Topic: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

Happy Easter to everybody. I went to work yesterday and not shockingly,as I had to mentioned to Eva and Roy on a Monday or Tuesday night chat a couple of weeks ago that it seemed like things were shakey there, was told that it would be my last day after about 14 years. Bankrupt. I really wasn't going to post about this until i read a post here about there being a buzz about Joe on the Les Paul website. So I go there and the first topic on the forum was from a guy who got a email about having a meeting with his bosses about his position being terminated. How ironic huh ? Oh I'll find another job, however, it was a very sad day, saying good bye to the "family" of other employees I had been with for so long. Last night I went out to the local pub and caught a blues band (SLEEPIN' DOGZ) and downed a few beers. That took a little of the edge off my brain, but then I woke up this morning to the reality of it. I went for a long walk this morning and could not believe the number of houses for sale in my town. Fortunately I have no wife or children to support and i live in a very affordable co-op housing plan. We kinda had a discussion on another thread about Eric Sardinas & Big Motor, about how they can afford to play in small clubs with only 50 or so people for around $15 a head. Now $15 was a bargain to witness this act, but I took a friend so its up to $30 for me now. Bar tab was $30 w/tip ( luckily she is not a big drinker and I was driving/too far from home to have more than just a few ). Drove 97 miles round trip ( 25 mpg car @ $3.30/gal. = $13). Grand total $73. Did I mention dinner on the way? Good thing she payed for that but none the less between the two of us it was well over $100. On a Wed. night. I guess that is propably a big reason there are so few people turning out to see great acts like this one. While I'm laid off I will not have the luxury of that much disposable income. I guess I"ll be spending alot more time in this lonely room until I find a new job. If anyone is still with me rambling on here, I guess what I am getting at here is how much the economy has affected your lives? Or you can reply to this topic to tell me to not consume any alcohol before starting a new post anymore. I dont care. I am not looking for sympathy here, as I know alot of people have it alot worse than I do. I'm just venting some frustration.   DARRIN

Tell me about the car i saw parked outside your door ? Tell me what you left me waiting two or three hours for ? Tell me why when the phone rings, baby, your up and across the floor ? Please dont keep me wondering no more.....

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

Darrin,

I ache for you.  I'm so sorry this has happened to you.  I know this pain, only too well. 

I'm glad you've decided to share it here, as, there are certainly a lot of people who care VERY MUCH about one another, even if most of them are asleep right now.  You will get many more replies tomorrow, I'm sure.

I'm going to email you some more private thoughts right now.

Bless your little heart,

Libby

I know that Joe could play one of those kid's guitars with the plastic strings and make it sound good-
Bill S.

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

Darrin

Sorry to hear your bad news bud. Keep fighting man, it's a new day now.

millhouse

"Stars fall like tears from your eyes"

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

Hey Darrin,

as you already said we talked about it in the chat a few weeks ago .... I´m sad to hear that it really happened now. And after 14 years .... that´s though.
Do you remember when we first talked in the chatroom and you said that you don´t post in the forum too often? I realized that you did post a lot since then and I´m always happy to read what you´ve got to say smile. I hope this forum gives you a bit of a family-feeling as it does for many of us - I can only say that I´m glad you are here! smile

I will try to come in the chatroom today or tomorrow, maybe we can talk a little then.

Eva

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

Chin up fella, it feels desperate now, but new hope and opportunity have a habit of suddenly appearing from unexpected quarters. Trust me on this, this forum has some unusual powers!

RIP Iron Man

Rock On and keep the Faith

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

Darrin - don't know you but hope to someday. Glad you opened up the subject for discussion.

I really feel for you and I've been layed off from jobs that mattered a lot to me, but not after 14 years - that's rough.

You seem to have a positive outlook that you'll get another job, and thats great, and I'm sure a really great opportunity is right around the corner.

