It is time to move on

**JustAnOptician** · 07-30-2008, 05:43 PM

I am a long time reader of this board and it's with a heavy heart I post that after 13yrs in the optical industry, it's time to move on. The economy has affected my job and it's no longer secure. My peers look up to me as a master adjuster and troubleshooter. What a waste. :(

Is the economy affecting anyone else?

*justanotheroptician*

**Framebender** · 07-30-2008, 06:25 PM

I'm sorry to hear about your plight. Too bad you're not in Austin or where ever Jubilee (sorry if I mutilated the spelling) is. I know she's been looking hard for a good Optician and there are several people here in town that are as well.

Good luck to you!!

:cheers:

**cocoisland58** · 07-30-2008, 06:36 PM

That's really too bad. I have to say even though we are in Michigan we are doing well. But I hear through the grapevine that several offices in the area are not. I had a call from an optician seeking a job the other day. Why he spilled his guts on the phone I don't know but he is down from 40 hours a week to 20. The former DOC turned Pearle aren't doing well apparently and moral is way down. I'm thankful that so far my job is secure. I hope you find something worthwhile on the outside. Good luck.

**Aarlan** · 07-30-2008, 08:20 PM

So JAO,

Now what? what are you planning on doing? It's my understanding that just about every industry is doing poorly, unless you're a state or fed employee.

good luck, I hope you make it back someday.

AA

**Johns** · 07-30-2008, 09:19 PM

Yeah...what are your plans? Is relocation out of the question?

**CuriousCat** · 07-30-2008, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by cocoisland58

The former DOC turned Pearle aren't doing well apparently and moral is way down.

3rd quarter becomes 4th quarter...from a survivor of a 4th quarter "massacre"/

**JustAnOptician** · 07-30-2008, 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by Johns

Yeah...what are your plans? Is relocation out of the question?

I thought of relocation but I decided to go to school for a career that is always in demand.

**OpticLabRat** · 07-30-2008, 11:33 PM

Originally Posted by JustAnOptician

I thought of relocation but I decided to go to school for a career that is always in demand.

People have to see...... In 23 years I dont think Ive heard of an Optician on unemployment. Go through your local phonebook and make some calls. You will probably find a better job real quick.

"unless your in a one light town"

Good Luck

**JustAnOptician** · 07-31-2008, 12:27 AM

Originally Posted by OpticLabRat

People have to see...... In 23 years I dont think Ive heard of an Optician on unemployment. Go through your local phonebook and make some calls. You will probably find a better job real quick.

"unless your in a one light town"

Good Luck

If I continue at my current job, I will be on unemployment within this year. I am disheartened and feel that if I can't have my current job, then I don't want to be an Optician anymore. It's all I've ever known (for the most part).

I really feel going to school is what's right. I am soured by the "retail" side of being an Optician.

**Chris Ryser** · 07-31-2008, 04:35 AM

Originally Posted by JustAnOptician

Is the economy affecting anyone else?

I really feel going to school is what's right. I am soured by the "retail" side of being an Optician.

Of course it is.

It has to............when reading about over 3 million homes having been foreclosed and the news about about every day of thousands of people being let go.

Optiboard members in general shy away from talking on this subject. When talking to some sales reps I know for many years, I hear about serious business slowdowns even in the optical. There always some that have adjusted to the situation and are flourishing.

The only 100% never ever loosing profession is to become an undertaker.

**hcjilson** · 07-31-2008, 05:59 AM

Originally Posted by Chris Ryser

always some that have adjusted to the situation and are flourishing.

The only 100% never ever loosing profession is to become an undertaker.

Or a Tax collector! :bbg::bbg::bbg:

**DragonLensmanWV** · 07-31-2008, 06:54 AM

Originally Posted by JustAnOptician

If I continue at my current job, I will be on unemployment within this year. I am disheartened and feel that if I can't have my current job, then I don't want to be an Optician anymore. It's all I've ever known (for the most part).

I really feel going to school is what's right. I am soured by the "retail" side of being an Optician.

Ah, first job blues? Well, so far it looks like your optical experience has been only Corporate. I would advise you to check out some local independents so you can see how it can be fun again. Without that big Corporate Axe hanging over your head. In 36 years, I've only worked Corporate for one year with Monfried Optical and that was enough for me!

**For-Life** · 07-31-2008, 07:16 AM

Yeah, I left a year ago. Though my decision to leave went several years back and I gained education to assist in the move. While I truly miss the industry, I really like what I am doing now. The pay is better, I get more holidays, and I work less hours.

**Ginster** · 07-31-2008, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by JustAnOptician

If I continue at my current job, I will be on unemployment within this year. I am disheartened and feel that if I can't have my current job, then I don't want to be an Optician anymore. It's all I've ever known (for the most part).

I really feel going to school is what's right. I am soured by the "retail" side of being an Optician.

Make sure what ever career choice you are making, you've done your home work,

1996- Wanted to leave the field and become a Medical Assistant. After school I took my certification and passed. at that time, I was lied to by the school, there job placement program had trouble placing all of us, Most I was offered was $8.50 an hour to start. I was making $10.00 as an Opticican. I have never regreted it though, I learned alot.

2001- I decided to check the grass on the other side of the fence again. Coding and Billing school. Big field, can make lots of money, again school could not even place us, I think it was a bad school. I made all A's and worked very hard. I was making $14.00 an hour as an Optician uncertified. Most I was offered $10.00 an hour. I stayed in Optic's took my Certification, past and I an't gonna look over the fence no more!!. I love what I do, and never had trouble finding work. The main thing is these company's Hospitals, and Practices want not only schooling, but they won't hire you if you have no experience. Be careful my friend. Good luck.

Ginny:)

:cheers::cheers:

**Dougfir8** · 07-31-2008, 12:17 PM

Our small (300 jobs/day) lab lost a big contract to a megalab in Kentucky, and about 15 people are out of work, including me. Can only blame the economy in this situation because places look for the cheapest without regard to years of quality service. The feel-good news is that many, many of our customers that now must go to the big lab wrote notes thanking us for good service and saying they are sorry it happened.

**JustAnOptician** · 07-31-2008, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by Dougfir8

Our small (300 jobs/day) lab lost a big contract to a megalab in Kentucky, and about 15 people are out of work, including me. Can only blame the economy in this situation because places look for the cheapest without regard to years of quality service. The feel-good news is that many, many of our customers that now must go to the big lab wrote notes thanking us for good service and saying they are sorry it happened.

Sorry about your job loss. :(

**Johns** · 07-31-2008, 11:03 PM

Originally Posted by JustAnOptician

I thought of relocation but I decided to go to school for a career that is always in demand.

Well...what is it? You can tell us, we won't tell a soul!;)

**CME4SPECS** · 07-31-2008, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by JustAnOptician

I thought of relocation but I decided to go to school for a career that is always in demand.

The only real safe bet is an accountant!

**cocoisland58** · 08-01-2008, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by CME4SPECS

The only real safe bet is an accountant!

:idea:Or a nurse.

**FullCircle** · 08-01-2008, 08:20 AM

Originally Posted by CME4SPECS

The only real safe bet is an accountant!

Or if you listen to the ads on tv, it's either an auto mechanic, a medical assistant or an electronic systems technician.

Now, what they don't tell you is that job placement is practically non exsistant and it's barely above minimum wage. Oh! And the "continuing education" is a crock