[bribriagain]

The automation industry is in the pits right now. I know because I've been in it for more than 20 years. Your husband should try to go solo; I know people in a similar predicament that have done quite well. Independent PLC programmers (especiallly Allen Bradley) can compete quite well when compared to System Integrators or AE firms. FreeMail me for details.

[Zevonismymuse]

Thank you and everyone else who commented on my family situation. You all made very valid points which we have considered. As some of you reccomended, I think my husband should start his own PLC company. Unfortunately, my husband has been a company man his entire life and is scared to go it alone. He installs and repairs PLCs, he doesn't run an office or write memmos.

I wish he would have been fired with the other 6 guys who got the boot. Then he would not have had a choice. As it stands right now he thinks we need the medical insurance and other benefits he is keeping in his new demoted position.

The good news is I think he will be fired as soon as they glean the last bit of information from him and when the new kid thinks he is fully trained. I really look forward to the day. I hate the way my husband has been treated and I can't wait until they see what an asset he was to the company.

There is some talk from the 6 guys who were actually fired about an age discrimination suit, but before they were given their severance pay they were required to sign something saying they would not sue. I told my husband when they fire him not to sign the paper. I will give up whatever they offer him to leave quietly just so I can extract a pound of flesh from those greasy cowards.