Jagvar, Unemployed.

"Jagvar" (Jagvar)
08/11/2014 at 10:52 • Filed to: None

A lot of you know I work(ed) for VW. A lot of you also know how VW is doing in the U.S. market right now. And when !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! were announced, I had a sense of what was coming.

Friday was my last day at the company I love. It was swift, it was sad, and it was all-business.

For the first time in my life, I find myself unemployed. I'll admit it's more than a bit scary. I'd love to stay in the automotive field because it's where my passion lies. However, I realize that I need to cast a wide net, so I'm searching everything in writing, editing, marketing, and event planning. I'd also love to stay in the DC area, but again, wide net.

Friends and former coworkers have been outstanding in offering their support, and I'm currently updating my resume to send to several people. I have a Masters in Public Communication and 7 years' writing and marketing experience in the automotive field, so I'm optimistic that I can find something else before too long.

I'm glad to have the Oppo community, as well. Even though I don't have an automotive job to go to right now, it's nice to know I can always come here for my car fix. You guys are awesome.

One thing's for sure, though. No matter how desperate things get, I'm not selling my baby. Even if it means I have to live in her!

On the plus side, I don't have to wear shoes five days a week anymore. So that's something, right?

Thanks for your support, guys. If you know of any opportunities befitting a guy like me, let me know. I'm in the market! Also, expect a Phaeton review sometime soon. I've already started crafting it, and now I have a bit more time on my hands to write.

- Jagvar

DISCUSSION (100)

$kaycog > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 10:54

Oh, damn. Good luck on finding another job soon , Jagvar.

505Turbeaux > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 10:54

Kinja'd!!!

this is such an awesome shot

Nibby > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 10:55

Relax, take a little break. I'm sure you'll find something you'll enjoy. Good luck in the job hunt!

505Turbeaux > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 10:56

any interest in moving back to New England, Maine specifically?

Brian Silvestro > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 10:56

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Also, lol about the shoes. THERE'S NO RULES!

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 10:56

Gah, tough news. Best of luck.

spanfucker retire bitch > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 10:56

Kinja'd!!!

I don't know what your real name is, because I'm going to use the power of alliteration and dub thee shoeless Joe Jackson.

Good luck in your job search and all of your future endeavors, Joe.

sellphones2493 > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 10:57

Sorry to hear the news. I just left working in the DC Area and I've never been happier (then again, I was commuting from Baltimore).

FKA-RacecaR > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 10:57

Good luck man!

I was unemployed a few years ago for 2 months. It was the greatest summer of my life!!

Rico > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 10:57

Sorry to hear about the job, hopefully there was some severance package as well as unpaid vacation pay to hold you down. I'm sure someone with your experience and skills will find a new job easily so I wish you the best of luck! We got your back!

Soloburrito > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 10:58

join a commune and you'll never have to wear shoes again!

Jagvar > 505Turbeaux
08/11/2014 at 10:58

I wouldn't rule anything out. I grew up in Connecticut. Though truth be told, it was kind of nice getting out of Connecticut.

I've never been to Maine, but it's on my list of places to visit.

Vicente Esteve > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 10:59

Sad to hear that Jagvar, you will find a good job soon, just wait and see.

CAR_IS_MI > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 10:59

Sorry to hear Mr. short pants no shoes. Good luck with your hunt. I am sure you'll find something.

EL_ULY > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:00

CHIIIIING! Welp, more OPPO time :] Good luck on the job hunt sir. If not, you'll have the best house ever!!!!!

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:00

Go take a short break, collect your cheese that VW paid for (unemployment), keep looking, and don't stop learning. Try to learn one new thing each day. It will help keep you focused.

Keep plugging away at it.

Mikeado > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:00

Dude, I won't pretend I know what being laid off feels like, but I hope you work something out soon. At least you have a super cool memento from your time there in the handsome, understated shape of your lovely Phaeton.

Jagvar > Nibby
08/11/2014 at 11:01

Yep, I'm headed off on a week-long, spur-of-the-moment vacation tomorrow. I'm hoping it will give me time to process everything that's happened in the last few days.

