This is topic I am done with the theatre... in forum Ground Level at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.


To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=001081

---

Posted by Travis Hubrig (Member # 1745) on 03-11-2004, 12:19 PM:
 
Yesterday, I got the axe...

Kinda unexpected, unfair, and I think I might go after them.
Mainly has to do with the remodeling and renovations they are doing in town but that's another story. It's cheaper to fire someone then lay them off.

So Yesterday after my meeting at 9am, I went out and did what most would... went on a hell of a bender. If I ever sober up and my head stops throbbing I may go look for a new job. Who knows? I may make a road trip and see some theatres.
All I know is my trip to Vegas is still on and I hope to see everyone there.

Not sure when I will post again, as I don't have a very full schedule, but I have lots of fun ahead of me this week!
 

---

Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 03-11-2004, 12:22 PM:
 
Don't forget to file for unemployment. If you were full time and they just up and fired you you can draw it and they have to pay it.
 

---

Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 03-11-2004, 12:30 PM:
 
Don't forget to visit the theater once it's remodeled and defacate on the seats and carpet. If you were a good employee and they just up and fired you you can expunge it and they have to clean it.
 

---

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 03-11-2004, 12:47 PM:
 
Certainly DON'T follow Thomas's suggestion or anything remotely close to it. All that would do is make them glad to be rid of you.

If you handle things rationally,

- You might get asked to come back
- You might get a good recommendation
- You might want to actually go to a movie there sometime

Don't burn your bridges.
 

---

Posted by Gary Crawford (Member # 2038) on 03-11-2004, 12:47 PM:
 
For obvious reasons I won't mention names, but a plex near me told the head projectionist last Thursday (AFTER he was done with the show change that is) that his last day would be Sunday at midnight. It will be manager-candy boy operation from now on.

A nice cost-cutting measure I suppose for the company, but when that equipment burps and crashes...

I can't wait.

Best of luck to you Travis, hope things work out okay.
 

---

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 03-11-2004, 01:18 PM:
 
Good luck in finding a new career.

As Mike says, as bitter as you may feel, don't burn any bridges.
 

---

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 03-11-2004, 01:53 PM:
 
Sorry to hear about that, Travis. I know how scary that is. If they let you go because they're remodeling the theatre, then it sounds like you have a job waiting for you. Did I read you correctly?

Regardless, apply for unemployment insurance asap, because it takes some time to go through the red tape.

And, if you've really just had it with the business, you could do what I did: get on UI, apply for a federal job retraining grant, and go to truck driving school! I'm not making as much money as I did as an engineer, but it's not bad, and the benefits are better. Plus, you never have to worry about not being able to find a job.

Good luck to you, I wish you all the best.
 

---

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 03-11-2004, 02:19 PM:
 
I would absolutely go file for unemployment at the first opportunity you have! File on the same day you were fired if you can!

1) It ensures that you get the money flowing as soon as possible. You payed taxes. You earned it. You need the money to live on.

2) It brings the issue of your termination to light as quickly as possible. If you were unfairly terminated, or even unlawfully terminated the authorities need to know this as soon as possible. If you have a case (I'm not saying that you do) it needs to be heard now, while everybody's memories are still fresh in their minds... And your employer doesn't have time to dream up excuses.

You aren't out to "stick it" to the employer. You just want to get your money that you deserve and set the record straight. Later on, if/when you need to list this employer as a reference you need to be able to show that you were not at fault.

See if you can get the company to say that you were permanently laid-off.
 

---

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 03-11-2004, 02:35 PM:
 
And getting plowed helped you to accomplish what?

Sorry to hear about your job loss. But talented people are always in demand. It may mean relocating. Good luck.
 

---

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 03-11-2004, 02:40 PM:
 
In Massachusetts, at least, an "at will" employee may be fired at any time for pretty much any cause. Unless the employee can prove discrimination or prove that the employer made a promise of continued employment, then the employee has no real case. The best that one can hope to do is preserve his own reputation (request a copy of your employee file in writing--in most states, the employer is required to provide it; check to make sure that nothing untruthful is there).

