TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
I would not count on the others being called back. I've been through
down cycles before. What I've seen is that by the time the up cycle
starts, the others have new jobs. As far as staying, I think you need to
look at what do you have invested in the company, do you want to stay
and see what happens. But it would probably be a good idea to look.
There is no harm in talking to other companies, and if an offer comes
along, then you can decide what to do. In the mean time, your resume is
updated, you have some interviewing practice, and you have an idea of
what's out there if you do find yourself without a job. Good luck -
downsizing is not fun. In some ways the people who are let go have it
easier than the ones who stay and carry on. Vickie, vnurre -at- aegonusa -dot- com
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Eric J. Ray [SMTP:ejray -at- RAYCOMM -dot- COM]
> Sent: Friday, July 24, 1998 11:04 AM
> To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
> Subject: FWD: Layoffs and scrounging
>
> Name withheld upon request. Please reply on list.
>
> *************************************************
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I know some of you have been through what I'm going through and I'm
> looking
> for some advice or encouragement.
>
> Our company has been downsizing our division. We build capital
> equipment
> and business has been slowing down. I've been told my position as a
> technical writer is probably safe but of course there are no
> guarantees.
> We've had two rounds of lay-offs and the atmosphere around here is
> rather
> gloomy. When the others were let go, they were told the company would
> try
> to call them back as soon as possible (maybe within a few months).
> However,
> management has approved "requisitions" for monitors, computers, RAM
> and
> other equipment from the vacated cubicles. Everyone here seems to have
> the
> attitude of what can I grab to make it easier for me. There doesn't
> seem to
> be a lot of thought about what will happen if we have to call the
> people
> back. Is the outcome inevitable?
>
> Here are my questions.
>
> Is it typical to redistribute equipment among the survivors? I'd
> really
> like to think we will be calling the others back. I'm not sure I would
> want
> to come back after a lay-off to find my desk marauded.
>
> How are other companies doing that provide capital equipment? Is the
> slowdown unique to the industry I'm in?
>
> Should I be looking for another job right now?
>
> Thanks for the advice.
>
>
> &^~~~
> Send commands to listserv -at- listserv -dot- okstate -dot- edu (e.g., SIGNOFF
> TECHWR-L)