Patrick George > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:01

Damn, man. I'm really sorry to hear that. Best of luck to you going forward.

CalzoneGolem > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:01

I highly recommend it. No one cares if you don't wear shoes.

CalzoneGolem > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:01

Good luck man. Being unemployed is no joke.

Hooker > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:02

I still can't believe it happened but I am confident that you will find something quickly. You're going to go far.

Jagvar > Patrick George
08/11/2014 at 11:02

Thanks, Patrick! I know you're in the field, so if you hear of any available writing gigs out there (even freelance-based stuff), don't hesitate to let me know.

Wishin & workin for an E39 M5 > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:03

Too bad you want to stay in D.C. FoMoCo, Nissan, Infiniti, and BMW all have corporate offices here in Nashville. Just saying....

PushToStart > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:03

Man, I'm sorry to hear that :(

Best of luck moving forward, I'm sure you'll end up back on your (bare)feet soon!

Jagvar > Hooker
08/11/2014 at 11:03

Thanks, man!

Patrick George > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:04

Absolutely.

McMike > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:04

That sucks Jagvar, but look at the bright side.

Barefoot Oppo 24/7

Kinja'd!!!

Carl (@stuffcarlsays) > 505Turbeaux
08/11/2014 at 11:05

If Saco were closer to Manchester, I'd say let's have an Oppo takeover at your office.

Jagvar > CalzoneGolem
08/11/2014 at 11:05

Major selling point right there!

mcseanerson > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:05

Do what I did last time I found myself unemployed. Try getting in the top 5 on a dirt3 time trial. The focus it took brought me clarity that I would not have had otherwise. Unfortunately I only made it in the top 150 but the gap in the top was very narrow.

Hooker > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:05

Though truth be told, it was kind of nice getting out of Connecticut.

I felt the same way and all I did was drive through it! I felt similarly about Massachusetts after I lived there for 18 years!

505Turbeaux > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:06

yeah we are both from that shithole state. Very nice in some areas, but people are all uptight and forever chasing the almighty dollar, then once they have it, flaunting it and generally being an asshole. Go work for a damn insurance company and it will suck the soul right out of your body

I forget what you said for town, I am from Clinton, but I think you were Litchfield county somewhere? I didn't get down for Pepe's pizza this weekend, though that is the next road trip I have after the coming weekend's

Jagvar > $kaycog
08/11/2014 at 11:06

Thank you, $kay! One day, I'll have my dream job, and you'll have your GT. ;)

quarterlifecrisis > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:07

Sucks to hear man. That being said, if you want another set of eyes over your resume, let me know. Even though I'm on the firing end of HR, I'm still pretty crafty when it comes to the resumerial arts.

Jagvar > Wishin & workin for an E39 M5
08/11/2014 at 11:07

Nashville, really? I thought that most of those were in CA, MI, and NJ.

505Turbeaux > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
08/11/2014 at 11:07

we should just say fuck it in general and start our own firm. Nobody I know is more plugged into cars than we are in this industry. And I am not kidding, I had this discussion last week with one of our account guys.

Jagvar > McMike
08/11/2014 at 11:07

Ha! Very true.

NotUnlessRoundIsFunny > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:08

Well that's crappy news, sorry man. Here's hoping you get a little bit of time to detox and then land something you'll really enjoy. We're pulling for you!

ranwhenparked > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:08

Wow that sucks. Looks like you have a solid resume though, and automakers pretty well exclusively look for industry experience, so something should come up.With personal connections extending from New England to Virginia, there's got to be something.

Wishin & workin for an E39 M5 > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:09

Nissan's and Infiniti's international headquarters are literally 1 mile from my place. FoMoCo, is mostly a finance headquarters facility, and BMW is new because of the recent UAW battle with the state and the factories in Chattanooga (VW and BMW)

Jagvar > Mikeado
08/11/2014 at 11:10

Thanks! Actually I bought the Phaeton 3 years before I joined VW. Most of the mementos I have from my job come in the form of T-shirts, water bottles, tote bags, coffee mugs, and the like.

