Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

tifighter

Mr_Shiftright said:

Seattle people will get considerably smaller as they dry. You might even be able to put them up in a dresser drawer by the time they've shrunken back to normal size.

Hey now, we can hear you!

28firefighter

tifighter said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Seattle people will get considerably smaller as they dry. You might even be able to put them up in a dresser drawer by the time they've shrunken back to normal size.

Hey now, we can hear you!

Seconded. *Looks outside for the sun* Nope..not today..maybe tomorrow.

au1994

Michaell said:

I know most folks here are also active on the "Cars and Coversations" thread, but for those of you who aren't, I'll repost.

I've been contemplating this post for a couple of days now ... I've been on Edmunds forums since the late 1990's, This particular discussion - and its antecedents - have been a second home of sorts. Always fun to learn who's getting what, and why.

So, for something perhaps completely different - I got a layoff notice from my employer earlier this week. I've been given 90 days notice; my last day is set for 5/31 unless I find something else. If not, I'll get one month's severance. Am meeting with the outplacement folks on Monday, but have gotten on-line and registered with them and will start their on-line programs today.

I've polished up my resume and have already submitted three applications - one external and two internal. I'm trying to stay positive, and I'm very lucky to be married to a woman who is very good with resumes, cover letters and interview techniques.

Such is the circle of life .. this is an annual exercise with my employer, and my number came up this year due to reorganization and consolidation.

While I've only met a couple of you face to face, I consider all of you my friends, and I'm not looking for sympathy, just support as I go through this process.

Everything happens for a reason - this is the second time I've had this happen. Thanks for letting me vent and share this with you all.

Sorry Michaell. Been through it twice myself and each time it has worked out for the best. Just let yourself go through the normal range of emotions...hurt, anger, denial etc. it's often correctly said that you have to grieve for the job. Take care of yourself as well, that's important. Honestly, the last time I went through it, coming here and reading and posting was a little bright spot in my day. Good luck with the postings. Sometimes the internal route works out quickly and very well.

slorenzen

28firefighter said:

tifighter said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Seattle people will get considerably smaller as they dry. You might even be able to put them up in a dresser drawer by the time they've shrunken back to normal size.

Hey now, we can hear you!

Seconded. *Looks outside for the sun* Nope..not today..maybe tomorrow.

I live in the Willamette Valley, at the very bottom. Some folks here call in the "banana belt".

We have "filtered" sun today...

xwesx

Agreed with prior postings, Michael! We all wish you the best through this transition! Layoffs have become a real spectre here as well; I'm not sure whether that's a good or bad thing quite yet.

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I just can't believe those pizza suits would lay off their best driver!

Mr_Shiftright

28firefighter said:

tifighter said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Seattle people will get considerably smaller as they dry. You might even be able to put them up in a dresser drawer by the time they've shrunken back to normal size.

Hey now, we can hear you!

Seconded. *Looks outside for the sun* Nope..not today..maybe tomorrow.

Perhaps you will absolve me if I tell you it's raining hard here in northern California. The only difference is that here, we WANT the rain.

28firefighter

Mr_Shiftright said:

28firefighter said:

tifighter said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Seattle people will get considerably smaller as they dry. You might even be able to put them up in a dresser drawer by the time they've shrunken back to normal size.

Hey now, we can hear you!

Seconded. *Looks outside for the sun* Nope..not today..maybe tomorrow.

Perhaps you will absolve me if I tell you it's raining hard here in northern California. The only difference is that here, we WANT the rain.

Ha! If it truly bothered me I wouldn't live here. Reality is, I love the weather in Seattle and cannot imagine living anywhere else at this point. The 8 months of rain and gloom make you really appreciate the 4 months of nothing but sun!

stickguy

So, this a new edmunds rule that host need to put their real pictures up? Takes all the mystique away.

thebean

stickguy said:

So, this a new edmunds rule that host need to put their real pictures up? Takes all the mystique away.

Not to mention scary.  

Mr_Shiftright

Yep, we are now all (mostly) real. The honeymoon is over. Stick, that's not really you, is it?

BTW, you guys don't have to change anything.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

So, this a new edmunds rule that host need to put their real pictures up? Takes all the mystique away.

