There is life after a financial sector layoff

Jane, Richmond, VA — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:52:10 GMT

Mr. Cothern blithely remarks that he's glad to be out of the job from which he was discharged because of the ups and downs of the market. I don't see any remorse at working in the lousy industry, subprinme mortgage lending, that caused the debacle he is "sympathetically" watching from the sidelines. I I feel sure he was handsomely rewarded during those heady years of borrowing - handsomely enough to buy a franchise. Shame, shame, shame!

There is life after a financial sector layoff

Michael Lopez, Fontana, CA — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:19:42 GMT

I just got laid off from Wells Fargo who is one of the more stable big financial institutions in the country. I am going to take your advice. It has been 3 months, and I have been trying to replace by $200k salary with the corner office to no success. I am currently doing to some soul searching, and looking at other avenues... Perhaps a franchise. I like you was also tired of the ups and downs in the Financial industry. I am confident something with work out. Thank you for the advice and success story.
Good Luck.+

There is life after a financial sector layoff

paul chesire — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:41:12 GMT

hey what is going on with subprime, is there problems with it I was looking for a job

There is life after a financial sector layoff

Melissa Mesa, AZ — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:11:47 GMT

Come to my house. I can show you how 4 people can live on $50K a year and still have their satellite radio AND a home.

There is life after a financial sector layoff

Paulina SF, CA — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:54:09 GMT

I've just been laid off from Verizon with no substantial severance package as a VP would have. Is there life after a layoff for a blue collared worker?

There is life after a financial sector layoff

GPB, Coatesville, PA — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:59:30 GMT

Has corporate greed come to anyone's mind?

There is life after a financial sector layoff

Corrupt Businesses make me sick. — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:48:33 GMT

Hi everyone im the janitor of a corperate titan and I watch these guys with there head down low as they drag thier briefcase and undo thier tie. I don't feel sorry for them. I handed a guy a broom and another guy a shovel. I told them both "This work makes you humble, but you'll still pay the bills."

Moral of the story: Life is life, get a job and keep it moving.

There is life after a financial sector layoff

austin walgraeve Oregon — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 03:03:54 GMT

After 15 years in the corporate world I went the self employed route. Wouldn’t change it for the world, however you still have ups and downs if you’re working for someone else or self employed.

There is life after a financial sector layoff

Nicole, Jacksonville NC USMC — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 03:17:41 GMT

Come on now, $200,000.00? And he was worried? Did he not save his money? I'm just saying... I make $36,000.00 per year, have four children, a house and 2 cars that are paid for. Thank God that I never got so greedy or unnappreciative of what I had to become greedy. When does one understand that they were making their living off of the misfortunes of others? Being laid off a subprime lending company was a blessing, because that's a bottom dwelling occupation. Making a living off of the pain and mistakes of other hard working people? But that's what this country is all about these days. At any rate, people who are experiencing 'this type' of layoff should take this as a lesson in humility and for some, it will definitely be a plus for their character. Subprime mortgages needed to go!

There is life after a financial sector layoff

Gordon Gekko, New York, NY — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:31:29 GMT

Greed is good.

There is life after a financial sector layoff

soundbreeze, Ft. Walton Beach, Florida — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 12:22:47 GMT

Put your backs into it, and come work with us in defense and the government! :) There are rewards on many different levels when you are doing things like supporting our troops who sacrifice to protect our freedoms. Very satisfying, and the compensation and benefits are excellent!

There is life after a financial sector layoff

DN, Roxbury, NJ — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:14:07 GMT

If I wasn't so busy paying the taxes that are going to bail out the mess created by corporate greed I might be able to afford that franchise or even the boat. I don't find this story inspiring - I find it disgusting. Those of us who have chosen to live within our means and not be drawn into unaffordable mortgages and scams are going to pay the bill for this. How sad!!

