Laid Off at the Foundry

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elbert

Part of the Furniture Now
Mar 10, 2015
604
28
I want to remember how I felt today.
That's mainly what I'm thinking. Standing in the back yard with my old cob pipe, kissing the Capstan Blue with the lighter's flame, and watching the smoke curl up against the twilight sky. Not despair, or even sadness. Just...tension.
Waiting.
I had gone part-time by September, spending my days jamming gears in CDL school, and my evenings at the foundry; pouring molten iron, swinging sledge hammers, and grinding parts. When the news broke that they were shutting down second shift, they told us we could all go to first. But 'first' for me is my future, and right now that's trucking. In a few weeks I'll be training for life over-the-road, and I don't know yet how I'll pay next month's rent, but I'll pay it. I always find a way.
I want to remember what it feels like today, jobless and in debt. I want to remember because I know that this too shall pass. That in two years, or five, I'll look back and smile. I know that I'll be debt free with cash in the bank, and I know that when the next thing comes I'll be ready for that, too.
I'll be waiting for it.
Waiting, with my old cob pipe, my capstan blue, and the simple dignity of a working man.
I whiles claw the elbow o' troublesome thought;

But Man is a soger, and Life is a faught;

My mirth and gude humour are coin in my pouch,

And my Freedom's my Lairdship nae monarch dare touch.

-Robert Burns

 
Jan 8, 2013
7,493
733
If sacrificing one job for the other is a bonus in the future, then you made the right choice. You might have to tighten your belt a bit, but I'm willing to bet, in the long run, you're going to come out better for it. Good luck, Elbert.

 

jpmcwjr

Moderator
Staff member
May 12, 2015
24,708
27,308
Carmel Valley, CA
This is a very moving post, and in the face of bad news you have taken the bull by the horns. Congratulations, and good luck.

 

woodsroad

Lifer
Oct 10, 2013
11,772
16,057
SE PA USA
Elbert, you are already making the right choices. I was laid off in 2007 from my dream job of 21 years. I vowed then that it would never happen again. I’ve been self-employed ever since and although my boss can be a slave driver at times, and makes me work all manner of long shifts and late nights, he also lets me drink at my desk and smoke out on the company deck.
Best of luck, but I don’t think that you’ll need it.

 

techie

Part of the Furniture Now
Jul 20, 2018
589
10
Well written, moving post. You will be in my prayers for sure. Hang in there and keep pressing on.

 

timt

Lifer
Jul 19, 2018
2,844
22,730
Good luck to you. Being able to stop and contemplate with a pipe is for me a very beneficial thing when faced with difficult situations. Stay positive and enjoy the next chapter.

 

pepesdad1

Lifer
Feb 28, 2013
1,023
675
You have the right attitude. It may be dark right now, but you will come through and have a smile on your face. I'll say a prayer for you and your future.

 

elbert

Part of the Furniture Now
Mar 10, 2015
604
28
Thanks an awful lot, guys; it really means something to me. Luckily the lads at the foundry had already given me a going-away-present; :rofl:
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
I learned a whole hell of a lot working with those guys, and one of the most important things I learned was how blessed I am and how easy my life has been. Some of them have really seen some s***, and they've pulled through. So you best believe that when I'm out there on the road, I'll be striking that match for the boys back home.

 

weezell

Lifer
Oct 12, 2011
13,653
49,165
It will be OK because you will make it that way. You're not pissin and moanin, you all ready got a plan to beat this bastard!Good man you are,and you will win! Good on you and prayers for support...

 

willisk

Starting to Get Obsessed
Aug 27, 2018
105
0
You made the right call!! I drove flatbed OTR for 5 years and I loved every minute and mile!!

If not for a spinal cord injury I’d still be doing it! I’ll be praying for you!!

 

joshb

Might Stick Around
Dec 7, 2015
59
0
Going through a similar situation. I already had my stint in trucking. Now im jobless, living with my brother and his family in a state i've never lived in. It's always encouraging to hear of someone going through some tuff $h!t and still having a great, positive outlook. As you said, in a few years you will look back and just laugh. Keep on keepin on! Good luck to you in your new career! It can surely be a PITA but if you put your time in, it can be very rewarding.

 

warren

Lifer
Sep 13, 2013
11,715
16,284
Foothills of the Chugach Range, AK
There being a shortage of over the road drivers you'll do fine. Get through the next couple of months and you'll be set. Just remember in the next decade or so, I'd bet long haul will be an area that is taken over by driverless vehicles, it's the most logical use of "driverless." Sooner than later. So, keep you options open. Best of luck to you! You've got a great attitude and ethic.

 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
43,406
109,185
We can all take a lesson of hope and positive attitude from this. That's a good head you've got on your shoulders elbert. No doubt you'll be fine. :clap:

 

bassbug

Lifer
Dec 29, 2016
1,112
906
I was there a couple of years ago. Approaching 60, tired of the bullcrap in my "chosen field", realizing that there were a dozen or more "kids" willing to do the same job for half the money and finding that companies today don't value integrity and loyalty.
I said f**k it, went back to school and just last week got my paralegal license (here in Ontario, Canada, paralegals are licensed and considered officers of the court).
I understand exactly where you're coming from and where you're going. It all end well. It always does for those with a vision and determination. Carry on brother,I salute you.

 

brian64

Lifer
Jan 31, 2011
9,625
14,727
Best wishes...may the OTR vocation work out well for you if that's what you want...and I hope the struggling between now and then is minimal.
Just remember in the next decade or so, I'd bet long haul will be an area that is taken over by driverless vehicles
Yeah, unfortunately probably true. And shortly after the first ones are out there they will undoubtedly kill some people, as has already happened with smaller unmanned autos...but that won't stop it from becoming the norm...it'll just be accepted. And eventually, at some point many years from now, no one will be allowed to drive anymore.

 
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