Feeling the Economy
March 17, 2009
The company I work for is feeling the slowing economy. Even though I work for a multi-billion dollar company the affects of consumers not buying as much has forced my company to do cut backs. The company I work for is PBG(Pepsi Bottling Group); you may have heard of them.
It was in the news a few months ago the Pepsi was going to layoff a bunch of people; managers and employees.
Well, the layoffs have finally made it down to my department. Luckily, I have not been laid off, but my department has been restructured. We went from 8 service areas down to 7. I was the lowest man on the totem pole with an area, so I got cut. I am now going to be what is called a floater, which is someone who basically helps the other guys when they need it.
There is good out of all this. I will be going to a schedule of 4/10s, and this will be awesome for my family life and extra curricular things that I do. At first I was not happy about the change, but I have since accepted and embraced the change. I know look forward to my new shift starting April 1st.
It is amazing how negative things can be if you let them. I was pretty negative about the change at first, but Torie helped be to see the positives.
I encourage everyone to see the positive in what ever happens in your life.
I too have felt the effects of the slower economy and was “downsized” by Pepsi Bottling Group in November after almost 20 years of service. I think that what Pepsi has done, ensuring that their stock will bounce back in mid 2009, by laying off their tenured employees in this economy while the company is still turning a profit(just not as large as a profit as they would like)is inexcusable. However, now that I am in a new position, I realize that this was a blessing in disguise. There are other great companies out there that have better cultures offering respect, balance, and real diversity. Life goes on after Pepsi!
That is great you were able to get a better job. I hope you will find great success with it. I have only been with Pepsi for 6 years, so I am sure I do not mean much to them. I am always looking for new and better avenues to venture. Especially now that my route was taken from me I will have more time to do other things. So I am with you it is a blessing in disguise.