Tim Ellis is the founder of Seattle Bubble. His background in engineering and computer / internet technology, a fondness of data-based analysis of problems, and an addiction to spreadsheets all influence his perspective on the Seattle-area real estate market. Tim also hosts the weekly improv comedy sci-fi podcast Dispatches from the Multiverse.
Nope. Self employed for more than thirty years doing a wide variety of things, opportunity is everywhere. I see the coming decade as the second best opportunity I’ve had in life. Bring it on!
Nope. Self employed for more than thirty years doing a wide variety of things, opportunity is everywhere. I see the coming decade as the second best opportunity I’ve had in life. Bring it on!
What was the first best opportunity you’ve had in life?
I just had two co-workers very recently forced into retirement due to health problems, one with hard to control hypertension among other cardiovascular problems (work wasn’t helping) and another with an aggressive form of lymphoma. I wasn’t concerned about my job prior to this but it did bring to my attention the health problems some of us will face as we age. Some of us might not have a say when we retire or are forced out for various reasons, ones health of taking care of an ill family member. BTW, I’m just 38, my two coworkers were about 63 and 60.
Lose a job? Sure, one of my jobs usually disappears about once a year. That’s why I run with two or three at any given time. The words “job security” have always given me fits of laughter.
Well if I did I’ll take a job at Claim Jumper South Center and be the sampler to make sure the food is always piping hot for the customer or I have this fascination of working at Costco as the Churro maker. I should not get near the pizzas though because I truly do have a few weaknesses and I don’t wanna get all blown out again and push 220lbs.
Not sure… But if so, bring it on. America is fantastic. If you are willing to work and are the least bit creative and ambitious then there are always open doors.
I got laid off in January of 2002 and decided to find a career with more job security. A Master’s in Education later I became a middle school math & science teacher. Since then I’ve never had trouble finding work and am now steadily employed in one of the top schools in the state.
I can’t speak for Scotsman, but the 1970s were the best economic years of my career. Bad news, a bad economy, is good news for business, It’s here the hot dog vendor story started.
My company just finished a three way merger last week. It looks like most of us will get laid off in 30, 60, or 90 days with a few staying longer depending on your department. The all team meeting is Tuesday, so we will find out which bucket we fall in then (and told about the great opportunities at the new larger company, at least for some people). Just about everyone has seen this coming and thus our head count is down about 15% with people leaving for other jobs (which has really improved our profitability). It seems like a good sign that so many people were able to find other jobs already.
This will be my 9th or 10th merger although I have only been laid off 2 times till now. I am thinking it is time for a new industry. Perhaps investment banker.
I quit my job voluntarily in June to pursue a career change (after taking a long summer vacation of course). Could turn out to be the dumbest decision ever in this economy, but so far its working out pretty well.
I know a few engineers that quit their jobs and changed careers during the tech wreck. They got tired of being treated like they were gonna be the next ones out the door. One can only take so much of that crap. One became a PA, the other two hs teachers. They seem happy about the change even though the two teachers took big pay cuts.
Don’t be silly- only the 18% unemployed (U-6) or the one out of six that are living off government benefits think things are bad. That’s a clear minority. The rest are more concerned about Paris and her latest cocaine bust.
This talk about age and the economy made me think about loan terms. I just don’t see 30 year loans as being viable in a market that “may or may not” appreciate. I hope people realize this and try to take on what they can afford with a 15 year loan.
Don’t be silly- only the 18% unemployed (U-6) or the one out of six that are living off government benefits think things are bad. That’s a clear minority. The rest are more concerned about Paris and her latest cocaine bust.
I wasn’t making a judgement about the economy. I was noting most people think it’s bad out there but “it’s different here” when referring to their own prospects for losing their job.
it’s kinda like saying house prices are going to fall but my house will be ok. I just installed granite!
I sure hope not, I’m getting married in June and just found a good, secure (trust me, I’m a pessimist) job after being laid off/unemployed for a month.
Nope. Self employed for more than thirty years doing a wide variety of things, opportunity is everywhere. I see the coming decade as the second best opportunity I’ve had in life. Bring it on!