Jagvar > sellphones2493
08/11/2014 at 11:11

Ugh. Rough commute, man. No wonder you're happier.

Carl (@stuffcarlsays) > 505Turbeaux
08/11/2014 at 11:13

Your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.

Imirrelephant > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:14

Well, damn. That sucks. With you're experience, you should be able to find something great! In the mean time, no shoes!

nermal > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:15

Good luck to ya, I'm in the same boat in that Friday was my last day of work. Keep your head up, and take your time looking for something new.

That's what I'm told anyways...

Jay Lauer > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:17

Is marketing for a automaker a well-paid field. I realize that's a very intrusive questions, but I'm a marketing major somewhat looking into the same thing, if I don't do law school.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:17

good luck. I've been there and it sucks. Don't get down if your first few (hundred) attempts don't pan out. there some saying that if you throw enough shit at the wall somethings gunna stick or sumthin like that so my advice is go eat some sticky food.

vorspringing > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:18

My sympathies - I've been in the same situation before, but it ended up working out for the best since I ended up with my current job (12 years and counting). I'll keep an ear out for openings, I work with a lot of PR and event planner types.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:18

Ah bummer man! Awesome that you got to work for the company that built the car you are so happy to own though.

Sn210 > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:20

good luck, hopefully you'll find something soon and the Phaeton behaves itself until you do.

Jagvar > Wishin & workin for an E39 M5
08/11/2014 at 11:20

Aha, that's good to know!

For Sweden > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:21

Can...can I still like Volkswagens?

Wishin & workin for an E39 M5 > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:21

It would be nice to get some Oppos together in the single largest job growing city in America.

Jagvar > vorspringing
08/11/2014 at 11:22

Thanks! PR is exactly the kind of stuff I'd love to do. I also have a BA in journalism.

Jagvar > For Sweden
08/11/2014 at 11:23

I certainly hope so! I still like Volkswagens, too!

M54B30 > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:23

I'm pretty sure this is the first picture I've seen of an owner standing next to a Phaeton without the hood up...

Takuro Spirit > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:32

Sorry for your loss, but hey, maybe the grass is greener on the other side. And grass is always more fun to be on when barefooted.

Jagvar > Takuro Spirit
08/11/2014 at 11:33

Haha, I never thought of it that way. True!

Jagvar > Jay Lauer
08/11/2014 at 11:38

It varies so widely. My job paid very well, but the benefits weren't so hot. But that's typical of a contract-based job, which a lot of the marketing jobs are.

And also, when the company is doing poorly, marketing is one of the first areas to see cuts, so job security can be dicey.

505Turbeaux > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
08/11/2014 at 11:40

ha I am getting closer to just doing the damn thing. Let's chat about it

Doug DeMuro > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:44

So sorry to hear the bad news, Jagvar. I sincerely hope things look up and you find something quickly.

NervesOfThrill > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:45

You will probably end up better off than before. Sadly, you have to move around between companies to maximize your earnings potential these days anyway. You just had that plan expedited for you is all.

willkinton247 > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:46

Hey, my company is hiring several positions in your field (and we are nearby). You should check them out. I'm not sure if you are under/over/just right qualified for these, and it isn't exactly automotive, but hey, Jobs!

We also are in pretty desperate need of more marketing people...

FedBid Jobvite Descriptions.

Crocket Bernet > Carl (@stuffcarlsays)
08/11/2014 at 11:47

I don't even care I'd drive to Saco, I'm crazy.

Jagvar > Doug DeMuro
08/11/2014 at 11:47

Thanks, Doug! That means a lot. I'm keeping my head up, at least for now.

And I'd still love to check out the 360 if you're ever in the DC area. I'll roll out the Phaeton for you, too. I still owe you an email.

Jagvar > willkinton247
08/11/2014 at 11:50

Oh, these look tempting! Would I need a security clearance? (I don't have one.)

