[__ Prayer __] GM layoffs

[sunflower]

Well JohnDB , I didn't really want my employer known... But ohwell Lol.

Nobody really knows "when", but we highly suspect next week. Regardless, there are about 7,000 white collar workers, mostly from Michigan that will get their walking papers. Blue collar ( plant workers) are about 4,000 but most of them will have the option to relocate.

I think most, including myself are starting to feel a sigh of relief that the cuts hopefully are coming next week. I can't describe the stress people are going through and we've been going through this for almost 3 months.

Oh, my goodness. Such sad times with so many losses, changes and transitions...praying for you and others affected. Believing in God's provisions for you and yours and also better days ahead. Amen!

 

[stovebolts]

Oh, my goodness. Such sad times with so many losses, changes and transitions...praying for you and others affected. Believing in God's provisions for you and yours and also better days ahead. Amen!

With all of the last few transitions I've gone through, sadly, it's almost normal living in a state of uncertainty and anxiety. For me, I've learned not to fight it. Right now, I can feel the anxiety swelling in my chest. My mind is sharp, and I'm looking for signs of self destructive behavior in myself. I force myself to get the things done that need to get done. Going into apathy is about the worst thing I could do, because that leads to depression, and I'm better than that. That's where the real fight is.... It's a balance calling for wisdom knowing which battles one wants to fight.

I understand not having any control over certain situations. I did not have a choice in being placed in foster care as a child. I did not have a choice in many of the things in my life. One can fight those kinds of things, but in reality it's just an angry state of denial. Those kinds of fight are self destructive and hold you back.

Honesty, integrity, being a man of your word and doing what you said you would do and doing the things that need to be done especially when you don't want to do them. That's worth fighting for, and that's what I'll continue to fight for.... Even now... Yes, I'm working today on a project that has to be done today.... No exceptions.

I'll get it done, and if I loose my job tomorrow or the following weeks, I'll gracefully hand my work off. I will leave with my integrity in check. Nobody will use me as an excuse.

 

[Tessa]

My prayers are with you.

 

[jasonc]

It's the uncertainty that's the biggest anxiety machine. There have been so many rumors the past couple months I've stopped listening to them. However, when the Freepress prints something, it's a sure bet they are right.
I'm not hoping to loose my job, but if I do I think I'll take a hefty pay cut and get out of Information Technology. My wife and I have had a few months to ponder and prepare for this. I have options.

I remember before the sale,I still correct people on the power utilities transfer.the incorrect info. The best one was big blue was a nuke plant .

I also remember the changes, rumours of who would go etc.still hard to believe .did it for 5 years.

 

[stovebolts]

I remember before the sale,I still correct people on the power utilities transfer.the incorrect info. The best one was big blue was a nuke plant .

I also remember the changes, rumours of who would go etc.still hard to believe .did it for 5 years.

I know... This is going to be a hard week to get through. Mentally and financially my wife and I are prepared. We've cut back our expenses in a huge way the past 4 months and I've got a few ideas for a new job if I find myself in that situation.
While I dread this week, I'm almost glad it's here.

 

[jasonc]

I know... This is going to be a hard week to get through. Mentally and financially my wife and I are prepared. We've cut back our expenses in a huge way the past 4 months and I've got a few ideas for a new job if I find myself in that situation.
While I dread this week, I'm almost glad it's here.

I smiled when I was asked to get this read as i read these often usually before the route day they were on ,or if not wrote the reads in afterwards .the machine needed the net,the psc needed the three you will see the net,recieved,delivered.

 

[stovebolts]

It has begun... I'll keep quiet until after the dust settles, but for anyone interested in following it almost live, here ya go.

http://www.thelayoff.com/general-motors

 

[Tessa]

Nightmare. God will be with you whatever happens.

 

[lisa-in-FL]

Feeling terrible for all those people. I've been there. I was optimistic at first, but its still an awful thing to go through. Most of the people in my department were supportive and we all stuck together (we were all let go), but there was one bad apple that showed her true colors.
I like your attitude from your earlier post about going out on a high-note if it happens to be you. I found out the person I was handing off my work to at the outsourcing company paid me a compliment to his boss. Didn't help me get another job at the time, but still good to know my effort at being professional and helpful was noticed.

