Hello All,
I will attempt to keep this short; I don't mean to write a long post.
My first time starting a thread; however I have been visiting EO for the past 2 years or so, attended a workshop near Detroit and the Expedite Expo 2007. I appreciate very much all the information that is available on this site along with what I have been able to obtain at both the workshop and Expo.
Last week I, along with 100 or so associates, received notice that our jobs will be eliminated. Approximately a year ago the company I work for was bought by another company and these job losses are a result of the consolidation of same type positions, unfortunately, these positions are not staying at my location. Fortunately, most of us have 6 months to a year before our job ending dates, that at least buys us a little time. I live in Michigan so the job market is not good, to say the least.
The elimination of my job is not a shock, a surprise yes, but not a shock. My job has been in question for a few years now so that is why I have been investigating the expedited business. One does not need to spend much time investigating the expedited industry to know that it is more than a bit challenging to be successful. If I were to follow my heart, my desire, I would take this opportunity and jump into the expedited business, however, knowing what I know, having spent a tremendous amount of time investigating the industry, and knowing what is best for my family, the expedited business does not appear to meet these needs, at least not right now.
Years ago I spent a brief time driving tractor trailer; this appears to be the direction I am headed in once again. I will be attending the Mid American Truck Show next month. I have been planning on attending for quite some time but I am now looking at this show in a whole different light and will be gathering as much information as I can.
Why am I writing this? At least in part to thank all who post here and have provided me with a valuable tool to use in my decision making process. The workshops and the Expo also provided me with additional tools and resources to use. Of course, each person’s individual circumstances are unique to them and it is only the individual who can decide whether this business meets their individual needs. I would encourage anyone considering a career in the expedite business to do their homework, read EO, talk to drivers/owner operators, attend workshops and the Expo. Gather as much information as possible and weigh this against what you require to take care of yourself and/or your family.
Could I be successful in this business? It’s possible but right now I cannot take that risk, I need to do what I believe is best to take care of my family. Shortly I will be loosing my benefits to include health, dental and life insurance, 5 weeks paid vacation, matched 401k contributions and so on not to mention the loss of income and I need to try and replace as much of that as I can. Expedite may have a place in my future but it does not appear to be in the short term plan.
I wish everyone the best of luck. Be safe!! I hope to call myself an Expeditor someday. I will continue to stay up on the industry and visit EO often. I have only made a few comments on EO since I was fortunate enough to discover this site and would hope that a few comments in the future would be welcomed.
Best regards,
Mike
I will attempt to keep this short; I don't mean to write a long post.
My first time starting a thread; however I have been visiting EO for the past 2 years or so, attended a workshop near Detroit and the Expedite Expo 2007. I appreciate very much all the information that is available on this site along with what I have been able to obtain at both the workshop and Expo.
Last week I, along with 100 or so associates, received notice that our jobs will be eliminated. Approximately a year ago the company I work for was bought by another company and these job losses are a result of the consolidation of same type positions, unfortunately, these positions are not staying at my location. Fortunately, most of us have 6 months to a year before our job ending dates, that at least buys us a little time. I live in Michigan so the job market is not good, to say the least.
The elimination of my job is not a shock, a surprise yes, but not a shock. My job has been in question for a few years now so that is why I have been investigating the expedited business. One does not need to spend much time investigating the expedited industry to know that it is more than a bit challenging to be successful. If I were to follow my heart, my desire, I would take this opportunity and jump into the expedited business, however, knowing what I know, having spent a tremendous amount of time investigating the industry, and knowing what is best for my family, the expedited business does not appear to meet these needs, at least not right now.
Years ago I spent a brief time driving tractor trailer; this appears to be the direction I am headed in once again. I will be attending the Mid American Truck Show next month. I have been planning on attending for quite some time but I am now looking at this show in a whole different light and will be gathering as much information as I can.
Why am I writing this? At least in part to thank all who post here and have provided me with a valuable tool to use in my decision making process. The workshops and the Expo also provided me with additional tools and resources to use. Of course, each person’s individual circumstances are unique to them and it is only the individual who can decide whether this business meets their individual needs. I would encourage anyone considering a career in the expedite business to do their homework, read EO, talk to drivers/owner operators, attend workshops and the Expo. Gather as much information as possible and weigh this against what you require to take care of yourself and/or your family.
Could I be successful in this business? It’s possible but right now I cannot take that risk, I need to do what I believe is best to take care of my family. Shortly I will be loosing my benefits to include health, dental and life insurance, 5 weeks paid vacation, matched 401k contributions and so on not to mention the loss of income and I need to try and replace as much of that as I can. Expedite may have a place in my future but it does not appear to be in the short term plan.
I wish everyone the best of luck. Be safe!! I hope to call myself an Expeditor someday. I will continue to stay up on the industry and visit EO often. I have only made a few comments on EO since I was fortunate enough to discover this site and would hope that a few comments in the future would be welcomed.
Best regards,
Mike