I'm holding out.. (only because the deadline isn't here, yet).

I tried to tell them that we would give our membership an inferiority complex, but did they listen?

Mr_Shiftright

Hey, I hear you. The burden of physical beauty has haunted me most of my life. I actually had my hair removed and my waist thickened up so that I wouldn't get hit on so much.

I also went to Height Watchers and lost about 1"

stickguy

Heck, I never felt so handsome!

nyccarguy

@Michaell - have you thought about a gig at CarMax?  You could buy & sell cars to @breld

au1994

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell - have you thought about a gig at CarMax?  You could buy & sell cars to @breld

That's a 6 figure gig right there!

We kid because we care @breld

Michaell

stickguy said:

So, this a new edmunds rule that host need to put their real pictures up? Takes all the mystique away.

Yes, were asked to change our avatars earlier in the week.

Thanks for the kind thoughts on the job situation. I am currently a Business Operations Manager, which means I jockey a lot of spreadsheets and analyze revenue and cost numbers, and finding ways to increase the former while reducing the latter.

Regarding the severance (or lack thereof) - it's my understanding that in the past, the amount of notice was quite small (2 weeks), but the severance amount was tied to length of service.

Now, by giving me three months notice, I've got more time to find something within my company and do a lateral transfer without interrupting time of service or benefits.

stickguy

Ah. 3 months is a big difference. I misread that as 3 weeks!

My current company is bad (and this is a major name corporation). They give you 2 weeks notice, then 2 weeks pay offset be UI. Really poor.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

Ah. 3 months is a big difference. I misread that as 3 weeks!

My current company is bad (and this is a major name corporation). They give you 2 weeks notice, then 2 weeks pay offset be UI. Really poor.

My wife has been retired since 2013. She got an early retirement buyout. 24 months pay. Pretty sweet.. 29 years of service. I wasn't really ready for her to retire (she was 56 at the time), but I had to recognize the value of not working for those two years.

Michaell

au1994 said:

nyccarguy said:

@Michaell - have you thought about a gig at CarMax?  You could buy & sell cars to @breld

That's a 6 figure gig right there!

We kid because we care @breld

Gosh, I hadn't thought about that. @breld and I had lunch today, accompanied by his awesome enabling wife.

One of the many topics of conversation is that the S4 may be in play - but then again, pretty much everything in their fleet that they've owned for more than 60 days is in play.

The Denver Auto Show is in two weeks, and we're going to make a better effort this year to meet up.

stickguy

I was figuring you would see the new M235i. He's slowing down.

qbrozen

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

So, this a new edmunds rule that host need to put their real pictures up? Takes all the mystique away.

Yes, were asked to change our avatars earlier in the week.

Thanks for the kind thoughts on the job situation. I am currently a Business Operations Manager, which means I jockey a lot of spreadsheets and analyze revenue and cost numbers, and finding ways to increase the former while reducing the latter.

Regarding the severance (or lack thereof) - it's my understanding that in the past, the amount of notice was quite small (2 weeks), but the severance amount was tied to length of service.

Now, by giving me three months notice, I've got more time to find something within my company and do a lateral transfer without interrupting time of service or benefits.

Ah! That's what my wife does. Surprising they can downsize that position. Ops Director (as my company calls it) is pretty essential.

Michaell

stickguy said:

I was figuring you would see the new M235i. He's slowing down.

We talked about it ... problem is, it's slower than the S4 and only has two doors.

I saw the X5, however. Wife was driving it ... she's enjoying the size, the ride and the mid 20's mileage they are getting.

She misses the GTI, however.

Michaell

qbrozen said:

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

So, this a new edmunds rule that host need to put their real pictures up? Takes all the mystique away.

Yes, were asked to change our avatars earlier in the week.

Thanks for the kind thoughts on the job situation. I am currently a Business Operations Manager, which means I jockey a lot of spreadsheets and analyze revenue and cost numbers, and finding ways to increase the former while reducing the latter.

Regarding the severance (or lack thereof) - it's my understanding that in the past, the amount of notice was quite small (2 weeks), but the severance amount was tied to length of service.

