A Silver Lining may be Shinning

[rswirtz]

Got my notice from IBM today, I have till May 31, then a small package and a re-training allowance of $2500. I was talking to a buddy at work that is welcoming his package and I told him I guess I'll get some tech certification to get another techy job. Kevin said, 'HELL, take that $2500 and get your Capt license'

Got me thinking, man, I wonder, is there any money in Charters? Or are there jobs in boat yards or marinas, or coastal resorts? That would be my dream job to be close to the boats all the time and away from the corporate world.

Kids are all grown and gone, don't have too many expenses (except the boat) This layoff may be a real blessing. Any advice, or suggestions would be great. I have some work history and reference stuff at www.linkedin.com/in/swirtz

Thanks Hatt people your a great place for advice about anything

 

[Rickysa]

Rick, it's funny you posted this

The managing couple at Tropic Star Lodge has returned to Africa...leaving the job vacant.

talk about a dream job!

Rick

www.tropicstar.com

 

[thoward]

I would think an HVAC position would keep you busy anywhere in the world. I am getting my ducks in a row for an Inland Masters but if I was looking to work, I would check in to surveying with the way insurance and such is going.

 

[Imthebeachgirl]

Hi Rick, I worked for IBM for 15 years, left in 1992. Was in a DIV. HQ in NJ. Left that world and entered the public school world and never looked back! My husband and I work in the summer for a tour boat company in Beaufort, NC. and love it! He crews and I work in the office overlooking the harbor. It's a fun job, chatting with families that are on vacation and wanting to just take boat ride. There are many jobs out there that can get you close to what makes you happy...don't stop looking for that silver lining...it's there!

 

[rswirtz]

Holy Cow, you Hatt folks are the best, I'll be jumping all over that Panama job tomorrow. We actually thought about retiring there and visited a couple times.

BeachGirl, your life sounds great too!!! Yeah, there is life after IBM, I think 2800 of us got whacked today. We are going lean, LEAN = Lay-off Every American Now. Oh well, I'll take the package and a dream. We should talk, I worked out of Boulder. Need a exibm.com site like we have at Cray, excray.com

I guess my $2500 re-training will go to Spanish lessons I'm soooo excited!!

 

[Rickysa]

Hey Beachgirl....We are in Town Creek Marina (slip 25) stop by and say hi sometime!!

Rick....hope TSL works out for you...I've not visited but surely want to. A bunch of guys from the Bertram31 site met there last year and have been raving about the place. Top notch folks, food, etc....and the fishing ain't to bad either

 

[Mike53C]

I guess my $2500 re-training will go to Spanish lessons I'm soooo excited!!

Don't spend your money on that...I'll teach you for free......

Miguel

 

[rswirtz]

Thanks Rickysa, I'll keep ya'all posted !!

 

[Starman]

Hey Ricky,

I just realized a few days ago that beach girl is in Beaufort, and my wife is also a teacher.

I worked on a boat at Town Creek marina 3 different times, but it has been a few years back. His was a sport fish on the outside closest to the bridge. I think the Name was Bruce.

I live right down the road in Jacksonville

 

[Imthebeachgirl]

Hi Ricky, we will have to stop by sometime, for sure! Do you live aboard? Looks like there are of few of us Hatt fans in this area...COOL!

 

[Rickysa]

Paul,

I have wanted to stop by and look at the progress on Boss Lady (Chris is here in S. Pines w/ me) several times...we have been at Town Creek for only two years now (although they did the engine install on my Bertie back 5-6 years ago). If you still get down to our area for work, let me know!! I'm sure you have your hands full now, but our "want to do list gets longer" and longer. My grandparents worked on the base in J'ville, and I basically grew up on Topsail...small world!

Beachgirl...I wish I lived aboard ...but with an 8 yr. old and a three year old..I'll be holding my nose to the grind stone a wee bit longer

Rick

 

[Passages]

Wow, this is familar.

I got my notice last month that I will be "retired" at the end of this year. Nice severance package of 2 years pay plus they asked if I'd be willing to consult.

I too always considered Charter Boat Captain as my dream job. Hey, I might be able chase that dream now.

 

[rswirtz]

Pssages, sounds like a nice package, hopefully Ang can chime in, I think thats what she does.

 

[Starman]

Hey Ricky,

Man this is a small world indeed.

Sending you pm

 

[mopester]

I haven't been cut, but am considering walking with a retirement. Oddly enouh with all my profesional water expiriance i hold no license!!!! I have no idea what to do if/when i walk but i know if it involves water i would like to be home a lot more than i have been lately!!!!

I have thought of charter, seatow, tug boat, ferry crew? and maybe pilot boat driver? NOAA, research vsl, etc etc. I used to wrench at a marina and a couple of auto dealerships, so i hold many certifications including corvette tech. I dont think i want to do that anymore?? I also have some boat painting and maintenance skills (although i dont think i am nearly as crafty as STARMAN) Right know my skills would include personnel management of an 11 person crew, operations/planning, budget manager/planner of 85k a year, weapons skills, shiphandling, law enforcement/port security (definately dont want to do that aymore) classified clearances, trainer/teacher, hazardous materials, emergency response and in general JACK of ALL MASTER of none?? oh yeah and a two year useless degree (because i still cant spell)

Oddly enough he thing i keep coming back to is starting my own LANDSCRAPING buisness. I dont get it? I guess no matter what i do, if i show up sober and on time (as i do always) i will not be short on work.

Sorry if i hijacked your thread but i have been considering the same thing.

Any comments/advice are appreciated.

 

[rswirtz]

Hi Rick, I worked for IBM for 15 years, left in 1992. Was in a DIV. HQ in NJ. Left that world and entered the public school world and never looked back! My husband and I work in the summer for a tour boat company in Beaufort, NC. and love it! He crews and I work in the office overlooking the harbor. It's a fun job, chatting with families that are on vacation and wanting to just take boat ride. There are many jobs out there that can get you close to what makes you happy...don't stop looking for that silver lining...it's there!

Beachgirl, check this out

http://www.pbs.org/cringely/pulpit/2007/pulpit_20070504_002027.html

 

[Imthebeachgirl]

Rick, looks like IBM is still following their same "agenda" they have had through the years. I was lucky to have been their during the "fat and happy" days (early 80s)...have a friend who "cleaned up" when his stock split 4 for 1! Those were the good 'ol days!!!