert · October 9, 2013 12:47PM

I would tell you to prepare for the worst. Cut down your expenses and consider selling your home in order to downsize/reduce debt levels. This will buy you some time. Tough on the family, I know, but it can get worse.

Since you are going to limit yourself to Reno, I suggest that you immediately contact your competition and offer your services on a contract basis, perhaps as they need extra help. Of course, I have no idea if that is even possible in your field, but this could augment your income. As Ricko said, being out for a long period of time is not good for your skills or for your self esteem. In this awful economy, things are really tough. I wouldn't even assume you could land a job in another town and your prospects will dim as the next practice views you as damaged goods if you've been out of commission for awhile (unless you can stay current via consulting). Hiring execs will likely not look kindly on extended vacations and will weed you out if they believe you've not spent your time productively.

Shamika · October 9, 2013 1:01PM

<< Also glanced at your username for years now it makes so much sense

>>

Ditto!

bolivarshagnasty · October 9, 2013 6:42PM

<< Get back in the workforce as soon as possible..... breaks in careers are rarely helpful. You stagnate, the profession moves on, contacts go elsewhere and forget about you......Best of luck....Cheers, RickO >>

I think our friend RickO has some sage advice on your situation. Don't want to lay out on your profession too long!

RYK · October 9, 2013 8:43PM

<< 

<< Also glanced at your username for years now it makes so much sense

>>

Ditto! >>

Me, three.

I agree with the "O" brothers, Crypto and Ricko.

What kind of physician practice closed? Was it an imaging center-practice? Rad-onc? Cardiology group?

Not necessarily related specifically to Obamacare, but more generally to longer term trends in medical reimbursement, the practice of medicine has been increasingly getting squeezed for some time. I am glad that I have a wife with an excellent job and that I am closer to the end of my career than the beginning.

ambro51 · October 9, 2013 10:39PM

Whatever you plan will never come true. Life will intervene...

Colorfulcoins · October 10, 2013 12:24AM

Some out of the box thinking.....if $ an issue, perhaps weekly relo to Las Vegas (yep, I know its an ugly drive) but work there Tue/Wed/Thu and consult/ski bum in Reno the other 4 days. Sort of splitting the baby.....could almost do the same thing for Sacramento but heading over the pass in winter...

nags · October 10, 2013 12:29AM

Any which way, best of luck. Sounds like you have a good attitude about it.

erickso1 · October 10, 2013 12:50AM

Based on how you've built your collection and presented yourself here, I'd guess you already have a pretty good idea what you are going to do.

I voted for skiing. Hopefully the snow gods look favorably upon your decision and dump lots of fluff during the weekdays for you tear up.

ambro51 · October 10, 2013 12:59AM

You know moving to India, learning to speak Hindi, growing your hair three feet long, getting naked, covering yourself wix a mix of dung and ashes, living on the shore of the lower Ganges CAN be a viable option.

renomedphys · October 10, 2013 1:38AM

Thanks for the advice. It's all coming at me pretty fast.

One thing I am considering is to fill in the time between jobs traveling to and learning aspects of other modalities at other clinics in the area. My feeling is that it will not only mesh well with the mandate of my continuing education (which is requisite so that I may maintian my certification) but also to bolster my contacts in the area and likely upsell my talents to any potential employers. To be honest I'm not sure how the "unemployment" benefit will work itself out, but I wouldn't be opposed to providing my services as a "volunteer" as long as there is enough money coming in to support my family in the near term.

johnny9434 · October 10, 2013 5:15AM

move to topeka and send the wife to work.

MsMorrisine · October 10, 2013 6:31AM

<< Thanks for the advice. It's all coming at me pretty fast.

One thing I am considering is to fill in the time between jobs traveling to and learning aspects of other modalities at other clinics in the area. My feeling is that it will not only mesh well with the mandate of my continuing education (which is requisite so that I may maintian my certification) but also to bolster my contacts in the area and likely upsell my talents to any potential employers. To be honest I'm not sure how the "unemployment" benefit will work itself out, but I wouldn't be opposed to providing my services as a "volunteer" as long as there is enough money coming in to support my family in the near term. >>

the commute suggestion gives me an idea:

can you afford to learn to fly/helicopter and make it a fly-commute to work in some other location?

telephoto1 · October 10, 2013 7:26AM

I've always been a proponent of being debt free. I'd pay off the house; with your skill set you'll have no problems finding a strong position elsewhere. Then with no debt you'll be able to pile up wealth so that you can afford to take that bike trip and go skiing whenever you wish.

RYK · October 10, 2013 8:40AM

<< 

<< Thanks for the advice. It's all coming at me pretty fast.

One thing I am considering is to fill in the time between jobs traveling to and learning aspects of other modalities at other clinics in the area. My feeling is that it will not only mesh well with the mandate of my continuing education (which is requisite so that I may maintian my certification) but also to bolster my contacts in the area and likely upsell my talents to any potential employers. To be honest I'm not sure how the "unemployment" benefit will work itself out, but I wouldn't be opposed to providing my services as a "volunteer" as long as there is enough money coming in to support my family in the near term. >>

the commute suggestion gives me an idea:

can you afford to learn to fly/helicopter and make it a fly-commute to work in some other location? >>

Better yet, maybe he can sprout wings and fly for free!

Boosibri · October 10, 2013 8:53AM

<< 

<< 

<< Thanks for the advice. It's all coming at me pretty fast.

