I now go into the great unknown...

[virginia mountainman]

I find myself and a very unusual juncture in my life... The company that I have worked tirelessly and very happily for the past few years, has just "officially" closed their doors as of about two hours ago. I find myself, strangely enough, in an odd limbo, not unemployed, as parts of the company has been bought out. But not knowing much more than the name of the company that bought us out. I don't even know what they are going to put on the front door..

I have been told, that I will still have a job, but many others at my company do not....I have no idea what changes will be made, I have no idea what this means for my pay... Frankly, I have no idea about anything of much significance....

Except one thing.....Out of this flux, I still have a job.... Ask me the name of my company, I can tell you who bought us...Ask me WHAT they will call us, I will just shrug my shoulders and say “I don't know”....Ask me anymore questions about my job, and I will answer the same way...

I am not being a smart ass, I am being serious...I really don't know....

I will miss the old company...I have never in my life, had such a positive experience as working with those fine folks. I had never had a employer that I would walk on busted glass bare foot, before, but if they asked, I would. I was not alone in this sentiment. As I, and practically all of us, was paying out of our own pockets just to help the company meet it's obligations over the past month. ( we where reimbursed every penny within a week)

One good thing is, most of the people I worked with (out our unit), will be working at the new company.

And it opens it's doors for the first time at 8 AM Monday morning....

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I hope your new job works out well for you, and everyone there.

It has to be scary.

Please keep us informed as you find out what's going on, OK?


:hug:

[virginia mountainman]

3. The "not knowing" is rough..

Our company "collapsed" rapidly with a weeks notice to us, and our customers. Caught us, and our customers by total surprise. We knew times where tough, we just did not know how tough.

Actually, the parent company of one of our most important customers, is the ones that bought us, or parts of us out. They desperately need the services we offer, and at this time, they are ramping up production.

I hope for the best, but plan for the worst..But the company that bought us out, does have a good reputation among most of their employees. And they speak very highly of the man that owns the company..

Thanks for caring!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. It sounds very promising...

Since the company that bought you needs what you make, I would be very encouraged.

We're all in this together!

[LiberalAndProud]

2. This is so unsettling.

It's happening so often these days, small companies consumed(?) by large ones from somewhere else.

I hope all goes well for you, and they have the wisdom not to change too much. Good luck!

[virginia mountainman]

7. Thank you for your thoughts..

We weren't swallowed..We just "collapsed" they rushed in to save "the bits of us", that they had to have.

Two weeks ago, no one would have even guessed about this happening. I hope they leave things alone. Our company had 8 "divisions" in 5 states. At the end, only three where profitable. Our unit, and two others made money, and carried "unhealthy ones". At first we thought they was just going to close the divisions in unprofitable areas..But the way things are so in-twined, the whole thing collapsed.

We was purchased by our largest customer....Who's first act, was to cut off our services to their competition...

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. Am hoping it all turns out good.

My depression era grandmother taught me, to always have a "just in case" plan B, an emergency stash.

Wise woman, she was.

[virginia mountainman]

11. Your grandmother was very wise..

I do have a Plan "B", "C", and a "D"...

I can't help it...I am a INTJ. :hi:

http://www.keirsey.com/handler.aspx?s=keirsey&f=fourtemps&tab=5&c=mastermind

[kevinbgoode]

6. I wish you such good luck. . .and I'm glad you had a few years

enjoying your work. That seems to be so rare these days. I had a similar experience when I lived in Atlanta, working for a small business whose owners treated us like family. There were only about half a dozen employees, but we became very close friends during that time, and it was the one thing I hated leaving when I moved from that area. I am forever grateful for those people for that experience.

Now, I work in education. . .with a wage freeze, a contract that ends next May with no likely renewal (budget), and already feel more financially squeezed than I ever did as a grad student...Generally, I enjoy teaching, but uncertainty seems to be part of most working American lives today.

I hope your new bosses realize what gold they have in their employees. And I wish your former owners the best of luck - I know they knew how much you appreciated them, but. . .perhaps before too much time goes by, you and your co-workers could write a note...or get a long card and tell them how proud you were to work for them. I know they already know that, but they are going through some adjustments as well, and since they are (apparently) not going to be back, it is important that they realize that they didn't fail the employees. I wish them good luck as well.

[virginia mountainman]

9. You hit on something..

It is odd, absolutely no one, is angry or resentful....We are just worried, about the unknown..

And we will see them around, friendships where created.

[EFerrari]

8. Take good care of you.

Sounds like a good time to cut yourself as much slack as possible. I hope the transition isn't too bad and that the new people settle in as quietly as possible. Good luck, virginia mountainman.

[virginia mountainman]

10. I don't know who did it....But thank you!

But thank you so much for my star!! I really cannot thank you fine folks enough.

:grouphug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. You have been through so much...

I wanted to do something for you. The star was the least I could do...

:hug:

[old mark]

13. Well, you will start to find out this morning - it is possible your good attitude

will influence the new company's attitude - at this point, it is possible you can make what you want out of it, and bring the best of the old into the new.

All the best.
I think you are fortunate to have had such a good and positive work experience - many of us never have had it that good in our working lives.

Bring the good with you.
mark