My sister got laid off right before the holidays and does have a daughter to support and also cares for my mom. She was panicking, but got a call within 2 days and is now working at a MUCH better place - she didnt realize how much of a rut she had been in till she was doing something she really loves.

Please keep us posted about things when you do find a job - till then, our good thoughts are with you.

As for how is the economy affecting us?

For a variety of reasons, I dont think I would still be at my current job if this were a different economic climate. I'm a special ed teacher with 10 yeas of experience and good references - there is a huge shortage, particularly in my area of special ed, so jobs have come easy to me and i will never want for work, but i am now scared. I'll look at other options during the summer, because its not fair or right for me to keep teaching somewhere if I'm not feeling the necessary enthusiasm, but I think the luxury of following my heart is a thing of the past, for now at least.

Expendible income is a thing of the past too and necessity has to be redefined on a monthly basis. A $15 ticket can easily turn into a $50 dollar evening, MINIMUM. Times are tough, but I know I have it good compared to others so I cant complain.

Things will get better though, so hold on tight for this part of the ride till it gets smoother.

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

Dude I feel for you, hang in there. I know all about the unemployment deal, my wife is or should I say was in the mortgage business. She lost her job Dec 31st, and has not had one interview! Unemployment is running out, and the savings account is dwindling down. We've been told , she needs to make a career change. Losing $65,000 a year is a shock to your finances, but she's healthy, so were very blessed.

As far as drinking and driving, well I've certainly done that in the past. It's funny you would mention that, just yesterday afternoon, I got a call from some friends who were on the Sacramento river. They ask me if I would drive them home, as they were pretty well lit up on this 75 degree day. To make a long story short, I went down there to get them, got home 5 hours later (no, I wasnt drinking)....but it felt good to be able to help them....then again my buddys 1085 Ducati is probably gone, thats a high theft bike.

If there any locals gigs that dont cost much, maybe you can hit them. I try and find the ones with little or no cover charge. And since I quit drinking, the cost went WAY down...lol...no more buying rounds for the entire bar.

Best of luck with the job hunt, I'm very happy you dont have to support anyone other than yourself. Your going to get that new job, in the meantime, look at it as a mini vacation. Hey, and feel free to drop a line or email anytime, I'm a good listener smile

Dave

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

Hmmm...I will choose my words carefully because this is important.  There is always a plan.  Take a moment to consider this.  Do not confuse the channel with the source.  A job is just a channel.  THE SOURCE IS INFINITE AND PERFECT.  Trust that.

allthebest
bigjeff

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

Hi Darrin and I'm sorry..You've already been given sage advice so there's little I can add. I would stress that, in life, it does seem that when 1 door closes another opens. Keep your eyes and mind open. In the meantime, we're here. There's always a smile and a good laugh to be found. And, the only cost is a broaden b*tt from sitting!  Cathy

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

Hey Darrin.  So glad you posted.  I know right now you feel a little low but as Cathy mentioned keep yourself open to all new possible opportunities.  Take one day at a time and never waiver in believing in yourself, your talents or your capabilities.  I was downsized twice out of two of my previous jobs.  So, I do know how you feel.  After that I even changed job careers.  At first it is devastating but after sometime passes you realize that it was for the best.  New opportunities are out there waiting for you!!  We are always here for you on the forum.  HANG IN there friend.   

                                             Barbara.......

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

hey Darrin,

I was in the same boat a month ago.  In Michigan, with one of the highest unemployment rates - I still managed to find something...actually even better than where I was at! Where there's a will there's a way!

One place I can direct you to to find business connections through school or work history is www.linkedin.com
you may be able to find work through x-coworker's x-coworkers job postings.

good luck
Nic

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

Dear Darrin,

I feel very sorry for you too. It's always possible to loose your job, but what worries me most is why!!
Like Roy said: Mostly because of that damned MONEY!