Also, added ya on FB. Hope you don't mind!

Jay Lauer > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:51

Well that's pretty good to hear. I'm hoping to work for Ford's marketing, but I'd settle for any manufacturer. I've always wanted to live in Nashville, so any of the players stationed there would be nice too.

Did you need the Masters degree really?

willkinton247 > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:54

You do not need one. This is a pretty sweet company, I've enjoyed working here

As for FB, now we can be real friends!

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:56

I was in Connecticut two weeks ago. It was nice but god damn no body can drive properly and signs just pop out of nowhere. I was glad to get back to NY.

n54 & s38 > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 11:58

Sorry to hear that man. Just curious, what were you doing at VW?

Jagvar > Jay Lauer
08/11/2014 at 12:02

The Masters didn't hurt me, though I know of people in the field who have a Bachelors and no Masters.

Jagvar > n54 & s38
08/11/2014 at 12:03

Mostly writing dealer training material.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 12:12

any interest in Michigan? I could refer you to a few places. You've got a lot of Auto experience and a great degree, should go far out here.

n54 & s38 > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 12:20

If you're interested, check out some Technical Writing jobs in your area. I'm not sure how much you know about tech writing, but if your skillset is writing, it might be something that you're interested in. It's usually writing directed at a particular audience and can include everything from writing business policies and procedures, training materials, user guides, process documentation, software guides and product manuals. I've been doing it for about 5 years now. Pays really well and there's a lot of opportunities. Particularly if you incorporate and start contracting your services out. Anyway, good luck to you and if you have any questions, let me know.

philipilihp > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 13:23

I'll keep my eye out for ID jobs for you! And at least in the worst case your Phaeton is more spacious than some apartments!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 13:35

Sorry to hear it, man. All the best going forward.

Shoes five days a week?! That's just The Man trying to keep you down...

Cliff > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 13:37

SAW THE PHAETON at Katie's Cars and Coffee this past weekend. Sorry about the recent job situation. It all works out.

AM3R > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 14:27

Woah sorry about that man! Because I'm local I'll definitely ask around.

Jagvar > AM3R
08/11/2014 at 14:37

Thanks very much!!

AM3R > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 14:51

Most of my contacts are down at the Navy Yard, but I'll ask my garage owning friend!

thebigbossyboss > Hooker
08/11/2014 at 15:25

I think young people feel the same about any place they lived in growing up and didn't have a stellar time. Everyone I know tells me Vancouver is the greatest place on earth but when I was 18 I was excited to leave anyways.

Hooker > thebigbossyboss
08/11/2014 at 16:19

Yeah, I mean, I visit back 'home' now and after 10 years of being gone, it no longer feels like home. Barely familiar. So much has changed. The Boston area moves fast and a lot of the landmarks I used to use to get around are gone. Flat. I don't know, I'm still pretty apathetic about my home land. Though Boston was a fun tourist trap this last time I went up.

thebigbossyboss > Hooker
08/11/2014 at 16:40

I'm in the same boat. I still have an ok geographical knowledge but Vancouver has changed a lot in the 8+ years I have been gone. Fun to visit though. Feels foreign...it's a bit wierd.

Gamecat235 > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 17:24

Eeek. Best of luck man, though I doubt you'll need it. If I hear of anything, I'll send you what I can find. Sounds like your head is in the right place, but it can be a bit shocking at first. Even when you expect it (been there twice).

You'll land on your (bare) feet.

TheLOUDMUSIC- Put it in H! > Jagvar
08/11/2014 at 17:35

Best of luck! Also, saw this the other day.

Hooker > thebigbossyboss
08/11/2014 at 17:42

Exactly. Nice to know I'm not alone.