There is life after a financial sector layoff

RK, Denver, CO — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:18:59 GMT

Opened up his franchise only 5 mos. ago? Talk to him again in 3 years. I had a similar thing happen in 2000. Wife and I both laid off from telecom sector. Bought a franchise, worked it exactly like they said, provided great service. Got off to a great start, but fizzled before ever reacing profitability. Lost the house and life savings, ended up in bankruptcy. Starting over in mid fifties. I wish this guy well, but I suspect his franchise will be a mistake he regrets.

There is life after a financial sector layoff

Michael, Hollywood Floeida — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:54:05 GMT

HA HA I might not be making $200K but I am very happy I am self employed and on the side growing a small business. the reward is I do not have to answer the call at 2am or listen to my crackberry that has another manager on the other end of something I should be doing. Stop buying hummers and gas hogs and break down and buy more practical cars, If you would have done that you would not have to work after a layoff. Thank g-d I am not you crying about the money I lost!~!!

There is life after a financial sector layoff

Peter Henry — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 20:16:44 GMT

If we deported all the illegal immigrants and threw the lying politicians like Charles Schumer and Barney Frank in jail (who changed the laws that used to protect us) we'd have near 100 percent employment and something called "a manufacturing sector". Clinton signed the stupid law in 1999 that let this happen, Bush has made it worse, and big shot Chairmen Schumer and Frank who were supposed to be watchdogs did NOTHING TO STOP IT because they take money from bank lobbyists. Welcome to government by incompetent corrupt idiots. DUMP ALL INCUMBENTS THIS NOVEMBER!

There is life after a financial sector layoff

Mike Wood, Annapolis, Md — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:28:33 GMT

Been working Electrical and Mechanical for the last 30 yrs and EARN about $80K a year. This work is very satisfying because you build and repair items that are used and needed in society. Have always lived with-in our means, own our home and vehicles. I've never had a great deal of respect for "money movers". What do they produce? It seems that it was all a packaged pyramid scheme that all came apart. As the previous writer stated. The responsible, hard working, "live with-in your means" people are going to foot the bill for the greed and arrogance of the few.

There is life after a financial sector layoff

m, elkton md — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:39:00 GMT

couldnt agree more...got laid off from PFPC in 2004. After some soul searching, I went and pursued my dream and am now a MD state trooper

There is life after a financial sector layoff

m, elkton md — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:39:04 GMT

couldnt agree more...got laid off from PFPC in 2004. After some soul searching, I went and pursued my dream and am now a MD state trooper

There is life after a financial sector layoff

John — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:23:39 GMT

I was in the same boat laid off from a corp sales job after 16 years and given 2 weeks severance. I worked with 2 software companies both went out of business. I ended up doing something I never thought I would do which was partner with a Network Marketing company. I now have the majority of my income coming in is residual.

There is life after a financial sector layoff

the REAL gordon gekko — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:37:07 GMT

it surprises me how some can be upset that he made a $200k income. in all sincerity, greed IS good. it fuels our capitalist society, and it works. we wouldn't have most of the things in life without it - take a look at the things in your own house. if he spent it all while he was making it, that's his own stupid fault, but don't hate on the guy because he succeeded in providing for his own family. if you don't like how much you (or he) are making, you need some introspective reflection. are you upset at him, or really upset at yourself - GET A DIFFERENT JOB.

There is life after a financial sector layoff

bilbo baggins — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:44:07 GMT

to peter henry:
be careful what you wish for. you probably enjoy the quality of life you do BECAUSE we have illegal immigrants. you probably live in a house built partially be illegals, and eat foods daily that were handled by them at some point before they reached your dinner table. and no, we wouldn't have 100% employment without them. thank god for the illegal immigrants, because someone is doing the jobs that "too proud" americans refuse to do and admit as such. and, unless you're saying you're of native american descent, guess what??? you're part of your own so-called problem.

There is life after a financial sector layoff

George Nichol, Middle Island, NY — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:06:32 GMT

Greed, for lack of a better word, is NOT good!

