And so it ends

[honyock]

Just found out today they are closing our facility.

My pride led me to return to a place that was unfixable.

Now ~100 people will be out of work in ~6 months from now.

Maybe I can find a new career, lots of defense contractors in town...

[Tonray's Ghost]

Sorry to hear about your situation. I hope you can quickly find something better. Good luck

[tlarson58]

That is bad news. Keep us posted on the job search.

[Partscaster]

You can find a better position.. Mojo to you.

[andrewsrea]

I am sorry to hear that. Let us know what line of work you are interested and if you would consider moving for opportunity. Perhaps someone here could drop you a lead.

[honyock]

I am sorry to hear that. Let us know what line of work you are interested and if you would consider moving for opportunity. Perhaps someone here could drop you a lead.

right now I am not looking to move. My wife is a director at an accounting firm here, so we are pretty invested in staying in Tucson/Southern AZ. My mom has moved into town and my inlaws have a park model at a small resort a few miles away that they stay at part of the winter.

I have been in the injection molding industry the past 10 years, but was a material science and engineering student (now 11 years ago...) I have operations/production manager experience, but my forte is project engineering & management.

I am open to doing something new, but before I start really searching through what is out there, I am going to just take a little time to let the shock/anger/bitterness leave me so that I don't make a rash decision nor let it affect my mood when I am in the process of interviewing.

[sabasgr68]

...I am going to just take a little time to let the shock/anger/bitterness leave me so that I don't make a rash decision nor let it affect my mood when I am in the process of interviewing.

Best decision - and attitude - ever, for every situation in life.

I´m sure you´ll land on something good later.

[uwmcscott]

This is a bummer, and I remember well your choice to go back to this company over another opportunity. The sting will last a while and it’s OK to feel betrayed/pissed off.

You have lots good experience and companies are really struggling to find good people, so another opportunity will present itself before you know it, probably in the place you least expect it to. If you have demonstrable experience with any of the major ERPs in manufacturing (SAP, JD Edwards, etc ) you can write your own ticket. Project Managers are also at a premium now, and that is a skill that transcends multiple industries. If you want to pursue that you might want to work on your PMP ( or equivalent ) in the interim.

Taking some time for the family is a great idea and I’m glad you will have the opportunity to do so. Life is too short to work the whole time

I’m happy to connect on LinkedIn if you want when you are ready to get back into the search, it’s a fantastic tool to make connections - hit me up via PM if you like

[tonebender]

I hope you find something even better soon.

[Rollin Hand]

Hope it all works out. You have the skills and knowledge.

[honyock]

seems to be a very good time to be looking for manufacturing engineer, project manager, etc. work. Kind of excited to start the hunt and get back out of operations/management back into engineering fun stuff. I am sick of dealing with people who can't bother to show up to work or schedule their appointments in the other 2 weeks a month they aren't scheduled (they work 7 out of 14 days)

[honyock]

So far, my lay back and wait method of job hunting is yielding to some interesting leads, haven't yet gotten face to face, but I am OK with moving slow for now, I still have a job and the company hasn't presented any sort of incentive package to stay so I am OK to ride it out and I don't want to limit myself in case I can find something more fulfilling and with more runway as far as career progression.

The most interesting thus far is something new to me that will let me leverage my experience with project management and building relationships with customers, in the same industry I am in currently, will see where it goes in our 2nd call tomorrow.

I also have another company that a few old co-workers are now at, that I am going to be speaking with one of their HR folks tomorrow. It would be a completely new industry and would require learning new things (which I love the idea of as well)

My former HR coordinator (she had left my current company to come work with me at my previous company) also let me know that she sent out feelers to her network to let it be known I am available. Wondering if maybe some of the sudden interest is a direct result of the conversation she and I had the other day.

[nomadh]

Wow. Sorry to hear that. I remember you talking about tbe decision to come back. So what ended up killing the company?

[honyock]

Wow. Sorry to hear that. I remember you talking about tbe decision to come back. So what ended up killing the company?

The company line is "the decision represents the culmination of its US restructuring efforts, through which it is attempting to optimise its "operational footprint""

I'll have to hold my tongue on my honest opinion...

[Rollin Hand]

Wow. Sorry to hear that. I remember you talking about tbe decision to come back. So what ended up killing the company?

The company line is "the decision represents the culmination of its US restructuring efforts, through which it is attempting to optimise its "operational footprint""

I'll have to hold my tongue on my honest opinion...

Is the translation "they effed up huge?"

[uwmcscott]

So far, my lay back and wait method of job hunting is yielding to some interesting leads, haven't yet gotten face to face, but I am OK with moving slow for now, I still have a job and the company hasn't presented any sort of incentive package to stay so I am OK to ride it out and I don't want to limit myself in case I can find something more fulfilling and with more runway as far as career progression.

The most interesting thus far is something new to me that will let me leverage my experience with project management and building relationships with customers, in the same industry I am in currently, will see where it goes in our 2nd call tomorrow.