If offered severance payment, do _not_ accept it unless you are completely comfortable with all of the conditions in the agreement. This is essentially a bribe from the company for you to not sue them, so be very careful here. If in doubt, don't sign anything. Don't forget that they owe you for any unused vacation days, usually payable immediately upon termination.

I was fired from my day job about a year ago, apparently because the employer wanted a "yes man" instead of someone who questioned existing practices which were likely to cause security and stability issues with their network. The whole affair was handled very poorly (the guy who fired me did so over a speakerphone!), and they tried to get me to sign away my life (well, almost) for a lousy two weeks' severance (I didn't). I ended up spending about $1000 in lawyer fees (mostly consultation time and letters to my former employer), which was educational (I don't regret doing it), but ultimately nonproductive. I never did sign the severance agreement (and am glad I didn't). Don't hesitate to go for unemployment benefits; you've paid into the fund through payroll taxes levied on your employer and you deserve your share when you are unemployed. Don't let pride or politics get in the way of getting what you are legally entitled to.

The end result was that I spent about three months on unemployment and ended up with a much better job.

Whatever happens, good luck!
 

---

Posted by Jason Black (Member # 684) on 03-11-2004, 04:25 PM:
 
Travis,
Sorry to hear about the termination. Read what the others have said.. and I sent you a private email as well.

Between Thomas' 'shit in the seats' retaliation and his 'if you aren't a customer, you aren't shit to me' concepts, I'm really left to wonder just what type of person he is...

Bad judgement gets you nowhere.. but it will get you there pretty fast from what I've seen...
 

---

Posted by Jason Burroughs (Member # 68) on 03-11-2004, 05:53 PM:
 
Sorry to hear about your current employment situation. Far too often executives look at employees as liabilities instead of assets, meanwhile executive salaries and bonuses are at an all time high.

One misconception that even employers have sometimes, is that by someone drawing unemployment that it is drawing money from the company that they recently left. However unemployment is paid by (at least in most states) by the company, but at the beginning of their employment into the government pool. So by drawing unemployment, you're just getting money that the company already paid. They wouldn't see that money again any ways. Definitely register with your unemployment agency as soon as possible. The money from it may not be near what you made before, but a little is better than none. Also if you do decide to change careers, take advantage of any type of grant, training etc. Its all stuff you've already paid for!
 

---

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 03-11-2004, 07:36 PM:
 
Travis: I'm sorry to hear of your situation. Hang in there, your will find another position in the field that you enjoy. Just go out and pursue it! Many others have posted great words of wisdom for you. I will not preach, but I agree with most of them.

But, please do not take Thomas' suggestion. As others have said, it is totally ill-advised. Wait until you become an old fart like me before you burn your bridges!

Also, be careful when you go out on a binge. You should wear a shirt like:





Or you might wind up like this:



>>> Phil
 

---

Posted by Claude S. Ayakawa (Member # 1401) on 03-11-2004, 08:14 PM:
 
That's very funny, Phil

Travis,

I was very sorry to hear about your employment loss. You are still a very young man and I know you will be blessed with better jobs in the future. I also faced the same situation when I was very young but I did something with my life by becoming self employed and doing something I enjoy. If you make an effort to better your life, I know you will be rewarded with the better things life has to offer. Keep your chin up and by all means, do not follow Thomas's advice.

Good luck to you!

-Claude
 

---

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 03-11-2004, 09:03 PM:
 
Stay cool, Travis. From my experience when it comes to jobs, sometimes what may seem bad in the short term turns out to be a blessing in disguise in the long term. I experienced that when I walked out on MTS years ago and again, when I walked out on Plitt. Same held true with Regal. I am certainly not a corporate person, never have been, and never will be.

I once worked for a company where I did get canned but that, too, was a blessing in disguise. The owner of that company was a total asshole. I was actually happy I got fired.

Stay in contact with all of us. Next time I travel to West Fargo, I'll stop in if the road timing is right and have a cup of coffee with you. Last time I went, I wanted to stop in again and see Mike in Forsyth, Montana. But that didn't happen because I rolled through his town at some stupid time of about 0300 in the morning.
 

