Where to go from here?
 

Well shit.

My employer has been in really dire straits for a few months now (not to mention moderately dire straits for the last two years,) and the axe finally fell today. They declared bankruptcy, and couldn't find a buyer for our studio as a business unit, so we're officially shut down.

We don't expect to get paid for the time since our last paycheck--we've been locked out of the building since last Tuesday anyway for failure to pay rent. Severance packages are not exactly looking likely.

I've never been laid off before. I was, to be truthful, in denial these last several months, hoping the company would pull through despite massive evidence to the contrary, because I seriously don't know how to handle this prospect. I can't even sit still for two days over a weekend, how am I supposed to sit at home all day? One can only job search for so many hours at a time.

Anyway, they're holding a meeting next week to explain unemployment benefits to everyone, and let us get all our personal items out. Anyone know of any sound designer positions in the Austin area? :mecry:

I've got my fingers crossed for you Clodfobble....that things at least work out smoothly.

Let us know if you need anything, and of course, you can vent here.

Dagney

Sorry to hear about your job, Clod. However, I have to disagree with the above statement. Done correctly, a job search is a full time occupation.

- Get yourself a couple of good books on doing a job search from the library.
- Prepare a persuasive resume. Have your friends, your former coworkers and your former boss evaluate it.
- Get someone to practise interviewing skills with you. They hand you difficult questions, and you work on wording your answers.

Once that's done you should be doing some of the following every day.

1) Searching for new prospects.
2) Composing cover letters and mailing them with your (now very persuasive) resume.
3) Going on interviews.

So you now have a full-time job in sales -- selling yourself.

You may have to consider going West to find work in your field, Clodfobble. Most of the serious sound design work (and therefore the highest help wanted density) is probably going to be in (gack) Hollyweird or Silicon Valley.

You're right, Elspode, almost all the game studios are in California. But we can't leave the city (see the various posts on our custody situation in the Parenting section) so it's more likely that I'll just have to change careers instead.

File for unemployment so you at least have a little money coming in while you look for a new job.

No chance of working under contract or tele-commuting? :confused:

No chance of working under contract or tele-commuting?

Nah. You'd have to have a development kit at home (e.g., the specialized Xbox machines for MAKING Xbox games instead of playing them) so you could get daily builds of the game, which is a logistical nightmare as far as preserving trade secrets and keeping game code off the internet. For a small game without many sounds, it would be theoretically possible for them to hand me a completed game and I hand them back thousands of sound files a few months later--but if there's any dialogue, the artists would need it earlier to do lip synch, and publishers don't like adding time at the end of the schedule if a sound designer could be doing the work concurrently with the rest of the game's development.

Contracting locally is pretty common (moreso than hiring full-time, actually,) but short-lived. It just depends on the development cycles--right now there's nothing, but in a few months there could be several 2- or 3-month jobs opening up.

What'll probably happen is I'll go back to doing tech support, and just keep waiting for the contract jobs to spring up. On the other hand, my husband has decided that an ideal job for me would be a technical writer--if I could just get someone to believe me when I tell them I could totally do it, despite lacking any specific experience. :)

Pick a couple of open source projects and write good documentation for them. Open source documentation is very often nonexistent or poor quality.

Then use those as your portfolio and put it in your resume.

Not to be picky, but what is it about technical writing that makes you think you could dive right in without any experience?

It's always entertaining to see one's profession categorized as "Oh, I could totally do that" by others.

No disrespect intended, vsp. :) I have lots of experience in writing, and experience in technical fields--just never writing about technical things. My aunt (well, step-aunt) was a technical writer, and I've talked with her about what she does and whether I could do it. If I could get an interview, I know I could talk my way into proving I could do it. But so far everyone wants 3-5 years of experience AS a technical writer instead of 3-5 years holding two jobs as a writer and as a technician.

How about a government job, Clod. Is it too late to get on the ballot this fall? :king:

Heh... Um, there are a few exploits in college that will keep me off any ballot, anywhere, probably for the rest of my life. :angel:

http://www.planetquake.com/weaponsfactory/quake2/

A few years ago a friend of mine was working with the guys who ran the weapons factory mod for quake 2, he conned me into doing the voice for the arsonist (which was fun really) but backed out when they were getting ready to do the mod for quake 3, I don't know if it would be any help.. but you might want to try to get ahold of them...

ps. good luck

Really sinking in now
 

Today was not a good day, for several reasons.