Now, by giving me three months notice, I've got more time to find something within my company and do a lateral transfer without interrupting time of service or benefits.

Ah! That's what my wife does. Surprising they can downsize that position. Ops Director (as my company calls it) is pretty essential.

Not so much a downsize as a consolidation ... the team I supported is merging into a larger organization that already has an entire Ops department. I was a one-man show, by and large.

houdini1

Mr_Shiftright said:

Hey, I hear you. The burden of physical beauty has haunted me most of my life. I actually had my hair removed and my waist thickened up so that I wouldn't get hit on so much.

I also went to Height Watchers and lost about 1"

My body has made those same changes over the years, albeit in a more natural manner. These changes have been very effective in reducing all that attention from the ladies. Much, much more effective than I had anticipated.

qbrozen

ya know, F&I dude at a dealership does sound right up your alley.

stickguy

it actually does. Or working in operations in a big dealership.

I should look into something like that.

stickguy

Tell me this isn't right up his alley! Edmunds experience would pay off.

https://holman-arifleet.icims.com/jobs/5193/bmw-internet-coordinator/job

Michaell

stickguy said:

Tell me this isn't right up his alley! Edmunds experience would pay off. https://holman-arifleet.icims.com/jobs/5193/bmw-internet-coordinator/job

 Intriguing, if it werent in Florida 

stickguy

well, that was the local dealer group that came to mind. I'm sure you can find listings for your local guys!

maybe score a demo. That would be cool.

Michaell

stickguy said:

well, that was the local dealer group that came to mind. I'm sure you can find listings for your local guys! maybe score a demo. That would be cool.

 These last few posts have definitely got me thinking. My wife asked me just the other night what I would do in a perfect world. I responded by saying I would do something either in the world of golf or in the world of automobiles. 

 I think some research is in order! 

Sandman6472

Mike, sorry to hear your news but sometimes things like this bring changes for the positive. I got laid off from the postal service back in the end of 2010 basically due to my on the job injury. It wasn't fair but they did it anyways. It was a real shock to go into work one morning and be shown the door at noon, I must say. To make a long story short, I had 31 years in by January 1st, 2012 counting annual and sick leave, so I just retired. Had the age requirement and the needed number of years, so retired and started getting my pension. Then a year later, found my driving gigs and the rest is history.
So much better off today, they actually did me a favor and have not looked back once! You are bright, articulate, hysterical and smart so I have no doubt that you will find another job within the company or somewhere else. Just stay positive and have faith in your abilities and know things will work out. And hey, you might find something so much better with mo money to go with it! I really believe this is an opening for better things to come!! Just embrace the change and stay positive.

The Sandman

ab348

kyfdx said:

My wife has been retired since 2013. She got an early retirement buyout. 24 months pay. Pretty sweet.. 29 years of service. I wasn't really ready for her to retire (she was 56 at the time), but I had to recognize the value of not working for those two years.

I didn't get the buyout but I'm coming up on my second year of retirement this June after 32 years and I have to say not working beats the pants off working. I don't know how I did it those last few years. It was a load.

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

Tell me this isn't right up his alley! Edmunds experience would pay off.

https://holman-arifleet.icims.com/jobs/5193/bmw-internet-coordinator/job

My nephew holds this type of position for a 3-dealer Harley Davidson group. He really enjoys it--especially never having to be on the sales floor or on commission. He's done quite well--moved over from a teaching career.

fintail

Good luck, Michaell, I suspect you will be fine. Too bad there isn't better severance, but I guess it could be worse. Something will come around before you know it.

I like the automotive job idea too, who knows what might happen. A few people have told me I should be a MB dealer for my OCD knowledge and brand loyalty, but I always reply with something along the lines of they want people who can sell, not people who know cars. I'd be a terrible salesman - you don't like the car? Then don't buy it

stickguy

interesting you mention the "what do you really want to do with your life". My daughter just started early on a summer internship at a financial planning firm. She decided (after 2 days) it was "boring" and not what she wants to do with her life.

asked what she wants to do instead. The answer? "Clean ducks and save puppies". the ducks is new, saving puppies a recurring theme!

qbrozen

stickguy said:

interesting you mention the "what do you really want to do with your life". My daughter just started early on a summer internship at a financial planning firm. She decided (after 2 days) it was "boring" and not what she wants to do with her life. asked what she wants to do instead. The answer? "Clean ducks and save puppies". the ducks is new, saving puppies a recurring theme!

