Have you ever been laid off?

[Andy Brockway]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

I'd love for an opportunity to work in a mechanical design environment, but as time goes by, it seems like my work experience and growing skillset have less and less relevance to the things I like doing and I will get shoehorned into doing things that I don't like as much. That, too, is pretty scary.

If you are ready to move back to engineering than do it. Use the time with your present company to interview for what you really want. Companies understand career changes and you are young enough for it to be a non-issue.

My advice is to pick a career you enjoy. There will always be bad days at work but if you are doing what you enjoy you will make it through.

My first job out of college I work at Bullard's, a now non-existent machine tool manufacturer. They had six lay-off's in the two years I was there. Each one was bad for everyone, those who were dismissed and those who stayed. I left two months before my level was laid off. Point is, you will make it, you just have to fight for yourself.

[Madison]

Good news! My boss talked with a few people around other parts of the company that were looking for help and I now have a new position. I am being, though somewhat temporarily, un-laid-off through March 1, 2006. If the program I'm moving to ends up being successful, there's good potential that things may go longer than that.

Yay

[Al Skierkiewicz]

That is great news, but keep all of your options open. Something spectacular might open up.

[Bill Moore]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

Good news! My boss talked with a few people around other parts of the company that were looking for help and I now have a new position. I am being, though somewhat temporarily, un-laid-off through March 1, 2006. If the program I'm moving to ends up being successful, there's good potential that things may go longer than that.

Yay

Madison,

The good news isn't just the extension of the job, it's that you have someone who recognizes your skillsets and is willing to help you get into a better situatiion. Everyone has untapped skils that we don't even realize are potentially useful for various tasks.

My degree (Horticulture) has nothing to do with my job (polymer research), but it is amazing how many times I can draw back on some horticulture training I received that directly relates to the task I'm trying to accomplish. How I got this job has been a series of bosses who helped me by recommending my skills on to my next potential boss. As you move through projects, you gather additional skills and they often will help prepare you for your next position.

A career is never static.

Good Luck!