Darn this economy stinks! ... and why I love my brother

Lay-offs seem to be going around right now the way colds do in the winter.

Case in point: My older brother Nathan, a brilliant computer scientist with a master's degree and a lot of experience, sent us an email yesterday letting us know of some changes in his life:

Due to some severe downsizing at the Vancouver Site, I will not be at my present job with HP after March 27th. They've offered me a brief period to look for scarce job opportunities within HP, plus an open ended period (as long as I want!) to look for opportunities elsewhere.

It is early to say what or where the next, exciting phase of my career will consist of. I am still largely in the laborious resume revision and other paperwork stage. I will attempt to gain some time by skipping the shock-denial-anger phase, philosophical life reasessment phase, and the self esteem teardown / rebuild phase. Thanks to all family members for their fine examples in handling life's big changes.

My brother is an eternal optimist and can find humor even in life's toughest moments. I really admire that about him.

This darn economy touches us all, doesn't it?

Comments

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I am so sorry about your brother. I agree it is affecting everyone. I have members of my family who have lost jobs too. My husband is a part owner of a business and they have tried not to lay people off but they are in construction and when there isn't any work to do, there isn't any money to pay anyone with. My poor husband really suffers over that. Good luck to your brother though. I am sure he will find something soon.
alligood said…
Drat this economy! My hubby is a BEAR right now - and who can blame him, when every day he begins work wondering if his firm will do lay-offs today?

I am so sorry to hear about your nephew! Please feel free to give his parents my contact information. I would be happy to talk with them. I do understand the complete and total shocking numbness that comes from the initial diagnoses. I don't know if they will be using Primary Children's, but I can certainly recommend doctors if they are.
My email is goodworth1@aol.com If they would rather speak by telephone, just shoot me an email and I will give you my phone number.
My prayers will be with them!
Tiffany Wacaser said…
200 people were laid off at my husband's job. His job is "secure" for another year. At least we have some warning. A friend in our ward, in his late 50's was one of the 200 people laid off. It's been a blessing in disguise for him, but a shock for his family.
Katie said…
Does your brother work in hardware or software? Josh's company is looking for a good software writer, so email me for info if that might be something he's interested in.
Unknown said…
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. It really puts it into perspective for those of us still at HP complaining about pay cuts, and loss of benefits. What did your brother do? Is he willing to relocate? I know we have quite a few openings in the Houston area. Regardless, I wish him the best of luck in finding a new job.
Handsfullmom said…
Katie & Brandi -- My brother is in Vancouver right now and will probably look for jobs there before looking elsewhere. They built a home a year ago and I don't think they really want to move if they can help it.