---

Posted by Dustin Mitchell (Member # 372) on 03-11-2004, 10:26 PM:
 
Best of luck Travis and I'd take Mike's advice-don't burn any bridges.

And yes, unfortunately (for Travis) North Dakota is an 'employment at will' state. By the looks of it you're:

1) White, and
2) Male

so you probably don't have much chance of getting anywhere with a wrongful termination suit.

EDIT:
Oh, and Phil, I have that shirt-though mine is black with white letters
 

---

Posted by William Hooper (Member # 71) on 03-12-2004, 12:54 AM:
 
Best of luck Travis!
 

---

Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 03-12-2004, 11:49 AM:
 
Florida is a "right to [slave] work" state as well. Every place I've been employed from theaters to grocery to retail stores all state in their manuals, "So-and-so company may terminate the employment agreement between so-and-so company and the employee for any reason with or without notice." How is that "Right to Work?" Sounds like "Right to Fire." Isn't that lovely? So basically, they can hold a grudge against you from the get-go and hang on to you until you're not useful anymore. I've seen, and heard that happen to MANY MANY employees. "This person is really getting on my nerves but we won't let them go until after this next month's rush." Sneaky, if you ask me.

quote:

---

Certainly DON'T follow Thomas's suggestion or anything remotely close to it. All that would do is make them glad to be rid of you.

---

quote:

---

But, please do not take Thomas' suggestion. As others have said, it is totally ill-advised. Wait until you become an old fart like me before you burn your bridges!

---

Oh, come now. You make it sound like they would know it was him. Haven't you ever walked in to clean an auditorium and found piss or vomit all over the place and wondered how the person could have done it in a crowded theater and no one said anything? I once found a pile -- yes, a pile -- of doo doo RIGHT in front of the screen after a sold-out show. Explain that one.

But yeah, it's quite juvinile behaviour. I'm not a vindictive person, I just don't like mean people. And for someone to fire Travis, that's downright mean. I'm sure he didn't do anything wrong. In fact, if I was fired and they asked me to come back, I would take that as an INSULT! "Oh, so you need me NOW, huh?" No thanks. Nor would I want to patronize the establishment.

quote:

---

Between Thomas' 'shit in the seats' retaliation and his 'if you aren't a customer, you aren't shit to me' concepts, I'm really left to wonder just what type of person he is...

---

I'm really a nice guy, Jason! I like long walks on the beach (with the proper sunblock, of course) and dancing in the moonlight to Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music (white boy)" at the wrong speed.

You should really come down and visit sometime. We can go piss on the seats at the local Carmike.

=TMP=
 

---

Posted by Claude S. Ayakawa (Member # 1401) on 03-12-2004, 12:42 PM:
 
Thomas,

First of all. I really like you. I have been very impressed with many of your thought provoking comments especially at the now defunct political page but I am afraid I do not understand your logic and in this case, I cannot accept your explanation why Travis should go back to his former place of employment and do those terrible things you had suggested. At first I was giving you the benefit of doubt because I thought you were joking but I now realize you were indeed very serious and very sad that a person such as you would suggest Travis to revert to childish vandalism to get even for his termination of employment.

-Claude
 

---

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 03-12-2004, 12:59 PM:
 
I have to admit though, doing some of his shenanigans in a Carmike is rather tempting.
 

---

Posted by Brad Allen (Member # 470) on 03-12-2004, 01:15 PM:
 
You mean they would even notice it in a Carmike?
 

---

Posted by Jason Black (Member # 684) on 03-12-2004, 03:51 PM:
 
Thomas,

I'm still left to wonder...

Mike,

Depends on the location I presume.

Brad,
At my location.. YES, we'd notice.. and YES you'd be arrested, skid marks or not.
 

---

Posted by Rachel Gilardi (Member # 1016) on 03-12-2004, 05:53 PM:
 
Travis, we're both in the same boat.

The differences for me is that:

1.) I wasn't QUITE full-time, only about 32 hrs/wk. No unemployment for me!

2.) The whole management staff positions were eliminated (There is a new GM and she hired two asst. managers). No re-hires.

