Aw, hang in there, Jaybird. It's an awful shame when this sort of thing happens, and you're right not to think of it in personal terms-- because downsizing has so little to do with the people involved. Certainly I send good thoughts your way.

--Jenn

Oh Jaybird,
I've already whispered a prayer for you and your coworkers.
We have been a blessed nation for so long, but times are changing and it is so scary. Many hugs to you.
Betty

Oh Jaybird, I am so sorry you are having to worry about this. It's hard enough to do the job--without having to worry about how much longer you will get to do it!

So many companies are struggling, and most have been hit so hard with more regulations, more paperwork, more expensive materials, higher gas prices, imported items, etc. etc. When their bottom line is shrinking, they are backed into a corner---then it effects the employees who need their jobs so badly, and it has absolutely nothing to do with performance--just with the bottom line!

I will certainly keep you in my thoughts and prayers. And don't allow your feelings to be hurt--you KNOW you have done the best work you could and this is not a reflection on your performance. And just keep the faith, even if this happens, there might be something even better just waiting for you.

Luvs

Jay,what type of work do you do?
As upsetting as it is, you have your health and that is the most impt. We went from 2 to one salary overnight when dh had a stroke at 53, and he was self employed, so no benefits at all... Very scary, so I know the feeling.

But you are smart, and healthy, and maybe there is something else in store for you.
Good thoughts and prayers for you! Stressful time for sure..

Jaybird, I can only echo what everyone else has said. It must be such a worry for you and I surely send you my best wishes through all of this. Hang in there and keep your chin up.

Blessings to you ALL!!! I am so thankful to have you folks for when I need to let off steam!
We will just be taking one day at a time, and see what happens!
So....talk to me about decorating...Sandi, don't you need more 13 page sewing instructions????
Kathleen, I manage/operate/supervise a 300 line switchboard....so I'm sure that there will be something somewhere for me to do.... It's just a waiting game now..unfortunately we are the mice and the big cats like to play with us :^(

Jaybird, I can always use sewing instructions. The first one should be for me to finish one project before I start a new one. ;~)

I can't imagine operating a 300 line switchboard. I sure hope everyone's jobs stay safe.

Will cross my fingers for you: I know what it is since I was laid off because of the Euro (my bank didn't need 200 international payments employees any more).

Otherwise... what's sewing??? (I know what it is but am unable to sew: as always say: I NEED TO BUY A RIGHT HAND!!!!) So, I need a 300 pages sewing instructions!

Ruh-roh Sandi,,, you came to the wrong person...I have about 3 things going right now!!! I tore the pocket out of my jacket night before last, so I am fixing that, I am making chair cushion covers for my kitchen chairs, and I am in the planning stages for kitchen curtains, chair covers, placemats and runners, etc., for DDIL kitchen! Yikes!!

Prosperity, we could get you going...just round up a sewing machine and I will tell you all of the shortcuts!
We are sort of in the banking industry, so let me tell you that things aren't a bit better in the USA!! Hugs to you too!!

Jaybird, sorry I am late to this. But I can totally understand how you feel, I have been thru that before and it is just terrible. I am hoping they will see the light, and realize that it is just as smart to keep someone like you with experience and talent! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

Jay, how are you doing?? I am hoping something even better comes along!
Now about that sewing, teach us some tricks! I need to learn...

Jaybird, I know how you feel. I can barely think about, let alone DO, the sewing projects I have for my kitchen/sitting area. I can't even get to my gorgeous black and white toile "to be tablecloth". LOL

Jaybird, this is really something that I'd like to know how: sewing.

Just have to buy the machine and then following your instructions, lol.

It's so important to have this ability to sew: not only we can create clothes but also, from a simple piece of fabric bought at low price, create something beautiful to decorate our house.

Sewing is a fun thing for me....but you can ask Sandi....I'm kind of wordy in my instructions :^). You can be assured that if there is a shortcut or a trick (in home dec sewing), I will know about it. I do make clothes, but it isn't easy to give instructions because one size NEVER fits all!!!! Tablecloths and curtains are a lot simpler!!
Today I am on a tear to find limey/yellowy-goldy/red tassle fringe that Joann Fabrics USED to carry...oooooopps!!

Monday morning, I had a phone call from a friend of mine; she told me "guess what... I just bought a sewing machine!"
Eh eh, we were just talking about my desire to learn how to sew!
Well, I'll ask her to bring her machine with her the next time she comes home ;-)

jaybird, that is so cool that you are a good seamstress! I sewed a fair amount when I was younger, but have not used my sewing machine now for about 10 years. I mostly made my DD clothes, and a whole lot of simple curtains and things like that for my home, but I never achieved real sewing talent like many people have, my hat's off to you!

Jaybird, you and Sandi inspired me to dig out my "stash" of fabrics to see what I have on hand. I decided that I should either use it or get rid of it. I'm trying to make a reversible table topper out of a couple of pieces, and I want to try some pretty hand towels that I saw on a blog.

I get a little bored with all the pinning, I tend to like quick projects, but hopefully will stick with this to get a couple projects made. LOL

I have lots of smaller cuts because I usually just do craft sewing and had bought several quarter yards back when appliqué on sweat shirts was popular. To use them up, I'd need to make a patchwork I guess. LOL

So what kinds of things are you making? Anything for your tables? Would enjoy seeing pics.

Luvs

Hi there....y'all know just when to chime in and lend moral support!! I just finished a round of valances, table runners and cabinet mats for my kitchen (when I'm panicked, I SEW)!! Tomorrow I will be visiting my stash in the attic, to see what I can get into :^). A little friend asked me to make a rocking chair pad and a throw pillow for her daughter's room...Sandi, I thought of you because she wants it made of black and white toile!! More scraps :^)
I also made a lap blanket for my elderly SIL our of some fabrics with hearts! I appliqued a few of those crocheted hearts that you can get at the fabric shop here and there. We will take it to her at Valentine's Day. Since I am going to check my stash, what 'cha need??

What do I need?? Lessons!
Hope you are feeling better about things, Jay!

Well, I decided to dig through my fabric and trims stash to see what I have that might be worth doing something with. Then I broke out the sewing machine to sew up a table topper, and guess what????? It sews just fine, then skips a few stitches, then sews fine again. I've tried changing the needle, reinserted the bobbin, made sure the presser foot is down, etc. What the heck is up with that? I have a friend who sews allot, so think I will have her take a look at it, then will take it to the repair shop if need be. I haven't used it for awhile, but loaned it to DIL's Mom over the holidays and she didn't say anything about it messing up. Guess I'll go back to painting for awhile. Luvs

Jaybird, hope things go well for you! Sounds like you are putting all of that "stress" to good use! A couple of years ago my sister showed me how to do a project and now I think I am sooooo smart!! :) The project was turning a collar on my husbands shirt...something I had never done before! I see there is another one that needs turning. It's quite fun to do and you can hardly tell that it has been turned! Does anyone (except me ) do this anymore?

Yes Ma'am...I turn collars and sometimes cuffs if it is a particularly well liked shirt!!!
I also make regular slacks out of ones with zip fronts for myself....I HATE fly front slacks!!!!!
It is also fun to make girly shirts out of a guys shirt, or to match a guys shirt! I make them for granddaughters and DIL's and occasionally a set for DH and I!