My world just imploded

[Aerovette]

Originally Posted by lspencer534

OP, you have my sincere condolences. I concur with others here that a college diploma is typically not a big asset in today's economy. Another plus is that you work in a technical field, so if there are jobs to be found anywhere you're in a good field.

I don't know how close you are to bringing the divorce to an end, but not having a job through no fault of your own is a blessing. If your wife has a job and/or savings, you could escape separate maintenance and alimony. I don't know if you and her have kids. Apply for unemployment compensation now, not later. It's not anything to be ashamed of; your employer and you contributed to the fund for this very purpose.

Please tell us more about what income you're used to, whether you'd relocate, and any other info about your employability. This is a network after all.

Well, until this morning, I had a plan and I actually listed out all the divorce stuff and how it would be split up, but now I have just been castrated and shoved out of the driver's seat. I prefer not to relocate and it would be a last resort, but I may need a last resort plan. I was below $100k/yr. but probably at or slightly over the standard for my position. I have 33 years of experience in manufacturing and 20 of those years in PCB manufacturing as an Account Rep/Program Manager (think inside sales). I was responsible for every aspect of my customer's interaction with the company from quote phase to final delivery.

[boracayjohnny]

Originally Posted by ...Whitepower...

A coworker of mine years ago was having domestic issues. He got separated one week and lost his job three weeks later. His marital issues consumed him and affected his performance at work which ultimately lead to his dismissal. Same thing probably would have happened to me if I were in his shoes..

Keep your head up, network, file for unemployment, and be open to relocation to maximize your options. A fresh start into a new city one the heals of a divorce wouldn't be a bad thing.

I'm pulling for you.

Mark is on point. I'm also pulling for you.

[Steve Austin]

I lost my job at 55. No degree, limmited marketable skills. I had job offers before I even wanted a job. After 36 years I was ready for some time off. Anyway if you have friends, one will call and offer you a job. Then another. Maybe not the $$$$$$ you are used to but there are jobs. You will probably survive better than you expect.

[Aerovette]

Originally Posted by VetteBoy1979

Dayum man. Sorry to hear. When one door closes, another one opens. You like golf?

I like golf. Golf does not like me. I suck at golf on a level that cannot be measured. So bad....soooooo bad. I have only played two times, but have been at the range about 10 times....so bad.

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by aerovette

It is not always a positive to do well and make a salary slightly above your peers. It was a "bottom line" cost cutting decision. I made too much money, although if you saw what I have to show for it, you might not think so. It's all relative. Too much for the company, probably standard for the industry.

My job title was Program Manager (Account Manager)

Basically I worked with our customer base as a single point of contact for all of their business within our facility. I "owned" their business from the quote stage all the way through delivery. My company assembled circuit boards, wire harnesses, and box builds (electromechanical equipment) for primarily the oil industry in my case, but we had other types of customers too.

Dude, that's highly marketable, don't sell yourself short.

Go get drunk for a ocuple of days.

Put your resume together on Monday.

Go find another job.

You'll do fine.

[78SA]

You could use a break this year.

[PortDawg]

Kelloggs

Dent Wizard

Sunnova

[MidLifeinMI]

Sounds similar to where I was at 6 years ago (not the divorce part, thankfully) - a Project Manager (automotive, mainly material handling and automation) unemployed for the first time in my life at 51, in the depths of the recession. With or without a degree, I'd suggest using some of your downtime to pursue a PMP cert, as it will increase your marketability tremendously.

Also as others have said, reach out to past contacts on LinkedIn and build your network - LinkedIn is how I got back to work; I'm convinced in its value. Best wishes toward you as you move through these tough times, and try your best to keep your "interview attitude" as positive as you can - underlying negativity shows through in interviews.

(Another parallel; I bet I suck at golf worse than you, lol)

[Mirroredshades]

No woman or job can ruin your life unless you let them.

[Bill]

Sorry to hear about this....as if you didn't have enough things to worry about right now. Hang in there. You'll get through this, too.

[markids77]

Think other instrumented manufacturing processes... Plastic extrusion; plastic molding; alarm systems; industrial fire suppression systems; automated QC devices; computer controlled machining centers; robotics....... consider this an opportunity to learn a new skill set and have "work" perhaps be fun again.

[JRD77VET]

Originally Posted by aerovette

It is not always a positive to do well and make a salary slightly above your peers. It was a "bottom line" cost cutting decision. I made too much money, although if you saw what I have to show for it, you might not think so. It's all relative. Too much for the company, probably standard for the industry.

My job title was Program Manager (Account Manager)

Basically I worked with our customer base as a single point of contact for all of their business within our facility. I "owned" their business from the quote stage all the way through delivery. My company assembled circuit boards, wire harnesses, and box builds (electromechanical equipment) for primarily the oil industry in my case, but we had other types of customers too.

You have marketable skills You will bounce back, keep you head up.

Jeff

[SnikPlosskin]

When you are ready let's jump on a call and talk about how to position yourself for another gig. I help people in your position all the time get focused on how to present themselves to potential employers.

It's not unlike helping companies market themselves. Sometimes it takes an objective eye to see the gold.

Did you used to live in Austin?

Can't help much with the wife. Sorry to hear. (pic please)

[Aerovette]

Originally Posted by SnakePlissken

When you are ready let's jump on a call and talk about how to position yourself for another gig. I help people in your position all the time get focused on how to present themselves to potential employers.

It's not unlike helping companies market themselves. Sometimes it takes an objective eye to see the gold.

Did you used to live in Austin?

Can't help much with the wife. Sorry to hear. (pic please)

Never in Austin. Only in Houston. I think my interview skills are solid. Unfortunately, getting to that point is the difficult part. I think if I can talk to a face, I can nail it. It is the filters that search for buzzwords in resumes that screw me...oh and "BS Degree required".

[Ol Timer]

I'm so sorry to hear this. It's good to hear you're getting counseling. Don't loose your self-confidence. From the responses and support offered here, you clearly have friends and are valued. Just keep moving forward, a step at a time.

[Milton Fox]

Tenaris Good luck.

[73sbVert]

Good luck man, we're all pulling for you!

Network, network, network!!

[69camfrk]

Man, I don't even know what to say. That's a lot of stuff all at once. You'll survive it though. Hang tough.

[Black94lt1]

Look at it as an opportunity to do what you want to do. It may be difficult right now but it will work out in the end

[Olustee bus]

That happened to me. IT took a while but I rebounded back to a much, much better life. Keep your eye on the prize.