3.) I was never told I was let go/layed off (whatever you call it) by the owner, he had the other managers spred the word that our position was eliminated - the owner couldn't do it himself apparently.

We weren't offered anything, and had no notice what-so-ever.

I think I'm out of this business for good also, I can't deal with people like I have dealt with in the theater industry, It hasn't been all bad but it isn't worth the money it pays.
 

---

Posted by Travis Hubrig (Member # 1745) on 03-12-2004, 07:04 PM:
 
Wow, Thanks for the kind words everyone!

Many good ideas and suggestions, thanks!
I am pretty sure I am not going to defecate in the auditoriums...
Yeah, I will probably go to the remodeled theatre to see the finished product. Poopin' won't help that.

Tim, no actually they have two locations in town and one is already closed for renovation and when that is complete, they will close permanately the one I ran. 2 Managers/ 1 Theatre

I will try my best to not 'burn bridges' but as I file for unemployment I can't help but feeling like I got screwed. Included with the termination I received a letter citing instances occuring well over 6 months ago... I don't feel like getting into it here.

The support that I have received here in this thread is very appreciated at this time... Thanks,

I decided that the rest of this week is for relaxation, then next week I will begin the job-hunt. I have however started with a few jobs that I think I would enjoy, especially with the local railroads. (BNSF) (Canadian Pacific)

Like I said earlier, It may be harder for me to post in the next week or so, as I have lots of things to get straight in my life. I will return as this forum has become very positive part of my life.
 

---

Posted by Gerard S. Cohen (Member # 994) on 03-12-2004, 08:20 PM:
 
Once again the reason workers form unions becomes manifest.

One of my hopes is to live to see a return to respect for the rights and conditions of workers on the part of legislators,
the executive branch, and the now-gutted Department of Labor.

Best wishes, Travis.
 

---

Posted by Mike Spaeth (Member # 524) on 03-12-2004, 08:27 PM:
 
Gerard -

Travis was management. Management does not have the right to unionize to the best of my knowledge.
 

---

Posted by Aaron Mehocic (Member # 15) on 03-12-2004, 08:50 PM:
 
True, but Gerard's point is noted.
 

---

Posted by Chris Hipp (Member # 1788) on 03-13-2004, 12:22 AM:
 
I have never heard of anyone being layed off in my company. It seems pretty difficult to get fired, demoted isn't too hard but they will keep you on as staff. Of course I will probably get canned tomorrow since I said that.

One thing is for sure, make sure you have more than one skill. Not a whole lot of job security anywhere anymore.
 

---

Posted by Brian Michael Weidemann (Member # 2243) on 03-13-2004, 01:09 AM:
 
In 2001, Edwards and IMAX broke their lease, resulting in the removal of all IMAX systems from all of their (I think it was) six locations. All us operators were given our final pay, our owed vacation pay, and a bonus "We're Sorry For The Inconvenience" EIGHT measly hours of pay, with a letter saying our services were no longer needed, blah, blah, blah.

If we wanted to continue employment for the company, we had to re-apply and go through the normal, everyday, Average-Joe-Off-The-Street re-hire process. I don't think any of us did.

It was, needless to say, a slap in the face. We were all the elite, payed much more than any of the 35mm guys, and chosen originally for our impressive performance abilities, grace under pressure, undeniable intellectual superiority, etc. (or, maybe that was just my overblown, ego-driven perspective of the situation )

Eventually, it worked out for all of us, I think, because IMAX is so specialized. We were "in the system", and techs and former-chief-projectionists-turned-techs knew us. I think every former operator of Irvine and Ontario is now back at some IMAX location, including myself, in higher positions, ... all based on recommendations by those who recognized our "talents".

I don't think that defecating on the cushioned seats would have gone over well. But then, yes, that's assuming they knew who did that ...
 

---

Posted by R. Andrew Diercks (Member # 1725) on 03-13-2004, 01:27 AM:
 
I am also done with my current theatre as of tomorrow evening. Not due to the axe, I will be helping with technician applications as we are doing a large expansion this year for our little company. We are setting up 4 theatres in six months, so I get to help. I may be asking a lot of questions on film tech. Sorry for your loss Travis. One of the primary reasons I accepted my position change is to make my position far less disposable. Knowledge is power and I want to learn as much as I can in all sides of the business. You are all correct about burning bridges...never works out in the end.
 

