another victim of the economy

[white trillium]

DB, so sorry to hear this. 

My spouse was laid off in 2001, a week before 9/11, it is always a tough position to be in.

Since you've done the whole wedding photo thing before, have you thought about branching out into other niche photography.  Friends of ours had a studio in Hopkins for quite a while (heck, they did my high school grad picture), but now, of all things, make a living doing pet photography.  And then there is also the whole kids sports photography niche.  Of course, like you said, now really isn't the time for a start up.   

Let me know if you want more info regarding our friends' business model.

Good luck!

[Lord Figaro]

That really sucks DB, but with your talent and skills I feel confident you'll land on your feet and come out of this on the other end smelling like a rose.

[Sorcha]

So sorry to hear this!
I'm sort of surprised that they are closing so many stores.  The store by us was just completely remodeled about a month ago.  If it's a store that's on the chopping block, I find that a curious use of capital. 

I will certainly keep my my eyes open and good thoughts going in your direction!!
xoxo
M~

[Ambios]

Sorry to hear, DB....and I can definitely sympathize.  Was "retired" by Tech Data in September...have been searching since, and substitute teaching and taking singing gigs in the interim.
Keep plugging!

[DonaCatalina]

I sincerely hope you find something soon.

[William_MacKean]

Now is exactly the time to start a new business!  SBA loans are easy to get.  There are credits, give-aways, Dislocated Worker programs, tax incentives, etc.  You name it.  The field is heavily slanted to new businesses.

The small shops are closing because they don't have the incentives to maintain while biz is down.  As a new guy starting back up, you have the advantage.  You would be a smaller (lower cost) biz while clients are fewer.  As the economy picks back up, you will be in the position to make a killing.

Most ground-up millionaire biz owners started in a recession when they lost their job.  Recessions expose needs in the community.  Needs that the courageous will try to fill.

In the mean time, you still need a paycheck...  Servers, sub shops, any retail, security guards, etc. make decent money.

I am PM-ing you another opportunity.

[Random Girl]

DB this totally blows I must say.  My suggestion to you is like above, find something like Best Buy or National Camera Exchange.  It won't be much but it will be something.

In the interum...get your butt into college.  And not for a photography degree.  Go for marketing.  With your skills with the intertubes and your photography skillz marketing would be a good choice, with all the advances in advertisment media it would be a really good place to tuck yourself.  You have the skills and creativity for it and I think if you got in with the right company you could go really really far with it.

[CelticOne]

That sucks.

Maybe some of the Targets that have portrait studios maybe hiring. No idea what the pay scale is like but it could be something to look into. Also a possiblilty the photographers who do baby pictures at the hospital they could be needing help. Just a couple of ideas.

[Rune]

Very sorry to hear about your job...A while back I found myself in a VERY similar situation to yours...All I could do was reassess my skill set and pick one that I could earn a living with at the time.  Minnesota has a very good program for displaced workers who would like to go back to school, I took advantage of it and have been doing well since.  Ever consider something like Web site design? The positive side of this is that you now have your weekends free and you are completely free to explore which ever and how ever many options you want!

[Tremayne]

Wow. Awful news.    The good news is you're very good at your "narrow skill set."    Nothing comes to mind immediately as a switch except doing advertising photography or learning about tv/movie cameras and seeing if you can get into a tv station. You know the lighting end of it already.

[Leyla]

Man, you guys just don't seem to catch any breaks!  Sorry you're going through this.  At least with your situation there should be unemployment benefits.

Very sorry to hear about your job...A while back I found myself in a VERY similar situation to yours...All I could do was reassess my skill set and pick one that I could earn a living with at the time.  Minnesota has a very good program for displaced workers who would like to go back to school, I took advantage of it and have been doing well since.  Ever consider something like Web site design? The positive side of this is that you now have your weekends free and you are completely free to explore which ever and how ever many options you want!

I just noticed a bit ago in an alumni magazine for Anoka Ramsey Community College, they've started a "Workforce Re-Training Initiative" for unemployed people so they can take classes at 50% off.  Comm College Credits are also the cheapest by far (around $140 per credit vs $300+ at state).  Chances are good Anoka Ramsey isn't the only one out there with a similar program.  Plus there's a grant (the schools will know the name) for $500 if you've been out of school for a certain amount of time, I think it's 7 years. 

Good luck!

[Poco the Pirate]

Verizon wireless is always hiring. I'm straight out of high school and akready have an interveiw. I'm sure some one like could could start off far better then myself. You don't need any special degree or any degree at all for that matter but if you want to go back to school for business or something similar they will pay for school too.   I hope you find a job soon  

[Storm]

Sorry to hear about your bad news DB. That really sux....

While you are out looking, maybe check into what the state can do for you. I have a friend who got laid off and checked into other unemployment benefits (besides a check), and found out that state has programs that will actually pay for you to improve your education (and thereby your skill set) while you are laid off. He attended classes to get his class A drivers license (so he could drive semi's) and the state paid for it. And these were real classes too. He went for a few weeks, got behind the wheel (as well as class room) training, and even drove semis on some trips to Wisconsin as part of the deal. Anyways, something to maybe look into.

[William_MacKean]

Sorry to hear about your bad news DB. That really sux....

While you are out looking, maybe check into what the state can do for you. I have a friend who got laid off and checked into other unemployment benefits (besides a check), and found out that state has programs that will actually pay for you to improve your education (and thereby your skill set) while you are laid off. He attended classes to get his class A drivers license (so he could drive semi's) and the state paid for it. And these were real classes too. He went for a few weeks, got behind the wheel (as well as class room) training, and even drove semis on some trips to Wisconsin as part of the deal. Anyways, something to maybe look into.

Dislocated Worker Program

[DeadBishop]

Well, I've been given a "stay of execution" so to speak....my district manager called late tonight and gave me the news.  Starting tomorrow, they're transferring me to another location (about an hour away from where I live...Grrrrr) that isn't on the chopping block (yet).  It will be even harder for me to prove my worth at this location from what I understand, but hopefully that means more time to look for another job...