I also have another company that a few old co-workers are now at, that I am going to be speaking with one of their HR folks tomorrow. It would be a completely new industry and would require learning new things (which I love the idea of as well)

My former HR coordinator (she had left my current company to come work with me at my previous company) also let me know that she sent out feelers to her network to let it be known I am available. Wondering if maybe some of the sudden interest is a direct result of the conversation she and I had the other day.

Sounds like you are making some good connections - that's the key. And looking into other industries/roles is a great idea. Sounds like your former HR colleague is indeed someone to stay connected with - word of mouth and referrals is a huge factor in the recruitment process.

I've had 3 different roles with 3 different employers since I got laid off in the fall of 2020, and all 3 of them were obtained outside of the "normal" channels. I was of course playing the standard game the whole time- applying for tons of jobs via LinkedIN/Indeed, working with recruiters, applying direct via websites, etc.... And I got many, many rejection letters and was ghosted countless times. But each time, the opportunity I ended up taking presented itself to me via a personal/internal connection. Additionally, each role was not one that I would have likely applied for. The first one was a 6 month consulting role, which was way outside the box for me having worked for the state university system for 20+ years. No benefits, no vacation, but almost 3X the salary . That one came about because a guy I had worked with almost 10 years prior worked there and saw that I was getting laid off and knew I had the skills they needed. The second role was getting hired full time the Hospital network I was doing the consulting work at. I had never worked in healthcare at all, but the managing director saw I was doing good work and bypassed the whole HR process and gave me a full time contract. The role I have now was one of those "talked to someone that talked to someone" opportunities that developed over about 6 months. It was also a transition into a new industry ( manufacturing ).

So a very long winded answer but sounds like you are headed in the right direction, and I am certain something will come along when you least expect it. One thing I would also recommend asking if you do get to the point of a live interview is what the company policy is on professional development/training. You can get a idea pretty quickly from their answer as to what the potential is for advancement. The hospital network I worked for had good initial pay and decent benefits, but there was not much internal incentive to improve. The company I work for now not only encourages PD but requires an annual plan by each employee and backs it up with funding for courses/certifications/etc.

[honyock]

So far, my lay back and wait method of job hunting is yielding to some interesting leads, haven't yet gotten face to face, but I am OK with moving slow for now, I still have a job and the company hasn't presented any sort of incentive package to stay so I am OK to ride it out and I don't want to limit myself in case I can find something more fulfilling and with more runway as far as career progression.

The most interesting thus far is something new to me that will let me leverage my experience with project management and building relationships with customers, in the same industry I am in currently, will see where it goes in our 2nd call tomorrow.

I also have another company that a few old co-workers are now at, that I am going to be speaking with one of their HR folks tomorrow. It would be a completely new industry and would require learning new things (which I love the idea of as well)

My former HR coordinator (she had left my current company to come work with me at my previous company) also let me know that she sent out feelers to her network to let it be known I am available. Wondering if maybe some of the sudden interest is a direct result of the conversation she and I had the other day.

Sounds like you are making some good connections - that's the key. And looking into other industries/roles is a great idea. Sounds like your former HR colleague is indeed someone to stay connected with - word of mouth and referrals is a huge factor in the recruitment process.

I've had 3 different roles with 3 different employers since I got laid off in the fall of 2020, and all 3 of them were obtained outside of the "normal" channels. I was of course playing the standard game the whole time- applying for tons of jobs via LinkedIN/Indeed, working with recruiters, applying direct via websites, etc.... And I got many, many rejection letters and was ghosted countless times. But each time, the opportunity I ended up taking presented itself to me via a personal/internal connection. Additionally, each role was not one that I would have likely applied for. The first one was a 6 month consulting role, which was way outside the box for me having worked for the state university system for 20+ years. No benefits, no vacation, but almost 3X the salary . That one came about because a guy I had worked with almost 10 years prior worked there and saw that I was getting laid off and knew I had the skills they needed. The second role was getting hired full time the Hospital network I was doing the consulting work at. I had never worked in healthcare at all, but the managing director saw I was doing good work and bypassed the whole HR process and gave me a full time contract. The role I have now was one of those "talked to someone that talked to someone" opportunities that developed over about 6 months. It was also a transition into a new industry ( manufacturing ).

So a very long winded answer but sounds like you are headed in the right direction, and I am certain something will come along when you least expect it. One thing I would also recommend asking if you do get to the point of a live interview is what the company policy is on professional development/training. You can get a idea pretty quickly from their answer as to what the potential is for advancement. The hospital network I worked for had good initial pay and decent benefits, but there was not much internal incentive to improve. The company I work for now not only encourages PD but requires an annual plan by each employee and backs it up with funding for courses/certifications/etc.

I do appreciate the wisdom as this is a new process for me, I have basically walked from job to job with a good reference or being recruited since I left college 11 years ago.

I definitely will be looking at any prospective employers PD offerings and training plans.

Only thing I am a bit concerned about is that if I fall back down the ladder to being an engineer again after rising to middle management I hope it won't reflect too poorly on me.

