The Economy

[Mini D]

Actually... you saying it doesn't make it any more or less real either arlo.

There's 800 or so people in my organization right now... zero temps.  Every position is considered a skilled position and experienced labor is definately desired... as is retaining experienced people.

Many companies are more likely to lose people due to attrition as opposed to cutbacks.  The thing is, you only hear about it when they actually have to cut back.  It's a spotlight effect that doesn't reflect the true nature of the industry.

There has been literally a 30% turnover rate where I work.  They used to boast a 1-3% rate pre-95.  It's gotten better over the last 2 years... maybe to 10%.  That is with zero layoffs.  Of the 30% leaving... perhaps 1% has been fired.

MiniD

[Mini D]

Here's another way to look at it:

My father is getting ready to retire in a couple of years.  He's #1 in seniority where he's at... been there for 40 years.  Out of about 200 people.  He's been in the top 5 for the last 15 years.  Now, for every one person that retires, 20 come and go.  That's also in a company that hasn't done layoffs since he's been working there.  The company is more than happy to hold on to it's employees, they just tend to go to looking for that green grass they keep hearing about.

MiniD

[Sandman]

Originally posted by Toad
Lol Mav!

This retirement stuff is a beach, ain't it?

Finally doing what YOU want to do ALL the time instead of what someone else wants you to do?

Oh, the horror!  
 

Some of us can only dream. Had a visit from a retired friend this weekend. His nickname is "Toad" believe it or not...

I asked how he was enjoying retirement.

He stated that he's better at retirement than any job he's ever had.

[FUNKED1]

Originally posted by Eagler
dang MT, lose the girly glasses and we could almost pass for brothers



imagine that

Dude you kinda look like a doper.  

[Arlo]

Originally posted by Mini D
Actually... you saying it doesn't make it any more or less real either arlo.

There's 800 or so people in my organization right now... zero temps.  Every position is considered a skilled position and experienced labor is definately desired... as is retaining experienced people.

Many companies are more likely to lose people due to attrition as opposed to cutbacks.  The thing is, you only hear about it when they actually have to cut back.  It's a spotlight effect that doesn't reflect the true nature of the industry.

There has been literally a 30% turnover rate where I work.  They used to boast a 1-3% rate pre-95.  It's gotten better over the last 2 years... maybe to 10%.  That is with zero layoffs.  Of the 30% leaving... perhaps 1% has been fired.

Here's another way to look at it:

My father is getting ready to retire in a couple of years. He's #1 in seniority where he's at... been there for 40 years. Out of about 200 people. He's been in the top 5 for the last 15 years. Now, for every one person that retires, 20 come and go. That's also in a company that hasn't done layoffs since he's been working there. The company is more than happy to hold on to it's employees, they just tend to go to looking for that green grass they keep hearing about.

MiniD

I'm happy for you and your dad. Sounds nice to live in Nirvana, USA. Most the rest of us have to live in Mudville. Not sure which spotlight is shining where but from most of the people I've conversed with online, yours sounds the exception. Remember ... blue collar. "Skilled labor in a small company that is secure and able to retain it's people and pay them well" is fine and dandy but doesn't reflect the majority of the work force by any margin. I sure hope you make it to retirementville like your dad. wtg

[Mini D]

Both companies are fortune 500 companies, at least one is fortune 50.  Both employ over 80,000 worldwide each.

They aren't small.  They prefer to hold onto their work force.

Now... let's talk about the software industry and you'll see another story.  But if you look back to the lat 90's again, you'll see the same trend.  There was alot of turnover and companies learned to do without or deal with rotation and training.

MiniD

[lazs2]

over 4% growth is considered good growth in the economy... about right.


You guys wives make you wear them shorts?

lazs

[gofaster]

Originally posted by midnight Target
Is good.... get over it!

We can't get enough warm bodies in here to fill the orders we have now. Where the heck are all those dang unemployed people?

Your business is booming because of all the people being forced into early retirement.  AT&T will be sending a few more customer to you in the next couple of days.  April 1st has more significance than simply practical jokes around here.

[Eagler]

Originally posted by lazs2
over 4% growth is considered good growth in the economy... about right.


You guys wives make you wear them shorts?

lazs

not all of us have chicken legs

[lazs2]

chicken legs!   what I wouldn't give to have chicken legs!   Heck... I would be happy if children didn't cry and grab their mommies when they seen my leg(s).   Amputations by ElDorado bumpers can be unsightly.  Hving Kaiser do the re-attach can have the same result.

lazs

[midnight Target]

A. We don't hire people on a temporary basis. Training costs money. Losing people sucks and hurts the bottom line.

B. We start line workers in the $12/hr range and pay based on job knowledge. These guys are working 50-60 hour weeks right now. Line supervisors also get a bonus based on production. This can turn into serious money during the busy season.

C. Housing prices in this area are probably the lowest in Southern California. (That means a $150K house only sells for $250K instead of the $350K you woud spend in the OC.)

D. I'll go along with that Eagler.. but I am the good-looking smart brother.

[FUNKED1]

I swear I saw Lazs' missing leg bone for sale at a market in Chinatown.

[lazs2]

rumors abound.... last I seen it some mangy cur was running off with it just as the meat wagon arrived.

lazs

[Mini D]

Lazs has 1 chicken leg and one that's more of a pork chop leg.

MiniD

[Arlo]

Originally posted by Mini D
Both companies are fortune 500 companies, at least one is fortune 50.  Both employ over 80,000 worldwide each.

They aren't small.  They prefer to hold onto their work force.

Now... let's talk about the software industry and you'll see another story.  But if you look back to the lat 90's again, you'll see the same trend.  There was alot of turnover and companies learned to do without or deal with rotation and training.

MiniD

McDonald's is a fortune 500 company. I doubt the majority of it's employees are reaping the benefits of "growth in the economy."

We obviously have different perspectives about what a "good economy" means (as do MT, my long time online friend, and I). To take an example of what one's own company's practices and current growth and profit margin are ... as well as how they treat their workforce and attempt to portray it as the national standard is a futile exercise, at best.

Likewise, my own experiences are merely a reflection of what may well be the opposite end of the spectrum with the true picture being somewhere in between.

Yet, I can say that several of my long time online aquaintances within the last year have suffered from layoffs and not all of them have been able to continue work in their field of experience. Some are still struggling to find something even close to providing the take-home pay they have become accustomed to. Some have even dropped off the radar and I'm concerned for their welfare.

Sure, a few of my online aquaintances have enjoyed the luxury of being able to continue a lengthy career and have either retired or are approaching retirement. But it appears to be becoming more of a rare thing across the nation. Locally, it's becoming very rare.

That's why it's hard for me to take a post exhalting the growth of our economy based on a personal reflection of one's own company or business. There will always be a flower blooming in the desert. There will always be weeds in the garden.