Got the pink slip this AM

[ChasDen]

Well I cant say its a surprise.
We are down to 3 guys left in our branch and this morning we got called into the office for the "pep talk".

Basically came down to one of us voluntarily taking the layoff or he would pick. I have been waiting for this for almost a year now so we have been planing for it. Spent all of last year paying down some of the credit, adding a few bucks to the retirement account and scaling back our luxury items. The other 2 guys would never make it, 1 is already about to lose his house and the other is struggling with 3 kids at home and a child with an ex to support. My wife has a good job and I can make up some of the lost wages working in the shop.

I just looked up the process online for filing for unemployment, man how in the world are people making it with the maximum limits set so low :confused: ?

Oh well, there's a first for everything, I have never been without a job for more than a week, except vacation time in almost 30 years.

Chas

[marge796]

You're a good man!


:tu


Chris.....

[kydsid]

Sorry to hear that and I am proud that a fellow member of this site is such a responsible and honorable person to think of and prepare to help others before themselves. We need more people like you in the world. :tu

[Darrell]

You have done good, Chuck. You're the epitome of a MAN IMO.

[Eleven]

Its been just a little over a year since I got the same talk. I too saw it coming and prepared for it. As you know my wife has a good job as well so the blow wasn't bad at all.

I incorporated, set up my jewelry repair business at home and 1 year later I still have my head above water and I am looking to expand.

Your a good man Charlie Brown, its time to move on to the next step in your life!

Thoughts and Prayers...


Scott

[massphatness]

Good luck, my friend. Cream always rises to the top, and I have no doubt that will be the case with you no matter what you ultimately decide to pursue. I'll be rooting for you.

[TripleF]

Very honorable Chuck!! :tu

Sorry you had to do it though :(

[0002S]

Karma has a way of working it out for the best.

[jdakine]

Sorry to hear the news Chuck. Hang in there

[s15driftking]

Thats extremely selfless chuck.

If we local Ohioans can help with any sort of networking and/or conections, let us know!

[detroitpha357]

God has another plan for you. Stay positive & strong my friend.

[SmokeyJoe]

God bless you, Chuck... praying for a good job to come your way at the perfect time. You are a good man to consider the needs of your co-workers. Makes you top-notch in my book. :tu

[bazookajoe]

Hate to sound like a broken record here Chuck but you're a good man. Few would do something selfless like that, especially right now. :tu

[barbourjay]

sorry to hear man, i hear this stuff everyday from my clients and it doesn't seem to be letting up. hope it all works out for ya in the long run, doing something to help others out generally does.

[LooseCard]

Wow. I feel bad, yet proud for you.

It's great to know that you were able to help out your friends in such a way. They will never know the true value of what you've done.
That good Karma will be returned someday. I wish I could set myself up similar, as that is a truly honorable action.

[Coach Deg]

Sorry about your situation. With your attitude you will end up better in the end. Good luck!

[kaelaria]

Time to open up that cigar store!!

[ChasDen]

Awe Shucks, its not all that guys.

Hey for all I know it would have been me anyways.

I have other plans indeed and maybe I just needed a push.

Just glad we had the foresight to plan ahead. Like I said, looking at the max you can collect, how in the world are family's surviving?

Maybe we are just spoiled but I don't think so.
I put myself as a fairly middle, middle class family.

With what the unemployment compensation is, I would lose everything without planing ahead.

Say a few prayers for those who get blind sided or are not prepared.

We are going to be fine :tu

Chas

[GoatLocker]

As the old saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. Good luck bro.

[TFULLERY]

What a way to pay it forward:tu God bless you and your family:) you have one great attitude:banger

[pnoon]

I can't add much to what has already been said, Chuck.
I am proud to call you my friend.

[MedicCook]

Good luck Chas.

[elderboy02]

You have done good, Chuck. You're the epitome of a MAN IMO.

:tpd: Nice job Chuck!