---

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 03-13-2004, 04:48 AM:
 
Actually, it does sometimes (the burning, I mean). It all comes down to a very important question which you have to ask yourself and answer to yourself truthfully: did I deserve this treatment or not? If you are absolutely certain you didn`t deserve what you got and have nothing to blame yourself for (again, you have to be really truthful to yourself), then go ahead, don`t just burn, but blow up the bridge behind you with a loud bang. Get for yourself out of the situation whatever you can.
I have never been laid off in my life, except for once when my employer went bankrupt. OK, that happens, but in that particular case, he didn`t behave very well. In fact, he lied and cheated and hurt a lot of people, not just me, but people who worked under me and for which I felt responsible. And in that one case, I sued his ass and mobilized all means and contacts I had to hurt him back as bad as possible. And he got what he deserved.
Because you should also have a professional pride. If you did your job well, but were still treated badly, then you just owe it to yourself to strike back. And you shouldn`t worry about keeping that bridge intact, because you should never want to go back, or have to go back. Blow up that bridge, move on, get yourself in a better situation from which you can laugh about those people.
The worst that can happen to you is being scared. Being scared of maybe having no other choice, of having to go back to those circumstances. No - if you are unhappy with what you had, don`t be afraid, don`t look back. Analyze what you can do to raise yourself above that level, and do it.
 

---

Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 03-13-2004, 07:45 AM:
 

quote:

---

Actually, it does sometimes (the burning, I mean). It all comes down to a very important question which you have to ask yourself and answer to yourself truthfully: did I deserve this treatment or not?

---

quote:

---

Once again the reason workers form unions becomes manifest.

---

Too bad a particular motion picture union did not keep that firmly in mind.
 

---

Posted by William Leland III (Member # 1400) on 03-16-2004, 09:13 AM:
 
Travis, sorry to hear about your job. if it makes u feel any better i just quit a $22,000+ job, 401k, all the overtime i need and 7 days off out of a month (shift work 12 on, 12 off).

i was hired at JW Aliminum a few weeks ago and already quit. the first week, i made more $$ than i do at IMAX in a month. the job wasn't for me an i knew going in it wasn't for me, but i tried and it didn't work out.

i hope you find what you are lookinig for, my advice, the next job you get make sure u want to do it. you have to ask your self, do i want to work there. that's my advice.
 

---

Posted by Ken McFall (Member # 845) on 03-16-2004, 09:46 AM:
 
Travis,

as with everyone else I'm sorry to hear you've lost your job. I've been through the same thing last year and it is devastating and can take a long time to get over. My situation came about simply because they decided they didn't want to pay my wage. You seem to suggest they have some old issue they are dragging up to justify their actions.

Out of self respect I wrote a web site and published all of the letters involved for everyone to see. I'd learnt a long time ago that the one thing employers don't like is the truth.

For me the web site was an exercise in dishing the dirt on my ex employers but also standing up and being counted.... it also provided some sort of closure and allowed me to move on. Older wiser and more than a little bitter. I would suggest you need to find some way to 'close' the issue that will leave you with your self respect intact. What form it takes is up to you.... just make sure if you do dish the dirt that its true, that way it will hurt them the most when you metaphorically give them the

I find that most employers are the same but I will stand against them when they risk peoples lives through their stupidity and self interest for the simple reason that I have principles. If I were to do nothing I'd be no better than them and that is somthing that I will never allow to happen, unfortunatly that possibly makes me unemployable but that's a price you pay if you believe you are in the right.

Leo, as for unions being a bad thing I could almost guarantee that your current wages and holidays etc would be much much lower than they are if not for the stand that principled people had made in the past. Don't take the benefits if you are not prepared to make a stand to earn them.

Regards.
 

---

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 03-16-2004, 10:04 AM:
 
"In New York City manager's in the ligitimate theatres are unionized, as are the ushers, box office personnel and cleaners."