First, I got my final paperwork in the mail for collecting unemployment, which is depressing because it means that it's really going to happen--in a week and a half, I really will be taking a handout from the state. I know my employer paid into the system on my behalf, and I know that I was legitimately laid off and I'm working my freaking ass off trying to get a job, but that doesn't make my pride any less wounded.

Second, I had an artist at a smallish game company here in town contact me (he got my name from a mutual friend,) which was great, and he told me about an upcoming sound position that hadn't been advertised yet. I got all excited and dropped off a copy of my demo CD, only to discover that the game is very heavily music-oriented--and even if I could do some immersive brushing up on my MIDI skills, the fact remains that I can't play rock guitar, and this game really requires that. Oh well, easy come easy go I thought, and I let a former audio coworker who CAN play guitar know about it. His response? "Oh yeah, I interviewed with them last week, and today I dropped off a CD of some guitar work I did for them." So apparently I was way out of the loop, which isn't a good feeling when you're spending every minute of every day trying your hardest to be IN the job-opening loop.

Then, I paid all our bills today, and reassessed where we are financially. Since I'm not going to get my final paycheck, monetarily it's like I've been unemployed for four weeks already, and the calculator revealed that not only do we definitely need my unemployment check ASAP, we're going to have to dip into the savings, too. And the "savings" ain't that much to begin with.

Anyway, I know there are lots of people out there, and specifically on this board, who have been or are currently unemployed, and to you I probably sound like a big whiner, and you're all thinking to yourselves, "Yeah, welcome to MY world." And I apologize for being new at this. If I could get an interview or two, I think I'd feel a lot better, even if they didn't end up hiring me, because it would be an acknowledgement of some sort. So far I've sent over 30 resumes to various places and have not gotten a single reply, in any form or fashion.

Clod (which, actually was my nickname for years! no offense!) Look, I am sure you paid your dues and can probably afford to take a deep breath, right? Unemployment insurance is something you've paid into! Why should all the UAW get it? My very pagan feeling is that the Universe will Provide. try it! :ivy:

We all complain about our jobs from time to time, but there's no worse feeling than being unemployed. It's a major blow to your ego. The last time I was out of work I sat around and watched movies for DAYS--I was so depressed. I went a month before I even got one response to my resume. But you know what, somehow things eventually work out. I know it's easier said than done, but you just gotta muscle your way through it somehow. And you will--just take a few deep breaths and be kind to yourself! :)

Unemployment insurance is something you've paid into!

Common misconception. Employers actually pay unemployment insurance. Workers just pay into Social Security and Medicare. But I'm only nitpicking because I just learned this fact myself. :)

My advice is to continue sending out your resume and try to maintain a positive outlook on it. It's a numbers game, sooner or later you'll get an interview *smiles* in the meantime whilst you are waiting to get those interviews and hopefully a pleasant job at the end of it make the most of your unemployment. In a very short time ( relatively ) my guess is you'll be in work and will wish you'd enjoyed the enforced leisure time if you dont :P

clodfobble i used to be an IT recruiter and there were a few people that ALWAYS got interviews. they were the ones that didn't email or fax their resume - they walked it in even if the ad specifically said to email. they emailed a copy but then the next showed up dressed for an interview and just coming back until someone saw them. the key is to get in nice with the gatekeeper up front.

i don't know if that would work where you are, but i know that i was always impressed with any individual i saw standing in my waiting room more than once in a week.

also - find out who the decision maker is send a thank you card (for taking the time to read your resume) via overnight package. it sounds stupid but it will make you stand out.

Is that something like when Kwai Chang had to stand in the rain outside the buddhist temple for a week before they let him in?

count me a loser. i don't know the reference.

Kung-Fu The Series. Episode one. I'm a geek. I also know that wolf has the series on DVD and has obviously been watching ;)

also referenced in several flashbacks in later episodes.

Speaking as a chronically unemployed person, keep at it. I usually manage to find something, even if only for ten minutes (my personal record). Don't forget to try to learn new things too. Read books, take distance-learning classes, hang around employed friends. you might hear something interesting that way.