Talking with my wife, she really doesn't want me looking at the one opportunity that would have the best earnings potential and would allow me to use my 10 years of experience due to travel required, so I may gracefully bow out before I get too much farther into the process so as to not waste the employer's time since I can't be 100% committed to the role.

[SamIV]

I am going to be 66 in May, and still working too much. I get average 4 job offers per month, even at my age. That could change though. I would not worry too much. Seems you have the attitude and the experience to keep moving forward.

[uwmcscott]

I do appreciate the wisdom as this is a new process for me, I have basically walked from job to job with a good reference or being recruited since I left college 11 years ago.

And you likely will continue that trend - you would not have been recruited and/or have good references for no reason. While there are are certainly exceptions to the rule, hard work and committment is rewarded in the long run.

Only thing I am a bit concerned about is that if I fall back down the ladder to being an engineer again after rising to middle management I hope it won't reflect too poorly on me.

I would not worry too much about that right now - for one thing, all of the craziness in the past 2-3 years in the job market are almost like a "get out jail free" card when it comes to having short tenure on your resume. I also went from a Director level position at my university job to an individual contributor role, and as long as you have a carer path/plan that's OK too.
[/quote]

Talking with my wife, she really doesn't want me looking at the one opportunity that would have the best earnings potential and would allow me to use my 10 years of experience due to travel required, so I may gracefully bow out before I get too much farther into the process so as to not waste the employer's time since I can't be 100% committed to the role.

Travel is a biggie. My current role requires international travel multiple times a year, and travel within the US on at least a monthly basis, and there are people in my company that travel a LOT more than me. And the compensation will reflect it - there's a reason the road warrior sales guys get paid the big bucks so to speak. My kids are older now ( 2 adults, one in high school ) so it's OK for me to be gone a bit, otherwise I would have never accepted the role either. I took the "safe" job for many years so I didn't have to travel much, and looking back it was a good decision for my family. Not the greatest for the bank account, but at the end of the day you can't take it with you lol.

[honyock]

I do appreciate the wisdom as this is a new process for me, I have basically walked from job to job with a good reference or being recruited since I left college 11 years ago.

And you likely will continue that trend - you would not have been recruited and/or have good references for no reason. While there are are certainly exceptions to the rule, hard work and committment is rewarded in the long run.

Only thing I am a bit concerned about is that if I fall back down the ladder to being an engineer again after rising to middle management I hope it won't reflect too poorly on me.

I would not worry too much about that right now - for one thing, all of the craziness in the past 2-3 years in the job market are almost like a "get out jail free" card when it comes to having short tenure on your resume. I also went from a Director level position at my university job to an individual contributor role, and as long as you have a carer path/plan that's OK too.

Talking with my wife, she really doesn't want me looking at the one opportunity that would have the best earnings potential and would allow me to use my 10 years of experience due to travel required, so I may gracefully bow out before I get too much farther into the process so as to not waste the employer's time since I can't be 100% committed to the role.

Travel is a biggie. My current role requires international travel multiple times a year, and travel within the US on at least a monthly basis, and there are people in my company that travel a LOT more than me. And the compensation will reflect it - there's a reason the road warrior sales guys get paid the big bucks so to speak. My kids are older now ( 2 adults, one in high school ) so it's OK for me to be gone a bit, otherwise I would have never accepted the role either. I took the "safe" job for many years so I didn't have to travel much, and looking back it was a good decision for my family. Not the greatest for the bank account, but at the end of the day you can't take it with you lol.
[/quote]

So I spoke with the recruiter and he understood but suggested why not just have a chat could be a good networking experience if nothing else, so I did. Now they are looking at how to create a custom role for me on their team that would involve a bit of everything I can bring to the table.

[honyock]

Just got an offer, oddly accurate match to my last sentence of the original post. A bright spot in an otherwise sad week. My mentor/colleague that taught me so much about manufacturing & injection molding passed away Monday evening.

Accepted the offer. No drop-off in salary or vacation after the probation period, much better work schedule, bright future/growth projection.

Going to start in 4 weeks, giving 3 weeks notice. Taking a short opportunity to spend a week purging the negative thoughts and stress of the past 18 months.

[Tonray's Ghost]

Just got an offer, oddly accurate match to my last sentence of the original post. A bright spot in an otherwise sad week. My mentor/colleague that taught me so much about manufacturing & injection molding passed away Monday evening.

Accepted the offer. No drop-off in salary or vacation after the probation period, much better work schedule, bright future/growth projection.

Going to start in 4 weeks, giving 3 weeks notice. Taking a short opportunity to spend a week purging the negative thoughts and stress of the past 18 months.

Excellent job news and sad for loss of your old friend.

[tlarson58]

Very glad to hear this! Congratulations!

[uwmcscott]

Great news - enjoy the break in between too!

[andrewsrea]

"the decision represents the culmination of its US restructuring efforts, through which it is attempting to optimise its "operational footprint""

Translation: 'moving to some sweatshop location' or 'it is a family-owned business and my brother-in-law embezzled all the company's cash equivalents.'

Congrats on the offer!