Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Termination Shock

Definitions:
1. The outer part of the heliosphere, where the solar wind slows down to subsonic speeds due to interaction with the interstellar medium.
2. The surprise caused when the boss calls during an after-hours election-celebrating beer, to say that one's job is ending in a month.

I know I promised science, but I've been busy dusting off contacts and updating my resume tonight. Science will resume when I get the time.

Complaints, leads, or suggestions for oddball careers potentially off my radar are all welcome.

14 comments:

Callan Bentley said...

Very sorry to hear that, Chuck. I don't have any particular leads, but I will keep my fingers crossed that you find something challenging and lucrative. Good luck in the search!

Anonymous said...

Also sorry to hear that ... good luck with the search.

What happened? Did companies go too crazy in hiring and now have to cut back?

C W Magee said...

Brian says:
"What happened?"

Change we can believe in?

Seriously, though,
Because I work for a publicly listed company, I can't discuss what's going on before that information is announced to the stock exchange.

Silver Fox said...

Chuck, are you looking outside of Australia - like, everywhere? If so, I'll let you know if I find anything *extra*. :)

What has happened, in case no one's been following the markets, is stock prices are way down, financing is tight, and some metal prices have dropped significantly. All these things combined make it difficult for small (to medium and sometimes larger) companies to maintain their year-to-year budgets.

Lots of great bargains (in properties, mines, and companies) out there if you know where to look - and have a lot of cash.

Seriously, though - you have my sympathies; I will be attending some local and regional meetings in the coming 2 months; maybe I'll hear something useful.

C W Magee said...

Good points, SF.

The other issue is that mines are expensive to build, so companies often need to borrow money to construct them. And finding willing lenders/investors is hard even for those companies who are otherwise in good shape.

Personally, I'll look at anything, but Ann has a job here with the government so we're fairly well settled- unless it's a offer that can't be refused. I'd rather not do long period (month+) FIFO to dangerous places, but I will consider them.

Anonymous said...

good luck!

Kim said...

Ack. Sorry about the job loss. (I've been hearing about similar terminations state-side, or about new difficulties finding jobs.) Good luck hunting.

ScienceWoman said...

Oh Chuck. Sorry to hear about the loss. Any chance that your old university is looking for someone?

Anonymous said...

That truly sucks. I could find you a job here in a heartbeat, but I know that is just too far away, and I know you would detest the South Texas culture (or lackthereof). I will check with my few "worldy" connections.

C W Magee said...

S:
My family is from Appalachia and the pine-covered backwaters of coastal Carolina, so I might fit into Texas culture frighteningly well. Trouble is, Mrs. Lemming works for the Australian government, and I don't see them moving any time soon.

ScienceWoman said...

What does FIFO mean? First in first out? Or is there a more geological explanation?

FYI, my word verification is boners.

C W Magee said...

FIFO is Fly-In-Fly-Out.

In many remote parts of the world (including Australia), it is easier/cheaper to fly people to location for an extended shift than it is to get them to live there permanently.

EcoGeoFemme said...

I'm a little late, but I'm so sorry to hear this news. How suckful. Good luck with your search.

James Annan said...

Sorry to hear that, Chuck, and best wishes for the job hunt.

I think I'll try to sit things out in Japan!