[icehog3]

You are indeed a good man, Chuck...and what goes around, comes around. Karma is on your side. :)

[Sauer Grapes]

Good luck Chuck. I'm sorry to hear the news and proud to know you.

[colimo]

Sorry to hear chuck and good luck for you whatever you decide to do...as others have said...you deserve good things which i am sure will come your way...

[Ratters]

Best of luck good man. Sending a prayer for you and your family.

[macpappy]

Being aware of what was coming and making plans for it are signs of an intelligent man.

I went through something similar in 2005 after some big a$$ storm named after a woman came though this part of Louisiana. I worked my butt off with the boss and we were back in operation 6 weeks after the storm but I saw the writing on the wall when the boss and I was at each others throat 3 or 4 times a week.

Anyway, I made plans, dipped into the savings and set up my own freelance business a month before I went off the payroll. Instead of a loss of income, I'm actually making 15k a year more - and paying the taxes to prove it.

The key was recognizing a change was coming and making plans for it.

[Tombstone]

You will reap what you have sown. Very honorable act you did.

[G G]

Very honorable Chuck!! :tu

Sorry you had to do it though :(
I have to agree with Scott. And you are a stand up guy Chas, the other two hopefully realize what you did for them and can PIF someday.:tu

[Scottw]

You have done good, Chuck. You're the epitome of a MAN IMO.

:tpd: good luck my friend.

[Starscream]

Good luck, brother. Much respect for taking the hit over the other two guys who needed the job more desperately. A true selfless act. Hope you find something soon.

[Steve]

Sorry to hear about this. Hopefully it will only be a short sabbatical!

[longknocker]

Best Of Luck To You, Chas! Very Honorable Of You To Take The Hit, And I Hope & Pray Things Will Work Out For The Best For You & Your Family, Brother!:tu

[Mikey202]

Where one door closes , another will open. Says alot about you, stepping forward so the other 2 can keep thier jobs. :)

[Blueface]

Where one door closes , another will open. Says alot about you, stepping forward so the other 2 can keep thier jobs. :)

:tpd:
Good luck to you.

[shilala]

You have plenty of stuff to build, brother. :tu
Well played.
Yes, Ohio Unemployment is awful. You gotta sign up in PA or Massachusetts.

[Knip23]

good luck chuck if you need something dont be affraid to PM

[mash]

I hope something good comes out of this for you, you deserve it.

[hotreds]

This too shall pass. You are a stand up guy, and will be rewarded for it, be assured! All the best to you and yours, brother!

[chippewastud79]

Best of luck moving forward Chuck :tu

[JaKaacH]

Best of luck in the future Chuck.
You deserve it.

[Robert Mabona]

i hope you have children

[ChasDen]

i hope you have children

:confused: Curious why?

Yes 5 between me and the wife.

All grown now :tu

Chas

[Robert Mabona]

because people like you should reproduce

[floydpink]

My work environment has been one of huge uncertainty for over a year now and guys with 20 years experience are being sent packing and others are taking medical leave from the stress.

They say things happen for a reason, and hopefully "they're" right.

It's a tough time we're going through but I have a strong feeling you'll be fine.

Planning for the future and having a plan for a rainy day is a sign of a smart man.

Best wishes.

[E.J.]

Though it has been said plenty of time, not sure it can be said too many...... Sorry for the bump in the road/misfortune. Strange how often times what looks like misfortune can turn into something in our favor, I send positive thoughts your way. If an act of selflessness can bring good things our way.....your ahead of the game.

[jwintosh]

wow! i do not know you, and normally, i wouldn't respond, but i felt compelled to say, wow! with your attitude, i kow you'll land upright and will be blessed. and, in reading the responses to this thread, you have the support of some fine brothers!! God bless!!

[357]

My prayers are with you.

[mosesbotbol]

Keep your head high and turn these events into positives. Best of luck!

[IBQTEE1]

Sorry about everything. But good karma is coming your way.

