In the short run the economic conditions are going to worsen. It is quite possible that valuable ‘loyal’ long term employees will be either laid off or put on a schedule of starvation hours.

If you are a victim of this don’t take it as a personal jab. It isn’t your fault and it is not the fault of your company; it is a sign of the times.

For whatever reason, parts of the country are hit much harder than others. We here in Hotlanta are being hit fairly hard. I guess that it is our turn. Things have been very good here for a very long time.

If you are still clocking good weeks, try and save a little extra when you can; who knows what tomorrow or next month will bring. Your bride will still need to go to the store every week and the kids will……… well, they are the reason you go to work in the first place.

If the day comes when you are handed that last check; pay attention to how you receive it. Violence in the workplace benefits no one. You want to make sure that there is a job open for you when the tide turns. Leave as a professional. Clean out your rig, pack up your gear, say thank you and pack it on off to the house. Your manager or owner will remember your exit strategy.

When things are going a little better the guy that left as a pro will get the first callback. Be a professional.  

How to be the guy that doesn’t get laid off.

1.     Be on time

2.   Be ready to work

3.   Check your pump – pre-trip

4.   Make sure that you have all the gear your ticket calls for

5.    Check your directions before you leave the yard

6.   Cycle your pump & check functions before you leave the yard

7.    Drive like the professional that you are

8.   Check with job sup’t upon arrival

9.   Guaranteed safe/solid set-up & LOOK UP AND LIVE

10.                      ?

10. Remember that the customer/contractor you are going to pump for is making your paycheck not the pump company.  Treat the foreman on the job even better than you treat your pump boss so that you will be requested back time and time again.

Your company will retain the "requested" operators over the others.

" Violence in the workplace benefits no one."

What are you saying operators can be  LOOSE CANNONS" Nice post, gives everyone something to think about.

Bob what are we gonna do when all our good operators are layed off and find new lines of work thats not as stressfull,not as demanding,better hours and probably better pay ? It seems to me the cream always rises to the top and thats the ones you hold onto , if you let them go because others are cheaper you lose, so all of you guys that are top notch I would have no fear those that arent you better start making alternate plans just in case I hope it doesnt come to that but I know alot of guys are feeling the crunch rite now,maybe next year will bring more promise and more work I wish all of you the best in these hard times and God bless

Is that not the $64,000.00 question.

I know that you are aware of what it cost you to get the troops trained up to spec. Just the thought of loosing them will make you cringe. These are the people that we can not loose. I hope our government pulls their head out of wall street [or where ever they have it stuck] and realize that people like you and the rest of the members here are just exactly the people that generate a solid economy for our country.

On a separate issue............ you trying to tell me that there is any other way to earn a living??? say it ain't so ;~)

lets just say if i was to get laid off i would leave with my middle finger flying high looking for alternative ways to make a living

That would be OK...............................

as long as you had your gloves on ;~)

Please Note Folks... Being on the other side of the fence

BOB YOU ARE ON THE MONEY!!!!!!

Whiners, Complainers, "I Only Operate the pump", Late arrivers, THEY GO HOME FIRST, COME BACK LAST, UNION OR NOT.... WE ARE ALL EXPENDIBLE!!!!

Don't Ever take your Job for granted..

Be excited every day as you where your first!!!!!  There is not a better career!!! IMO!!

I wish my boss had Pudg'es mentality. Cream rises to the top,you pay for quality op'rs . Early to rise ,stay late and understand that the contractor is paramount.I'm currently on the bench because everyone where i work HAS to take a turn regardless of senorrity. The problem is tha veeeery few pump company's are hiring despite  qualifications and ability.  so here i sit waiting on febuary return date,but at least I have a return date. so i guess i should shut up.

bob are you a preacher on the side? because man did you just sing the gospel bro. Cleanliness,on time, versatlity, and the most important of all(granite pumping said it) have a good relationship with every contractor that you pour for. the jobsite that i am on now they call him a construction natzi! i have personally never had a problem with him but there are others who have. now the cant go to any of his jobs. good for me bad for them. i treat contractors like i do my parents, no matter how mad i may be at the time my parents are my parents(enough said) and contractors WILL make you or break you in this business.

RAM03

Unless that guy wants you to do something stupid.. HE IS THE BOSS !

And even then, there are ways to go about correcting his opinion without alienating him. ;~)

If I loose my job I will join the Army. Only have a few months left before im too old to join

  bri

Did you get your hardhat stickers from Dot?

I hate to be the one saying it but this economy isn't going to change,at least not for a few more YEARS.When it does change it wont b the Construction that will come back,it'll  be Technology.Manufacturing got us out of the Depression,Construction kept us alive for the last 30 or so years,now it's time for the future.It's time to go back to the good old days,grow your own food/wash your clothing(body) in the creek and help your fellow man/women when in need.But your right Bob,don't disrespect your boss just because he lays you off,its better than staying on and not getting a pay check.Who knows he may start another business and you could be the first to get hired.

I feel most sorry for today's young children.

What kind of a world are we leaving them?

They will be in debt before they ever have a chance to buy anything.

How to accept your last paycheck?

You take it like a man - a man who's a class act.

Riding off into the sunset with your middle finger in the air only sets the tone for what kind of job you're going to get next.  BE professional and understand that it's not the boss' fault the economy is not well.  He doesn't want to let trained, operators go---he probably NEEDS to.  Thank him for the oppertunity to work there, shake his had and go.  Remember, you never know when or where you'll run into these people again. 

Most employers worth their salt will check your references when you apply for your next job.  The way you handled yourself upon leaving your last job could make or break your getting the new job.

Here's #10 on Bob's list of How to be the guy that doesn't get laid off:

Check your ego, bad attitude, personal problems at the door on the way into the shop.

Contractors rarely call in and tell the management how awesome you are...but, they can't pick up the phone fast enough when you're being a pest.

When it's time to make lay-offs, these negative phone calls and how you carry yourself around the shop, will put you near the top of a very short list.

Party with your mouth closed!