Salmanorguk > Jagvar
08/12/2014 at 08:51

Super bummer but good luck in finding another job - hopefully it leads to something more awesome than your previously awesome job

Jonathan Harper > Jagvar
08/12/2014 at 14:48

Damn. Sorry to hear it man. Best of luck, let me know if you're in NYC we should grab a beer.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Jagvar
08/12/2014 at 16:26

Sorry to hear about the loss of your job. Here is a link to an old Oppo post that links to a an Auto Alliance breakdown of jobs by state. I just took a quick look and it doesn't look like the break out D.C. area jobs though. Good luck with the job search, and hopefully you find something even better. Maybe even a job where they don't make you wear shoes.

Textured Soy Protein > Jagvar
08/12/2014 at 18:46

My dad used to be the president of this healthcare public policy consulting company called Avalere, but since he doesn't work there anymore he doesn't exactly hold much influence. They're in Dupont Circle. Looks like they have some marketing jobs posted .

I'm actually the director of career services at a tech college—but in Madison, WI not DC—so I know a thing or two about searching for jobs.

Assuming you've got your resume up to date, hit up indeed.com and simplyhired.com every day, and search for as many jobs as you can. In a big market like DC you should be able to apply to probably 10-15 new jobs a week, easily.

Here's a few to start with. Good luck!

https://hilton.taleo.net/careersection/…

https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov/applicants/jsp…

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/gJN4z…

http://careers.boozallen.com/job/Washington…

http://jobs.mcgladrey.com/job/McLean-Mar…

https://unitedbankdcmetro.tms.hrdepartment.com/jobs/3472/Mark…

http://careers.deloitte.com/jobs/eng-US/de…

https://www.uber.com/jobs/5016?gh_j…

https://careers.us.samsung.com/careers/svc/ap…

https://careers-cornerbakerycafe.icims.com/jobs/1350/mark…

http://www.indeed.com/cmp/Brightline…

OneFastPuertoRican > Jagvar
08/13/2014 at 00:14

Awful news to hear, but keep your chin up. Judging by that picture that shouldn't be too hard for you to do. Good luck!

Doug DeMuro > Jagvar
08/13/2014 at 01:19

Totally. I'll be in DC a lot, so I'm sure we'll hook up. I hope the job search doesn't take you elsewhere.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Jagvar
08/14/2014 at 09:55

Sorry to hear about this. Check out here - there are three communications jobs open. Checks both the DC metro area box and the auto industry box.

A.T. > Jagvar
08/14/2014 at 10:05

That's tough—hope things turn around for you.

Would you like to stay in the US, or would you be willing to try abroad? I know Infiniti has hired a number of people here in Hong Kong recently, and they have a pretty cool office as well (I'm two floors up in the same building and constantly fight the urge to look out when the elevator doors open). To boot, it seems like they have F1 Friday, when most of the people I see that work on that floor wear the F1 liveried T-shirts. You may have to give up that Phaeton though...

Jagvar > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8
08/14/2014 at 10:45

I actually worked at NADA for five years before I worked at VW. Frankly, they're doing pretty badly. But I do appreciate the thought!

ocbrad1 used to be iamhoff but is now just wandering around > Jagvar
08/14/2014 at 16:33

Good luck. Being unemployed sucks. That's why I left San Diego for three crazy years in Afghanistan, and am now finishing up my second year in Canada. Enjoy the barefeet and don't sell the Phaeton.

rodassecondo > Jagvar
08/21/2014 at 04:50

Maybe think of it as a sabbatical time ? Why not take the time to learn something..... do you have a motorcycle licence ?

I wish you good luck.

Andrew T. Maness > Wishin & workin for an E39 M5
08/28/2014 at 13:20

I think, I think I'm going to move to Nashville...

Hooneriphic > Jagvar
08/28/2014 at 14:21

A fellow bare-footer! I only wear shoes at work and always drive barefoot. God I hate shoes... Damn the Man!

Side note: I've got friends in DC who work in the engineering field. I'll ask around to see if someone with your skill set is needed in their respective fields. I can't imagine it hurts to have someone with actually writing skills in a large engineering office... I mean I love integral calculus, but fuck if I'm able to write even a short story that involves imagination. Hah. Oh, and by DC I'm including N. Virginia as well.