There is life after a financial sector layoff

emiluton, Indianapolis, Indiana — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:44:49 GMT

I worked for many years for a German boss; I remember the obesrvation and advise: " The world is degenerating very fast and when we are engulfed by mud, then we will probably ask: Hitler, where are you? "

There is life after a financial sector layoff

N, Chicago, IL — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 07:13:26 GMT

First of all let me speak as a former business owner/Franchise Operator. I can't say the name but I invested in a Accounting/Tax Franchise in 2002. Ran it part time for 3 years , and another 3 full time. In the end I realized if you ever want to succeed in business in the long run franchising is not the way to go. Develop your own brand , own marketing tactics, your own storefront and mainly your own customers. All this is easier said than done in the first couple years of a business but you will be laying the ground work for a solid future . Paying Royalties after all is said and done takes a HUGE chunk out of your income . After 6 years I realized I gave the franchise more money in royalties than I paid myself. Think Hard and Long , think like a businessman , dont jump in , there is no quickstart/instant profit to a business.

There is life after a financial sector layoff

Joe in Maryland — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:45:40 GMT

Most the folks out there in financial land have no idea what it's like for most people in the world. Have they ever worked with pick and shovel so hard that their hands bleed, and at the end of the day their back hurts so badly they can't untie their boots?

Simple answer. No.

There is life after a financial sector layoff

Kate Wendleton — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:44:09 GMT

Here's an article for those who want to start a small business. It's a "quick and dirty" way to test the viability of your idea. http://www.fiveoclockclub.com/articles/2006/2006-9-Plan.pdf

There is life after a financial sector layoff

Rahul, CO — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:49:06 GMT

Thank you for all these messages. It is great to share different opinions on a subject. Helped

There is life after a financial sector layoff

Derrick Carpenter, North Bergen, NJ — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:00:06 GMT

The mantra for the last 50 years has been, "Go to school, get good grades, go to work for a stable company and you'll be set for life."

How's that working out for ya?

Well Now comes the weening process. There is no security when you have to rely on someone else for a paycheck. In order for your (any) company to stay in business, they have to buy you at wholesale and sell you at retail. When your wholesale prices becomes to high-well then company just going to pitch you off you like a cheap prom dress. It's not personal (to them) it's just business.

"In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists."~Eric Hoffer

BTW, since when did we become a nation of blamethrowers-it's the polictians, it's the regulators, blah, blah, blah, yada, yada, yada...
The same wind blows on us all...the wind of opportunity and the wind of change, it's not the blowing of the wind it's the setting of your sail.

There is life after a financial sector layoff

ElectricalGuy — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:29:45 GMT

I used to work in a big engineering office doing engineering work. Then, I started my own business, pretty soon earning 2x doing part-time what I make in (1) MONTH in my day job. My Clients piled up and pretty soon, I had to make a choice between keeping my "security blanket" day job, or going solo. I went solo. Income shot up from 2x to about 7x. Been doing this now for 8+ years. But I miss engineering... so I started a side business related to engineering. (Shhhh.... don't tell the boss :) That little side business in my spare time will make about $70K by the end of this year. Next year, I estimate it to double.

So folks... do your homework, start your own business and be "independent". Sure, the risks are high, work is hard, but rewards are also high. Not just financially, but other intangible rewards as well. For example: Me and my wife watched and got to be with our daughter at home until she went to school.

There is life after a financial sector layoff

bob t, spokane, wash — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:28:29 GMT

There is hope for the immediate future. Water is and will continue to be a high demand, recession proof industry for years to come.

There is life after a financial sector layoff

EM G, Leesburg, VA — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 06:46:35 GMT

If anyone can give me an idea on how start my own business? I just got laid off and not sure what to do. Right now, I'm just chronicling my days after being laid off in my blog http://hopefulmom-lifeafterlayoff.blogspot.com/.