Brian

a friend of mine is big into the series, i've never watched a single episode.

and the 10 minute job thing? that is awesome, you have me beat. i was in and out in under 30 minutes once though. i had to go through several interviews for the job and we agreed upon a salary. i show up on day one to complete my paperwork and their HR person has a salary about $10K short on the contract. i objected and she said they would fix it later, but refused to put it in writing. i said sitting in a bar enjoying a cold one and a lap dance beats the hell out of working for a shady outfit like that one and left. ah, the good old days when i didn't have to explain to anyone (read wife and son) why i didn't have a job that day.

speaking of jobs brian - how is the truck driving thing going?

Understood. Just think of it this way: at least you probably won't have to change your profession and your time status (FT/PT) because of a health issue. Now that sucks.

I also understand about the pride issue. Believe me, the last thing I ever wanted to do was to collect a check from the state. I had always had some sort of funds, even when I wasn't working (which was never for very long). But, the last 3 years have been nervewracking on a lot of fronts. I'll never forget what one of my supervisors said to me as they were letting me go from my job in January 2002 (a mere month after starting hemodialysis):

"Oh...now you can collect unemployment!" (said with a cheery voice, as if that would help with the sting of being let go!).

I wanted to punch her face in...still do (lol). :mad2:

I'm enrolling in the school now...class starts on the 13th. Gonna cost an arm and a leg, but I'll come out of it with every endorsement and license there is. The better to find a "real" job.

Updates as they come...

good luck. my dad did that in the early '80's when the factory he worked at shut down for three years.

i think one of my uncles is still an OTR driver.

I got my first temp job today (registered with the temp agency on Tuesday): receptionist for an oil and gas company. Only lasts today and tomorrow, but it's something anyway. But I seriously don't understand why this company felt the need to pay for a temp, the phone only rang maybe half a dozen times all day. I was really glad I had my book with me...

a lot of times they get temps for a position when they don't really need them so that they can call up the good ones when a regular position opens up. i've had that happen. i was taking side jobs about 5 years ago and i got assigned by a temp agency to a refinery. they had me digging out old scrub brush, and scraping up chemical residue from concrete for 3 backbreaking days in 115 degree heat. on the 3rd day they pulled me inside and said they had an entry level management position available. i drove home wondering what the hell kind of hiring method is that?

Then how come I get to claim what I paid into NJUI on my tax returns every year?

- Pie, unemployed from 08/02 to 07/03

Yep, PA also has an employee-paid SUI tax. But it doesn't really matter whether it's employer-paid or employee-paid. Any per-employee (or per-dollar of wages or salary) tax is part of the employee's burden, the cost of employing that employee, and causes a reduction in salaries.

Sure, I'll grant you that. That's why contract-work is so popular with employers in my industry. Benefits add another 40% or so to the cost of an employee.

Clodfobble, believe me, I know how humiliating it feels to accept government help. I resisted applying for disability for over a year because I couldn't see myself as someone living on the government dole and all my life I had stood on my own two feet. This pride only hurt me in the long run. One way or another, you DID pay into the unemployment system if only through a lower salary given by your employer since they were paying into the system. And its not like you lost your job on purpose, so you could go cheat the state and hang around the house all day drinking beer and watching TV. You are an honest person who paid her taxes, worked hard, and got laid off through no fault of her own. Accept the help to get through this rough time and don't guilt trip yourself over it.

Does Austin have any temp agencies that specialize in the technical fields? Once when I was between jobs I got a temp job through an agency like that as a software tester. It payed fairly well for temp work, lasted two months, and was actually fun to do.

Yeah, there are a few. Austin's a big techie town. I was planning on registering with several agencies, but the first one took all freaking day (and then they got me a quick little job right away, so I haven't had a chance to go to any others yet.) I figure I'll wait and see how regularly they get me work before I spend another entire day in an office taking typing tests and the like. I've heard a lot of companies use more than one temp agency anyway, and it might look bad if they both were trying to send me to the same job...

An update: We just received news that from Monday to Thursday of next week they're going to finally allow us to go into the old office building one at a time and retrieve our personal belongings, under the watchful supervision of the bankruptcy trustee and our former IT Director (who will be able to reassure the trustee about what is and is not company equipment.)

