Just got the word that my department and I are being laid off. Company is relocating my entire department to OKC effective July 1. They are not willing to relocate us, no severance, and would have to re-apply and interview for our same position at a reduced salary if we were even wanting to go to OKC. So, a pretty crappy situation overall.

Anyways, I'm in north Austin and looking for work in the Austin/Georgetown area. I did Property Management (Property as in materials and equipment not land) and warehouse logistics for a large government contractor for the past 5 years. My degree was in Ag Econ. Class of 08. Any leads of similar work would be very much appreciated. I'm also open to other non- sales opportunities as well. Thanks

Man, that sucks. I'm really sorry. I don't have any leads but I have nothing but good vibes going your way.

Out of curiosity, why is severance not available? I'm assuming you've been with the employer for the 5 years.

I went through it a few years ago but severance was include ( I had been there 13 years). I would offer a suggestion to take this as an opportunity to focus on what you enjoy as a career. My change was from construction to the Ag industry and I'm so much happier now. I thought it was going to be a pay cut, but I actually earned more (thanks strong commission plan) I couldn't go back to construction, I get calls a couple of times per month asking me to jump back to it.

I'll also offer advice to reach out to all of your contacts you've developed over the last few years, especially the ones you enjoy working with. You would be surprised how many opportunities present themselves. Folks like to help solid talent. If you've been solid for them, they'll alert their people to an opportunity to gain a solid employee.

I will say, it's perfectly normal to be angry right now. I harbored anger too long, I guess because of the 13 years I spent with that company. But in my opinion it's healthy to let that anger out in some way, hit the gym, do some running or something. Don't let it become an excuse to "have a few more beers".

I played a ton of golf and focused on getting better. It really helped me.

If you're in north Austin, perhaps a drive to Temple wouldn't be totally unreasonable? McLane is up there. They have a huge warehouse in temple and their headquarters are there. Couple of other manufacturers in that area too.

My background is purchasing & planning. When I lived in Austin I worked for Whole Foods as a regional buyer at their warehouse, and was also a buyer for a time at Epicor and LCRA. LCRA pays well if you can get on with them. They might be worth looking into.

Adding that if you have experience working with government, you could be very enticing to LCRA.

Papa_Blaze said:

---

Just got the word that my department and I are being laid off. Company is relocating my entire department to OKC effective July 1. They are not willing to relocate us, no severance, and would have to re-apply and interview for our same position at a reduced salary if we were even wanting to go to OKC. So, a pretty crappy situation overall.

Anyways, I'm in north Austin and looking for work in the Austin/Georgetown area. I did Property Management (Property as in materials and equipment not land) and warehouse logistics for a large government contractor for the past 5 years. My degree was in Ag Eco. Class of 08. Any leads of similar work would be very much appreciated. I'm also open to other non- sales opportunities as well. Thanks

---

If you are entertaining the idea of moving to OKC, the cost of living here is significantly less than Austin. Again, don't know how much of a reduction you'd be receiving, just giving you something to think about.

Thanks guys for all the support and ideas!

JTP01- We were once a small government contractor with great benefits. I mean it was sweet, gained 24 hours of PTO per month, we got to roll over 550 hours of PTO year to year, and anything over that we were written a check or you could cash all in at any time, 2 weeks of holiday vacation, company would contribute an equivalent 10% of your salary into your 401k without you personally contributing anything. This is a place you dont want to leave. Then we get sold to a big government contractor who changes this all up. They don't believe in severance packages for employees (yes, I've been here over 5 years). The only silver lining to this entire situation is that they are giving me a 3 months notice to find something else.

LHIOB- Yes, Ive already started my golf game back up to relieve some stress

AJ02- Ill take a look at Temple and LCRA, thanks for those ideas

Ace- Cant move to OKC even I wanted to. Just bought a house 9 months ago.

Papa_Blaze said:

---

Ace- Cant move to OKC even I wanted to. Just bought a house 9 months ago.

---

you are in austin, that means you can probably sell the house for quite a bit more than you paid for it 9 months ago...

sister and bro-in-law relocated to Georgia 3 months after buying a house in RR. they sold it for 30K more than they paid for it.

Sounds like a wonderful company who cares about their employees. NOT

check AECOM, Jacobs specifically but also https://www.enr.com/toplists/2015_Top_100_Design_Build_Firms any of these guys could have Austin offices.