I heard a rumor that In New York even the legitimate light bulbs, wiring and conduits are unionized !

Mark
 

---

Posted by Martin Brooks (Member # 1269) on 03-16-2004, 08:17 PM:
 
It is definitely a drag to get fired or laid-off, but I have always found upon leaving a job that it always worked out for the best, although I will also readily admit that it's pretty tough to find a decent job in this economy.

I would strongly advise against burning bridges. I wouldn't go back and kiss anyone's behind, but don't do anything destructive. Especially in an age of corporate consolidation, you NEVER know who from your past might be your employer in the future, even if it's a different industry.

The company I worked for in the 80s sold my division to another company, which in turn sold it to the company I worked for in the 90s.

Sometimes when companies offer decent severance agreements, they make you sign a document stating that you won't file for unemployment. I've done that, but it was financially worth it.

Since you're not a minority, a female, over 50 or disabled, you don't fit into any protected groups.

I was never a big fan of unions. I felt that unions helped bad workers more than good ones. In order to avoid bias by an employer, unions had tight rules for salaries, promotions, benefits, etc., but those rules worked against workers who were better than average, as I felt I was. And in the big companies I worked for, I was always treated great and had great benefits. And I also felt that unions, with ridiculous work rules, got in the way of being productive and getting things done.

But we've taken many steps backwards. Companies now don't give a damn about anything but profits, and even profits are only considered in the short term. So today, the majority of new jobs pay poverty wages, have few benefits and that's if they're not outsourced in the first place. Execs with bonus plans based upon profit and or stock price come first and the stockholders come second. Customers come next and employees come last. So I'm all in favor of unions making a comeback.
 

---

Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 03-17-2004, 01:52 AM:
 

quote:

---

Leo, as for unions being a bad thing I could almost guarantee that your current wages and holidays etc would be much much lower than they are if not for the stand that principled people had made in the past.

---

In the very distant past, possibly, but certainly not in my working lifetime. I have no problem with unions representing and defending individuals in formal proceedings related to disputes with their employers - in fact, that's about the one constructive thing they probably do do - just as long as they don't drag unconnected third parties into it. But in reality they tend to put activists first and rank and file due-payers second: hence situations such as the recent threatened shutdown of the Underground over the sacking of a train driver and union shop steward who was found with several empty beer cans (and a not-so-empty one) in his cab. Can't really say much more without getting into political territory.
 

---

Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 03-18-2004, 10:10 AM:
 
I was going to say not to burn the bridge, that sometimes bombing them works better... but Michael beat me to it!

Really, the defacation example was a means of illustrating a retaliation option to the extreme. As would be letting moths or crickets loose in the theater, or purchasing a cell phone for the sole purpose of hiding it in a seat or something and calling it incessently during shows. All in all, just suggestions from a creative mind. I assume everyone here has some sense of reason and could judge for themselves whether they choose to explore those options, I just put them on the table.

That bridge analogy has always gotten to me. Why do I want a bridge to exist if I never intend to go BACK across it? And if it's such a rickety [crotchety] bridge with [ass]holes and [butt]cracks, then NO ONE should ever have to cross it...

=TMP=
 

---

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 03-18-2004, 04:40 PM:
 
I started working during summers and Christmas holidays way back when I was still in high school.

Not too long after graduation I lucked into a job with Pan American World Airways and things were great. I had an interesting job (Flight Operations) with lots of responsibility -- especially for someone my age at the time. Airline workers enjoy cool benefits, too. We got free travel on Pan Am and discounts at hotels, rental car companies and on other airlines. I was also earning three times what I made at any of those part-time jobs.

I felt very secure at Pan Am. After all it was an established, respected, multinational corporation. Pan Am's logo was the #3 most recognizable logo in the world -- right behind Mickey Mouse and Coca-Cola. I liked my job and was good at it. I was even being reviewed for a supervisory position.

And then the company filed for bankruptcy and closed down within a year. They even took the staplers when they packed up the office equipment!