We don't know if the cleaning staff have gone through the offices at all since we were locked out on August 23rd. It would have been a good idea, since many people left food out, fully expecting that they'd be back the next morning. And I would think the smell of dead hamsters, fish, and other office pets would have caused the other tenants to eventually complain. :( Guess we'll find out the damage next week.

That doesn't sound like much fun but at least you'll get your stuff. :(
Grab some company letterheads, they might come in handy. ;)

Personally, the one thing I'm really hoping they let me take off my desk is some old paperwork giving me stock options at $4.85. I figure in a couple of years, I can sell that and all my other company-branded knick-knacks on ebay to the "ironic nostalgia" crowd. :)

Well, you still work in a hot industry. Looking at what's out there, it looks like hundreds of millions are being dropped in development each year on games.

Oh, definitely. My company was rather infamous among gamers though--I think we'd only had one profitable game in the last 5-6 years or so (which isn't to say they didn't sell well, it's that money was wasted to a significant degree in development.) It would be like owning stock options in Yugo. :)

DoDads! :biglaugha

An unexpected surprise
 

Hey look! Remember this three-year-old thread about when I lost my job? Ah, good times, good times... but why, do you ask, would I bother to resurrect it?

Well, the wheels of the justice system turn ever so slowly. And we've just now heard some good news on the bankruptcy proceedings! They're hoping to finally start distributing funds to all the various creditors sometime around next January. That means I might finally get my unpaid wages from Sept. 2004, assuming there's enough money to cover the employees (which there should be, since legally we're first in line after taxes and court costs.)

AND, it turns out I might even get a little bonus: Texas has a law called the WARN Act, which basically says that if a workplace shuts down or lays off a majority of their employees, they must either give 60 days' severance pay, or 60 days' warning. Obviously my employer did neither, and a random law firm alerted us to this fact and offered to take the case for 30% of whatever they recovered for us. At the time we basically said, "Sure, knock yourselves out," and forgot about them. Well it turns out they stuck with it, and won, and there might actually be enough money leftover to cover some of the claim after all. So we've been told we'll probably be getting a little more than our owed wages, though no one knows how much for sure. Merry Christmas to me! (2007, or 2008, one of these years anyway...)

Wow... After all this time, it'll just seem like free money.

Very cool!:cool:

Ha ha.

Ha.

Ha.

Remember this 6-year-old thread about my employer going bankrupt and not paying us our final paychecks? Remember how, three years ago, I bumped the thread because they'd told us that finally, finally, we were going to get our money? Yeah, that didn't happen.

But yesterday, August 23rd, 2010, I got a bona fide check in the mail for my unpaid wages. A quick re-read of the thread reveals that August 23rd was the very day we got locked out of the building.

6 years later, to the day.

Barkeep!!

Clodfobble's buyin!

heheh... Congratulations!

You're lucky, the Federal WARN Act from the late 80's, doesn't cover companies with less than 100 full time employees.
I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding a place for that money. :thumb:

Might still be the same act--we had more than 100 employees just in the Austin office. Easily another 200 combined in the rest of the studio locations.

Oh, I thought you worked for a small outfit. :smack:
The Feds also say, if the layoff is going to be over 500, they have to give 90 days notice. I got a 90 day notice, every month, for 9 fucking months. In the end I didn't get laid off, missed by 2, but it sure screwed up my life for a year.

I was, "Oh no! Clodfobble's out of a job! :( " I read a few more posts then decided to read the date. :p: Anyways, glad you finally get your money, Clod! :D

No, she doesn't work anymore.
Just bonbons, soap operas, tanning, and Champagne dinners every evening. :lol2: :bolt:

Yep! I'm livin' the high life now, I tell ya. ;) Money's already gone, actually, but it was nice to see it sitting in my bank account for that short period of time...

that's great news, Clodf!

I'm happy to hear it - esp. after reading Lookouts news and MTP laments about her friend....

cheers!

I hope they added interest on top of what they owed you (as if that would ever happen)

Good for you Clod. At least you got something. . . most don't.

Six years ... I roll my eyes.
Six years, to the day ... now that is funny, somehow.