By Scotsman @ 1:
What was the first best opportunity you’ve had in life?
I just had two co-workers very recently forced into retirement due to health problems, one with hard to control hypertension among other cardiovascular problems (work wasn’t helping) and another with an aggressive form of lymphoma. I wasn’t concerned about my job prior to this but it did bring to my attention the health problems some of us will face as we age. Some of us might not have a say when we retire or are forced out for various reasons, ones health of taking care of an ill family member. BTW, I’m just 38, my two coworkers were about 63 and 60.
Lose a job? Sure, one of my jobs usually disappears about once a year. That’s why I run with two or three at any given time. The words “job security” have always given me fits of laughter.
Well if I did I’ll take a job at Claim Jumper South Center and be the sampler to make sure the food is always piping hot for the customer or I have this fascination of working at Costco as the Churro maker. I should not get near the pizzas though because I truly do have a few weaknesses and I don’t wanna get all blown out again and push 220lbs.
Where’s the selection for “not currently employed?”
Where’s the selection for “you can’t fire me, I’m a Realtor!”
Not sure… But if so, bring it on. America is fantastic. If you are willing to work and are the least bit creative and ambitious then there are always open doors.
I got laid off in January of 2002 and decided to find a career with more job security. A Master’s in Education later I became a middle school math & science teacher. Since then I’ve never had trouble finding work and am now steadily employed in one of the top schools in the state.
RE: Ira Sacharoff @ 2 –
I can’t speak for Scotsman, but the 1970s were the best economic years of my career. Bad news, a bad economy, is good news for business, It’s here the hot dog vendor story started.
My company just finished a three way merger last week. It looks like most of us will get laid off in 30, 60, or 90 days with a few staying longer depending on your department. The all team meeting is Tuesday, so we will find out which bucket we fall in then (and told about the great opportunities at the new larger company, at least for some people). Just about everyone has seen this coming and thus our head count is down about 15% with people leaving for other jobs (which has really improved our profitability). It seems like a good sign that so many people were able to find other jobs already.
This will be my 9th or 10th merger although I have only been laid off 2 times till now. I am thinking it is time for a new industry. Perhaps investment banker.
RE: Brainiak @ 11 –
What metro area do you work in, and what sector of the economy? (if you feel comfortable giving us some context). Thanks.
I quit my job voluntarily in June to pursue a career change (after taking a long summer vacation of course). Could turn out to be the dumbest decision ever in this economy, but so far its working out pretty well.
By Dave0 @ 13:
I’d say the same thing about switching from bankruptcy attorney to real estate agent. ;-)
Its not looking good.
RE: Willy Nilly @ 12 –
Seattle Metro- Telecommunications
RE: Dave0 @ 13 –
I know a few engineers that quit their jobs and changed careers during the tech wreck. They got tired of being treated like they were gonna be the next ones out the door. One can only take so much of that crap. One became a PA, the other two hs teachers. They seem happy about the change even though the two teachers took big pay cuts.
most people don’t think they will lose their jobs but I bet most also think the economy is crap.
it’s like the survey where everyone is an above average driver.
RE: pfft @ 18 –
“I bet most also think the economy is crap.”
Don’t be silly- only the 18% unemployed (U-6) or the one out of six that are living off government benefits think things are bad. That’s a clear minority. The rest are more concerned about Paris and her latest cocaine bust.
This talk about age and the economy made me think about loan terms. I just don’t see 30 year loans as being viable in a market that “may or may not” appreciate. I hope people realize this and try to take on what they can afford with a 15 year loan.
By Scotsman @ 19:
I wasn’t making a judgement about the economy. I was noting most people think it’s bad out there but “it’s different here” when referring to their own prospects for losing their job.
it’s kinda like saying house prices are going to fall but my house will be ok. I just installed granite!
RE: Scotsman @ 1 – I like your attitude. Seems to be the only way to look at it these days. ~unemployed
RE: Kary L. Krismer @ 7 – How’s business for you?
RE: Kyle @ 23 – Not great, not bad.
I sure hope not, I’m getting married in June and just found a good, secure (trust me, I’m a pessimist) job after being laid off/unemployed for a month.