 

[ezra]

i read where the Union in Canada made a interesting super bowl commercial . reminding them of the bail out money they never repaid same with the u.s

 

[sunflower]

continuing to pray.

 

[sunflower]

With all of the last few transitions I've gone through, sadly, it's almost normal living in a state of uncertainty and anxiety. For me, I've learned not to fight it. Right now, I can feel the anxiety swelling in my chest. My mind is sharp, and I'm looking for signs of self destructive behavior in myself. I force myself to get the things done that need to get done. Going into apathy is about the worst thing I could do, because that leads to depression, and I'm better than that. That's where the real fight is.... It's a balance calling for wisdom knowing which battles one wants to fight.

I understand not having any control over certain situations. I did not have a choice in being placed in foster care as a child. I did not have a choice in many of the things in my life. One can fight those kinds of things, but in reality it's just an angry state of denial. Those kinds of fight are self destructive and hold you back.

Honesty, integrity, being a man of your word and doing what you said you would do and doing the things that need to be done especially when you don't want to do them. That's worth fighting for, and that's what I'll continue to fight for.... Even now... Yes, I'm working today on a project that has to be done today.... No exceptions.

I'll get it done, and if I loose my job tomorrow or the following weeks, I'll gracefully hand my work off. I will leave with my integrity in check. Nobody will use me as an excuse.

Having lived in Alaska for almost 34 years my late husband and I often went through periods of "boom" or "bust". He was in the building business (various aspects of that) and so much depended on the changing economy. Most jobs were by their very nature...temporary. Even when we started a building business we needed to be ready for the appearance of 'rainy days' or should I say, "economic snow falls"..and freezes. The most stability as far as jobs went came after he retired and started to draw social security and got a small union pension. I live on both of those now.

I don't have to tell you to trust the Lord in all of this as I know that you know that. I also sense the weight of the responsibility you are feeling. But be assured as He always came through, albeit, taking His time, for us so He will for you. Proverbs 3: 5-6. (NIV) has been a major focus for me lately (regarding my heart condition) but also applies to financial challenges. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he well make your paths straight."

 

[stovebolts]

Having lived in Alaska for almost 34 years my late husband and I often went through periods of "boom" or "bust". He was in the building business (various aspects of that) and so much depended on the changing economy. Most jobs were by their very nature...temporary. Even when we started a building business we needed to be ready for the appearance of 'rainy days' or should I say, "economic snow falls"..and freezes. The most stability as far as jobs went came after he retired and started to draw social security and got a small union pension. I live on both of those now.

I don't have to tell you to trust the Lord in all of this as I know that you know that. I also sense the weight of the responsibility you are feeling. But be assured as He always came through, albeit, taking His time, for us so He will for you. Proverbs 3: 5-6. (NIV) has been a major focus for me lately (regarding my heart condition) but also applies to financial challenges. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he well make your paths straight."

Thank you.
I don't want this to her political, but I have to thank President Obama and give credit where credit is due.

I've told you this before, but I have heart disease. I have a bicuspid aortic valve with stenosis and an ascending aortic aneurysm. If the day ever comes, the surgery will be tricky and mortality rate is much higher than a valve replacement.

This falls under pre-existing condition. Under the old law, if I list my job, I could be denied health insurance based on my pre-existing condition.

I was born with this defect. I did nothing to cause this defect. My lifestyle has nothing to do with this defect.

Giving credit where credit is due, I am thankful that I cannot be denied health insurance due to my pre-existing condition. What I do worry about are the Republicans that want to pass a bill to raise my rates beyond my reach because I have a pre-existing condition.

It's kind of scary...

 

[sunflower]

Thank you.
I don't want this to her political, but I have to thank President Obama and give credit where credit is due.

I've told you this before, but I have heart disease. I have a bicuspid aortic valve with stenosis and an ascending aortic aneurysm. If the day ever comes, the surgery will be tricky and mortality rate is much higher than a valve replacement.

This falls under pre-existing condition. Under the old law, if I list my job, I could be denied health insurance based on my pre-existing condition.