Hmmm...maybe you should instead start asking "what do you really want to do to make a living?"

stickguy

I pointed out that she would not be making copies all her life in a real job (I hope!) so pay attention to what the boss does. And also that once you made the money needed to live on, you can save puppies as a hobby. Or snag a rich boy (there are plenty of them at her school!) and let him buy you a shelter.

stickguy

so, I should probably stop checking out ads when I am not ready to buy. Because I really want this one. And wanted it a lot more when I saw the ad listing it as a 6 speed. But they pulled the clutch right out from under me. But, love the look.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/657461585/overview/

corvette

stickguy said:

asked what she wants to do instead. The answer? "Clean ducks and save puppies". the ducks is new, saving puppies a recurring theme!

I'm kind of lucky that my dog hates other animals. Otherwise, I would probably want to take in every sad case.

breld

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

I was figuring you would see the new M235i. He's slowing down.

We talked about it ... problem is, it's slower than the S4 and only has two doors.

I saw the X5, however. Wife was driving it ... she's enjoying the size, the ride and the mid 20's mileage they are getting.

She misses the GTI, however.

Yeah, I haven't taken the time to look at the m235i yet. I may still do so, but the thing is, it's too expensive to be an "extra" car, and I can't see giving up the practicality of the S4 for it.

This afternoon would've been a good time to go look at it - when my wife and I got back to the office after lunch with @Michaell, everyone was standing outside the building. Apparently, there was a minor fire in our server room - they let everyone go home for the day.

We may go looking at some cars tomorrow - I'd like to check out the Durango some more. Too early still to turn the lease on the Kia, but doesn't hurt to check out the replacements!

nyccarguy

@stickguy - you can drive it in he snow too.  It's got Blizzaks

stickguy

those are Turanzas. Not seeing Blizzacks?

tjc78

Yeah EL400s... Junk tire on a nice car! 

nyccarguy

You guys are correct - Turanzas.  Those look like either:  "my lease is up in a month & I dont care what kind of tires go on the car as long as they are cheap and will pass lease end inspection tires." Or "This car needs new tires to make it a CPO, so just put on whatever is cheap so we can make a boatload of money off this car tires."

Sandman6472

Beautiful vehicle though think I'd go for the hard top with a hole in it at this point. Shame they no longer make those as it's the perfect size. Just all around fun!!

The Sandman

carnaught

Michaell:"I am currently a Business Operations Manager, which means I jockey a lot of spreadsheets and analyze revenue and cost numbers, and finding ways to increase the former while reducing the latter."

The Federal government could sure use someone like you.

kyfdx

ab348 said:

kyfdx said:

My wife has been retired since 2013. She got an early retirement buyout. 24 months pay. Pretty sweet.. 29 years of service. I wasn't really ready for her to retire (she was 56 at the time), but I had to recognize the value of not working for those two years.

I didn't get the buyout but I'm coming up on my second year of retirement this June after 32 years and I have to say not working beats the pants off working. I don't know how I did it those last few years. It was a load.

Yes... my wife would have quit for nothing. ;-). She keeps very busy, and loves every minute of it.

Makes it harder for me to go into work, every day.. But, someone has to pay the health insurance! lol

kyfdx

nyccarguy said:

You guys are correct - Turanzas.  Those look like either:  "my lease is up in a month & I dont care what kind of tires go on the car as long as they are cheap and will pass lease end inspection tires." Or "This car needs new tires to make it a CPO, so just put on whatever is cheap so we can make a boatload of money off this car tires."

That model was OEM for BMWs for years..

Only looking for manual transmissions really pares down the offerings, which makes scanning for another car a lot less time-consuming. Of course, you run into ads like this, a lot.

Love that interior

nyccarguy

Me too.  Love the red leather.

stickguy

If that was a stick, a ride over to the main line today might have been in the cards! I'm sure for a $100, they would hold it for me. For 19 months.

or I could just swap the RDX for it. I'm sure the wife would not mind!