Well i'm sure its no secret that the boating business is not doing all that well.

Let me fill you in...

I've been working for this company for about 4 years now. Started out cleaning, moved up to asst. tech, then to full time tech, and now am currently the service coordinator or manger. Been in that position for a few months now. Because of how greedy the owner is, and the lack of intrest in boats with the economy this year, its just been the head tech, a cleaner and myself doing all the work.

The head tech Jeff has been working here for about 9 years now, the owner just sat down with me today and said that she was going to lay him off, because of slow business in the winter time. Hes planning on moving to Arizona, after this occurs.

I would not be in this position if it wasn't for him, he is one of the smartest guys i've ever met and I probably only know 1/2 of what he knows. We have developed a good working relationship as well, never any negativity between us, and everything gets done.

With him gone I feel like i'm screwed, I still have work that needs to be done, along with me having to do the customer relations end of it, I just don't see how this is going to work out.

The owner said that she was going to keep me on for the winter, which I'm ok with, but come spring time I have about 50 boats in storage that need to get taking out and ready for use. Along with fully preping any boat that they might sell. I just don't know if I can make this a successful business without him.

Should I take care of my business that i've allready committed to and start looking for another job? Maybe in the automotive field?

Or should I stick it out and see where it goes?

Thanks for any help,
-Chris

 

I would suggest sticking it out and seeing what happens. Always keep an eye out for potential positions that may become available, but being the only one left at this company sort of provides you a little job security (they need at least one person to function).

I'm sure the guy who is being terminated was making more money than an entry-level associate. This move provides more ability for you to move up and take on more responsibility - you become the more senior employee. Keep a good relationship as the other associate is leaving, because I'm sure he has contacts in the related industry in town that can help you find a job if something happens.

When Spring approaches and business picks up (be optimistic!), your company may be in a better position to hire one or two entry level positions, or even temporary, to help you cover whatever needs to be done. I'm sure they'll save money paying a temporary associate less than the 9-yr veteran. At that time, you'll have employees working under you, which is always a good thing when the economy is on the up-swing.

At times like this, I would focus on a position that provides the greatest job security, while still covering the bills. Moving to another job will have as much uncertainty (if not more) than your current position.

Edit:
Keep the idea of your next position in your head. If you want to move towards being an automotive mechanic, do whatever you can to improve your skills and abilities in your current position that will help you sell yourself. Develop responsibilities (attempt to manage your manager) that can be important qualities that your future employers are wanting to see. Since you're already in a somewhat Manager position, you want to move laterally into another managerial position at your next job. Do what you can to broaden your responsibilities (i.e., working with money, responsibility for deposits, managing other people, etc.) that will make you appealing to other employers and show yourself as a good candidate for a Manager position.