[captain53]

Only been a year since I was right there myself other than no volunteer opportunity they just dumped 50% of the people at one time with a thanks for your service and 2 weeks pay.

You sound pretty well prepared and I know you will make it. With your wood skills I think you might be surprised at how well you can do with more time to put into it.

Best of Luck to you getting thru this difficult time.

Dave

[ChasDen]

Well today was my last day at work since they are only working 4 days.

Can't believe how excited and anxious I was for the end of the day to roll around.

Spent the week getting all the ducks in a row, took the wife out to dinner tonight, smoked a big fat "V" and a San Cristobal, had a drink and going to bed early tonight.

Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life and its going to be a busy one :banger

Chas

[RevSmoke]

How I missed this earlier???

God's blessings to you Chas.

[BradNC]

Sounds like the time to start "Chas's Custom Vinos" with shelves/drawers and veneer skins on the outside so it looks more like a piece of furniture. :)

I'm sure all will work out in the end for you. Many, many folks wishing you well!

[sgresso]

Its does suck but we did the same thing. I am still looking for a job but went back to college to finish my degree. It will work out too for you! If ya need anything just ask!

[blugill]

Amazing decision!
You did something few others would do and I applaud you sir!

[jaymz]

Good to hear you are looking at these changes as opportunities :tu
Best of luck to you

[Goldie]

Sorry to hear that Chas. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and everything will work out in the end. The bad part is that the end can sometimes be nowhere in sight.

On a side note, I know where you are coming from. I got laid off from BMW of North America at the end of March. The bright side is that I am back in school and will be doing something that will make a difference in the world.

Keep your chin up.

[DPD6030]

:gl Chuck. Thoughts and prayers with you. You're a great BOTL and a great person in general. Kudos to you to take the layoff. :tu

[LockOut]

Wow. Thats an incredible thing for you to do. Karma will pay you back greatly one day.

[ChasDen]

Well day one was yesterday.

I got up early, went grocery shopping, cooked all morning, cleaned the house, hung an under the cabinet radio in the kitchen and worked 15 hours in the shop.

Dang, I worked harder than I did at work :td

Oh well, the good news is the wife got a 10% raise at work Friday :tu

The check engine light came on in the SUV Friday and she freaked out cuz it stalled. Last year at this time we had to replace 2 of the coils and that was almost $500 so she was all upset. A trip to the local auto zone and a free check, a $10 gas cap and all is well again.

I gotta go do my chores before going to the shop or the "queen" will whoop me :D

Chas

[Tripnastic]

You saw the right thing to do, then did it. That's a rare trait. :banger

[longknocker]

Well day one was yesterday.

I got up early, went grocery shopping, cooked all morning, cleaned the house, hung an under the cabinet radio in the kitchen and worked 15 hours in the shop.

Dang, I worked harder than I did at work :td

Oh well, the good news is the wife got a 10% raise at work Friday :tu

The check engine light came on in the SUV Friday and she freaked out cuz it stalled. Last year at this time we had to replace 2 of the coils and that was almost $500 so she was all upset. A trip to the local auto zone and a free check, a $10 gas cap and all is well again.

I gotta go do my chores before going to the shop or the "queen" will whoop me :D

Chas

The Beginning Of Your Many Blessings To Come, Brother!:tu

[RazzBarlow]

Charles,

"Taking the bullet" for a co-worker is very admirable.

I don't know you other than admiring your work here on the forums. But I will say that to do something like this speaks volumes about the level of character you possess. I tip my hat to you and wish you good fortune in the future.

[yourchoice]

Classy Chuck. May God bless you.

[14holestogie]

It's all been said already, but good on you, my man. :tu

May it come back to you a hundred-fold.

[irklak]

Here's to moving upwards and forwards!

[Nimbus]

So sorry to hear the bad news bro. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Many people I know are currently out of work. Hopefully the economy will pick up within the coming months.

[DBall]

What everyone else said, Chas...... :tu