Large Scale Central

So once again life changes.....

General Discussion
#1

So I started a new job in December of 2013 and now with the Crude Oil barrel prices low, I am “excess to the companies staffing needs”. Which is a nice way of saying I’m laid off again. Just finished the latest round of custody and support family court dates and I was supposed to pick up the kids health insurance. So I expect I will be back in court again soon? Can’t add the kids to a policy I don’t have now can I? I was just getting excited about trains again too. Sigh. Back on the back burner again for a while.

Chas

#2

Yeah, anything that gets in the way of railroading sucks, and troubles in life really suck, I hear you there…but I guess that’s why they call it a hobby. A guy came into my gallery last week and he’s been working for Union Pacific his whole life and wants to retire and be an artist. Wow! Funny, I told him, I want to retire from the art world and go to work for the railroad!

But reality is reality; it’s just a hobby, and for real I’d last about a week, maybe shorter, working on the railroad, and working full time on my hobby probably wouldn’t do me much good either!

#3

Chas,
I am so sorry to hear that. While we rejoice in low gas prices it hard to keep in mind that it is OPEC trying to drive price low to put US oil fields out of business which means a loss of a lot of american jobs. His isnt a political statement this is a reality one your caught in. Best wisjlhes and hope you can find work and get the rest of your mess straightened out as well.

#4

Sorry for your troubles Chas, there wil always be a place for you here.

John

#5

Aren’t you glad you are not “excess to the needs of the forum’s membership”?

#6

Sorry to hear that Chas.

I was laid off twice and both times I ended up better off, although it took quite some time to adjust to that first one. I’m always amazed at the words they use when they attempt to be “diplomatic”. The 2nd time, they told me I was selected for permanent layoff and thus eligible to participate in the Resource Action. Just a trendy way to say you don’t work here anymore.

Best of luck to you. Don’t give up on the trains.

#7

Chas, yes that stinks! But there’s always something good that will come along, hopefully sooner than later. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-smile.gif)

#8

Bummer Chas, Life can be a real rollercoaster some times. Just keep trekking on and you’ll get through it. Until you get to play again, you can just join in on the general chatter here on LSC.

#9

Chas, don’t give up!! My grandmother always told me that every dark cloud had a silver lining. Somethimes they are hard to see, but my experience is they are always there. Best of luck and sent a PM.

#10

Thanks guys! As far as OPEC etc. Yeah that pretty much sums it up. A LOT of the local industry is tied into the Oil & Gas business in one way or another. This factory is small fish in a VERY large worlwide corporate pond and I was literally low man on the line. When I am the newest hire in the largest department in this factory I saw the writing on the wall a few months ago.

This is my third layoff in 4 years. I am sadly getting used to it. There are better things coming I am sure.

Chas

#11

Hang in there, Chas. When life gives you lemons, ask for some tequila and salt. Hope you’ll stick around here.

-Kevin.

#12

Sorry to read of your travails, Chas. Hope there’s light at the end of that tunnel. Or at least a tunnel, to start in.

I have no idea what that means. I just peck at the keys and stuff comes out.

#13

Keep your chin and your post count up, I was happy to see you around here again!

#14

Hang in their Chas, I know what it feels like. I worked for 3 companies that went out of business. When I would go for interviews, I would joke that “It doesn’t mean if you hire me that your company will fold!”.

It can be very depressing. If you believe something good will happen, it will. Thinking of you.

Lou

#15

Sorry you’re getting the short end of the stick, Chas. As the others have said, hang in there. I’ve been through some very bleak times myself, when it truly looked like I had no hope for the future, and yet by the grace of God I ended up with a future far better than any I could have imagined. You never know what will come next!

#16

Circumstances might prevent you from building your own layout, for now.

But sounds like you need to have some fun more than ever.

There are other people’s layouts you can run on.

Maybe clubs you could be involved in.

And if you live close to tracks, Railfanning can cost next to nothing.

Don’t put your enjoyment on the backburner.

Adjust it to suit your circumstances.

Ralph

#17

I’ve been through the same things my friend, it does get better. Not having a layout sucks but there are plenty of guys who will let you run on theirs. Make the trek to NE oHIo and you’re welcome to play with my trains.

It’s also a great time to super detail things. It doesn’t take up much room and can be done inexpensively. Things like brass wire for air lines on a loco is $2.50 a bag at hobby lobby. It also keeps your mind off the bad stuff, ask me how I know…

Then, when you have a layout up and running you have some beautiful locos to run.

Terry

#18

Thanks guys! I really appreciate all the positive words of encouragement!

One of my plans is since I will have some time housebound is to find the work shop and make it workable again. Sadly it has become a dumping ground over the last few years. There are a few other projects around the house I need to get to as well.

I have two basic ovals of track I can run on once the weather gets a little better. One is my portable live steam layout. The basic table top is done and I can lay tracks on it and run. I had a push last fall to get it completed enough to run trains and help with the Railroading badge at a local Boy Scout jamboree. I only had two boys interested but we all had a great time. I ahve a lot more work to make them “pretty” but again I cannot do much with those until the weather gets better. The other oval is an 8 foot by about 24 foot oval in my poor excuse for a garden in the front yard. It is bburied up to the smokestack on the display Big Hauler steam locomotive. Considering it is on tracks that is elevated on ladder roadbed and ballasted in about a foot high from the lawn that is about 2 feet of snow. Compared to others I am NOT complaining with or about this winter.

I have plenty of projects to keep me busy. Both hobby and non-hobby related. Realistically though I am truly hoping that I can find some work close by.

Chas