I was born with this defect. I did nothing to cause this defect. My lifestyle has nothing to do with this defect.

Giving credit where credit is due, I am thankful that I cannot be denied health insurance due to my pre-existing condition. What I do worry about are the Republicans that want to pass a bill to raise my rates beyond my reach because I have a pre-existing condition.

It's kind of scary...

Jeff, I respect your feelings and realize this is the prayer forum so rest assured I am praying for you and your family and the situation. And I did remember about your heart condition.

 

[JohnDB]

Well I am sure that with this very public announcement and people who have held the same jobs for 15+ years...there is a culture/environment of fear very well developed.
Everyone else is scared so the average person says " I must be scared too"... whether or not it's true.

Those of us who are in the construction trades... getting laid off is the norm for doing your job. We are used to it far more than the rest of society. Can't imagine doing the same job in the same building for 5 years much less 15. But for most people it's a sense of comfort and peace and stability... giving a sense of strength.

And I imagine that for some people the transition is going to be very difficult. My FIL has just gone through a transition like this. 20+ years with the same guys doing the same job in the same place. It has literally torn him apart emotionally.

Jeff though is different from the majority. He is like us skilled trades in construction. Our identity doesn't come from our job.
It comes from Christ. Jesus tells us our place in society and status. Our careers do not. Our employers always want more for less money and heap empty praise on us when we do so.
Just as I am is not just a song...it's a reality. Production levels aren't a requirement.

So where I seriously don't think that God would let his kid go begging in the streets for bread...Jeff will be okay in the end.

 

[Tessa]

I honestly believe that Jeff realizes God will look after him, no matter what the outcome is.
But I understand how scary it must be.
A lot of people praying for you and your family Jeff. You are well loved on this forum.

 

[stovebolts]

Pray for my co-workers as well. I'm witnessing whole departments get slashed in half. I met a co-worker just a but ago and he asked, "how are you". I smiled and with genuine joy I said, "I'm doing well". It led to a good discussion I feel like I'm here for moral support for so many who are Lost... So many for the past 4 months have stuck their heads in the sand as if they could hide from what's now occuring.

Rumor has it tomorrow is our departments turn, and will extend through Thursday. Our turn for the fire.

A gal I've known for over 10 years just told me all my old team members were just let go. She is waiting for the tap on her shoulder. It's heart wrenching. My stomach is in knots and I'm not eating much and sleep is futile. I feel strong, and I'll stay strong because I know whatever happens to me, I'll be fine. My family will be fine.

I suppose it's like jumping out of an airplane. You know your going to be fine, but you also understand the risk and there is always the uncertainty.

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. They mean a lot to me.

 

[Tessa]

Praying now for your co-workers too. You've taken the opportunity to point them to the Lord. God be with you all.

 

[stovebolts]

Just an update...

The layoffs for our department were supposed to occur today and tomorrow. It's been mandatory we come in early and not leave until a certain time all week.

So, after another sleepless night, I got to work earlier than demanded and ran into a co-worker and we both looked at each other, smiled and I said, "let the games begin". He got a good chuckle out of it and we proceeded to crack jokes all the way to our work areas.

I have to step back to yesterday evening. Michigan is under a winter warning because of freezing rain and every employee received a text and call from GM stating we should work with our managers and work from home if possible.

As a result, they've postponed the layoffs until tomorrow.

It's all good, a bunch of us stood around sharing inside information and laughing at even the stupidest joke.

Nobody is working very hard today and comrodery is good. People you generally just pass by with a wave are stopping for small talk and you can feel the shared connection.

Our building is practically empty and honestly, I think everyone who braved the icy roads like myself we're glad to see today finally come only to be disappointed it's pushed off till tomorrow.

It's been a good morning. No sad faces from those who stayed home not wanting today to come and are hiding from what is inevitable.

I made a comment earlier while laughing at something someone else said, "I don't know how many more days without sleep I can do this", to which a co-worker replied "don't worry, well all be so tired that well all sleep in tomorrow" and we were all in hesteria. My gut hurts. . Life is good.

 

[Tessa]

Great attitudes -Love it.
It's incredible how tough times can bring people together.
Hope you manage to sleep tonight and all best wishes for tomorrow.