One thing I am considering is to fill in the time between jobs traveling to and learning aspects of other modalities at other clinics in the area. My feeling is that it will not only mesh well with the mandate of my continuing education (which is requisite so that I may maintian my certification) but also to bolster my contacts in the area and likely upsell my talents to any potential employers. To be honest I'm not sure how the "unemployment" benefit will work itself out, but I wouldn't be opposed to providing my services as a "volunteer" as long as there is enough money coming in to support my family in the near term. >>

the commute suggestion gives me an idea:

can you afford to learn to fly/helicopter and make it a fly-commute to work in some other location? >>

Better yet, maybe he can sprout wings and fly for free! >>

I can envision the Apache landing at the office. Not sure which would be more ridiculous, the helicopter or having wings.

airplanenut · October 10, 2013 11:41AM

<< 
the commute suggestion gives me an idea:

can you afford to learn to fly/helicopter and make it a fly-commute to work in some other location? >>

That would be awesome, but be forewarned, the weather in the Reno area can be very unforgiving to small airplanes depending on when and where you're going. I was at Lake Tahoe's airport in June of last year when I was grounded for a day due to snow and no way to get over the mountains. Of all the weather I was expecting on that trip, snow wasn't it.

RYK · October 10, 2013 11:45AM

<< 

<< Thanks for the advice. It's all coming at me pretty fast.

One thing I am considering is to fill in the time between jobs traveling to and learning aspects of other modalities at other clinics in the area. My feeling is that it will not only mesh well with the mandate of my continuing education (which is requisite so that I may maintian my certification) but also to bolster my contacts in the area and likely upsell my talents to any potential employers. To be honest I'm not sure how the "unemployment" benefit will work itself out, but I wouldn't be opposed to providing my services as a "volunteer" as long as there is enough money coming in to support my family in the near term. >>

the commute suggestion gives me an idea:

can you afford to learn to fly/helicopter and make it a fly-commute to work in some other location? >>

The CEO of Anheuser-Busch, August Busch III, the great-grandson of the founder of the company would helicopter to work from what would be a 45 minutes commute for the rest of us. I am sure that the compensation for the medical imaging physics position would be similar and easily justify the use of the helicopter.

TwoSides2aCoin · October 10, 2013 11:52AM

Been unemployed for nearly 20 years. Self-employed is like slavery, except we put our own chains on and use blinders to keep focus.

SeattleSlammer · October 10, 2013 12:25PM

<< And keyman suggests the unemployment route. You paid it out, right? Eh. I've been talked into unemployment benefits twice and felt e en more like I didn't need it the second time. I didn't even try for disability and have had a med prof suggest that perhaps it can be awarded retroactively?!?!?! I'm in the camp of taking that when you need it, not when it's available. >>

So you didn't really feel like you needed it either time but you still took it. Interesting.

WildIdea · October 10, 2013 1:03PM

I often daydream that my career will quit me and fantasize about riding my motorcycle cross country when freedom beacons. The reality of our culture is to keep a decent job until the kids are raised and the house paid for.

With that said, I would imagine that you have many options and ideas that you could easily implement with your mind and skill set. I wouldn't worry too much about looking like anything but a hard worker to an employer as they are starving for A plus people.

I personally could sell my collection to pay and support my family, but would prefer to work to not have to and keep my current assets intact. I wouldn't want to blow off my best earning years and prefer to save personal gratification for retirement, with long enjoyable weekends sprinkled along the way.

Oh well, that's the program I'm subscribing to but really any idea for a career can work in this country if one puts his mind and time into it so if you go for something new, go all in!!!!

CommemDude · October 14, 2013 9:04AM

The coins are going to be scattered to the winds when you pass on. If you have equity in the practice and a shot at early retirement I would recommend it... there's no hourly rate that's as valuable as pursing your interests and spending time with family.

MsMorrisine · October 14, 2013 10:56AM

<< 

<< 

<< Thanks for the advice. It's all coming at me pretty fast.

One thing I am considering is to fill in the time between jobs traveling to and learning aspects of other modalities at other clinics in the area. My feeling is that it will not only mesh well with the mandate of my continuing education (which is requisite so that I may maintian my certification) but also to bolster my contacts in the area and likely upsell my talents to any potential employers. To be honest I'm not sure how the "unemployment" benefit will work itself out, but I wouldn't be opposed to providing my services as a "volunteer" as long as there is enough money coming in to support my family in the near term. >>

the commute suggestion gives me an idea:

can you afford to learn to fly/helicopter and make it a fly-commute to work in some other location? >>

The CEO of Anheuser-Busch, August Busch III, the great-grandson of the founder of the company would helicopter to work from what would be a 45 minutes commute for the rest of us. I am sure that the compensation for the medical imaging physics position would be similar and easily justify the use of the helicopter. >>

I'm not talking a jet ranger.

I wasn't thinking of the unforgiving nature of the weather there. That would Likely kill the deal as a light 2 seat aircraft might get grounded on severe weather even if instrument rated piloted.

pennyannie · October 14, 2013 12:55PM

<< Been unemployed for nearly 20 years. Self-employed is like slavery, except we put our own chains on and use blinders to keep focus. >>

LOL, i think i am closer to 30 years unemployed. I finally realized 5 years ago that i might as well start my day at 10 am instead of 8 am since it seems my day never ends.

blacksmoke · October 14, 2013 1:17PM

I moved to Reno a little over 3 years ago. Go for the skiing and just hang out and enjoy time and life with your kids until another job opportunity comes up. I spent far too many years of my life thinking that to be a good dad, I had to work my donkey off to provide all I could. Now I'm disabled from the years of physical abuse I put my body through and my kids are grown and it's too late to go back and do it different. Spend every minute you can with your wife and children. Every second that goes by is gone forever.

In 2 months time I'll be unemployed, but strangely, I'm not that worried... let's do a poll:

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