In recent times, we had witnessed the demise of Eastern Airlines and things weren't looking too good for TWA. I considered my options and decided to pursue my interest in cinema. The airline industry was "experiencing some unexpected turbulence" and it would be difficult/impossible to have a sense of job security at that time. So a change of scene would be welcome.

Years later, the notion occurred to me that I may never have applied to college if Pan Am had not gone bankrupt. So some good had come of it.

I returned from college and got a job as a projectionist at the local multiplexes, thanks to some part-time work during my college years. Soon after, I was promoted to a managerial position to oversee the upgrading of existing equipment and then a series of installations which followed. The company went public and there was a huge response to the IPO. These guys were on the move and I felt secure once again.

And then -- just a few days before 2003 drew to a close -- I was informed that the company would be sold to the competition (who would now enjoy a monopoly). Despite glowing recommendations, the new owners decided against keeping some of us. Myself included.

What have I learned?

Never take a job for granted. Things can change drastically at a moment's notice...through no fault of your own. Plan for tough times as though they are guaranteed and be prepared to adapt should the reality of your situation ever change.

Without a doubt, I went through a period of anger and depression. I felt frustrated and all of that. I think it's only part of the natural grieving process. Now, however, I look forward to the new opportunities. I know there are greater things ahead of me.

It also helps to remember that we aren't the first people to lose a job and we won't be the last. These unfortunate events happen every single day. Very rarely is it ever the end of the world.

[Edit: I forgot to add something very important. Good analogy or not, you DON'T want to burn any bridges. Even if you don't get a letter of recommendation, you still don't need to have a past employer that you're afraid to list on a resume...or a "prior arrest" for vandalism, etc.]

Best wishes, Travis.

[ 03-18-2004, 06:28 PM: Message edited by: Manny Knowles ]
 

---

Posted by Kevin Wale (Member # 1851) on 03-18-2004, 05:08 PM:
 
I've worked at a place or two a second time where I know for a fact that I would have every right to have burned and blown up bridges. But, I didn't. I don't want to be so prideful that if I need a job for a bit that I can't get one. I know what I did was right, and agreed upon by management. I know that I worked very hard and cared very very much for the place I was in charge of and then some. I know that I couldn't help it that choices were made that made it impossible for me to do the things that would have prevented things that happened to me even though I mentioned that the chosen situation wasn't how it should be. That is all that matters. I can sleep at night. I don't want to go do things that make it to where I can't.

Who cares if no one would know it was me... I would know. And, I've done some pretty stupid things in life that I'm glad people forgave me and didn't do to me what I may have deserved.
 

---

Posted by Travis Hubrig (Member # 1745) on 04-25-2004, 04:53 PM:
 
Wow again, thanks for the support

A little update,
I filed for unemployment... and just recently started getting the benefits.
Two days after getting fired I applied for a new job, and just last week I found out that I got it. I will be starting next month with the BNSF Railroad. And I extremely excited about it.
Yes Gerard, it's a union job! Great benefits and I have lots of friends that work there also, as Minot is a railroad town. I see my termination at the theater as an omen now. As I wait to start on the railroad I have been working a little at the golf course to keep myself busy. Right now I am financially drained but feel great about where my life is going. Once again, thanks for the support and now I will try to stop in a contribute to the site a bit more.
 

---

Posted by Rachel Gilardi (Member # 1016) on 04-25-2004, 05:39 PM:
 
Congrats Travis, glad everything is working out alright for you.

We're both out of the theater business now but it sounds like your job is more interesting then doing telephone surveys!
 

---

Posted by Floyd Justin Newton (Member # 1316) on 04-25-2004, 06:01 PM:
 
Travis--

I'm ever so glad so glad you found a job... and on a RR at
that! Fill us in. I'm partial to Southern Pacific and Santa
Fe. Good luck!!

Fjn
Local 294 Ret.
 

---

Posted by Gerard S. Cohen (Member # 994) on 04-25-2004, 08:06 PM:
 
Congratulations Travis! Best wishes on your new vocation!

Gerard
 

---

Posted by Dominique Replogle (Member # 2387) on 04-30-2004, 04:30 PM:
 
see what happens when you take the high road Travis? Good for you and congrats.
 

---