Here in Holland it's just the same, when a company goes broke theré's always a money story behind it, the managers , directors, banks etc. earn a lot and the workers stay behind with nothing.
I won't get political either but you all know what the war in the middle east and for us Dutch Afghanistan cost???? Bush etc. criminals!
That's why I hate politics!!
We could help people like Darrin, the homeless, the sick etc. a lot with that money
That frustrates me a lot!!

Darrin I hope you find yourself another job soon and I'll cross my fingers for you! keep us informed please.

Andre Wittebroek.

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

To my "extended family".... Thanks to all of you kind people for your thoughts and support. It is comforting to hear your positive input into this situation. Ive been through this before and managed to survive so I'm just gonna have to dust myself off and get back on again.  Hopefully as alot of you stated something better will come about after all is said and done. You people make me as proud to be a part of this forum as much as I am proud to be a J.B. & company fan.  Thanks again to all of you for all of your well wishes....DARRIN                    P.S.  Special thanks to LIBBY for brightening my day first thing this morning with the email you sent. You and your hubby are awesome people.

Tell me about the car i saw parked outside your door ? Tell me what you left me waiting two or three hours for ? Tell me why when the phone rings, baby, your up and across the floor ? Please dont keep me wondering no more.....

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

Hi Darrin,
  Just read your post and I feel for you man. I really do. The hardest part is devoting 14 years to the same company only to have this happen. Like everyone else has said, chin up, one door closes another opens.  Take the summer off, kick back collect your unemployment checks. Something better may come your way.  I know all about the sad state of real estate here in the Pittsburgh area. It is so sad to see so many homes up for sale, and they aren't selling.  Wifey and I have been looking for some time now to move.  We have been here for 18 years. Our nice quiet little neighborhood isn't so nice and quiet anymore. (Crafton) Low income housing popping up all around us. My property value has dropped drasticly.   Hang in there my friend it'll get better. We promise.

Take care everyone. And if I don't meet you no more in this world
Then ill, I'll meet you in the next one and don't be late, don't be late

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

(BLUSHING) You are very welcome, Darrin.  I hope today was a little brighter than you had anticipated, with all the love light coming from your forum friends.  I know that YOU know that none of the advice and comfort that is coming your way is anything less than completely sincere and heartfelt with true, deep meaning.  Listen well.  Sometimes a break from what we are used to also provides us the time and space for some deeper revelations and self-discovery.  Make the best of this time, and, of course, we are here for you.

smile  Libby  smile

I know that Joe could play one of those kid's guitars with the plastic strings and make it sound good-
Bill S.

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

Darrin,I just wanted to say that I too have had some hard times with work,not having a job and bills piling up.Feeling like your falling into a hole you cant get out of.But like the others have said here,it will get better.Companies are always in need of good people.skilled people,and good people.You seem like a good person,just do everything you can to stay busy.check the internet ,ask everyone you know,read the classified ads.focus on being positive.Its hard sometimes,dont give up if things dont happen right away keep plugging along.I wish you all the luck,and remember all the bonamaniacs will be here for support as you can see by all the posts you have.

Your rock candy baby
Your hard sweet and sticky

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

Hey Gary,
    Sorry to interupt this thread but watch for the mailman.  Loving the tunes. Thanks Bro.

Take care everyone. And if I don't meet you no more in this world
Then ill, I'll meet you in the next one and don't be late, don't be late

Re: Had to Cry Yesterday....Woke Up And Wasnt Dreaming

Hang in there man...Life can be very cruel at times, but then makes up for it 2 fold.
I think most of us know your pain, having been there at more than one time or another.
My wife just ended her maternity leave, went back to her first meeting at work, and was told that the company wasn't  doing too well, and that she would have to take a $20K/year
pay cut, or else to start looking for work elsewhere. Shes a very respected director for her company, and has only worked for this company her whole career.

But looked at what we gained.....

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181 … 7weeks.jpg

It does get better, and better
Muddy

"Cause I'm a Hamster Baby....a runnin' on my spinnin' wheel.
---artist yet unknown---