Erco's a Free Agent
erco
Posts: 20,256
My 30-year Mattel career ended on Wednesday. I had fun inventing Hot Wheels toys for 30 years, but new management and I didn't jibe so we parted company. It's humbling and disorienting to suddenly be thrust back into the job market, as many people know. Where to start? Resume? I haven't had a resume for 30 years. I'm 53, is that too old to consider hiring? That first day was dreadful and I was convinced that things just couldn't get any worse.
I was right. Thursday and Friday brought an incredible rally from friends, co-workers, even some people I barely know. Drop-in visits, calls, emails, and texts. It was incredibly moving to experience the friendship and support of my peers, who have (from what I have gathered) been forwarding my contact info all over Los Angeles. I haven't even been able to return all the messages yet. I am receiving unsolicited resume requests from other toy companies and a major aerospace corporation, all local. The COO of another local company just getting into robotics is calling me. In a very short time, my situation has gone from depressing to uplifting.
No way would I have mentioned it here the day of, but I'm feeling so much better now that I can share with my forum friends. If I lived anywhere near Rocklin, I'd consider a minimum wage job from Ken just to trade barbs with Matt G all day. Fortunately, it appears that I have opportunities closer to home. And short term, as I interview and compare different options, I can get back to work on my dormant but IMO commercially viable consumer robot. It's my own IP but I couldn't pursue it while employed by Mattel. So as they say, when life gives you lemons, make robots.
God is good. Very very good.
I was right. Thursday and Friday brought an incredible rally from friends, co-workers, even some people I barely know. Drop-in visits, calls, emails, and texts. It was incredibly moving to experience the friendship and support of my peers, who have (from what I have gathered) been forwarding my contact info all over Los Angeles. I haven't even been able to return all the messages yet. I am receiving unsolicited resume requests from other toy companies and a major aerospace corporation, all local. The COO of another local company just getting into robotics is calling me. In a very short time, my situation has gone from depressing to uplifting.
No way would I have mentioned it here the day of, but I'm feeling so much better now that I can share with my forum friends. If I lived anywhere near Rocklin, I'd consider a minimum wage job from Ken just to trade barbs with Matt G all day. Fortunately, it appears that I have opportunities closer to home. And short term, as I interview and compare different options, I can get back to work on my dormant but IMO commercially viable consumer robot. It's my own IP but I couldn't pursue it while employed by Mattel. So as they say, when life gives you lemons, make robots.
God is good. Very very good.
Comments
dgately
Looking back, what are your proudest designs?
As many of us can attest, the immediate feeling of isolation and concern for the future will settle down.
Hang in there, don't do anything rash, don't settle for less than you're worth. You've still got all those skills and abilities you had a couple of weeks ago - the marketing just has to be adjusted.
Cheers,
Tom Sisk
Wow! Scary and exciting all at once. This new season in your life will take you to new and exciting places and I am sure that soon the angst of leaving your old career will fade. Good luck with your new endeavors!
Paul
With your skills and contacts, you will soon be very grateful that your term with Mattel ended. Way to go!
Now that you have been released from security (maximum) and servitude and with your new-found freedom maybe you will embark on your new "bot wheels" project and give us something to get really distracted about, especially if it drinks beer (oh, that's Bender). But show us some consideration for your past misdeeds and take a break for a while so that we have a chance to get some work done until then.
You're a smart guy and you'll do well.
like LEGO, they are pretty big right now, and have robotics in their guild. Open source robotics is booming right now, and that might be an opportunity. Best wishes!
Even if it takes 30 years for the opportunity to arrive.:thumb::thumb:
And most importantly erco, As you well know, EVERYTHING happens for a reason!.
So, enjoy and embrace.
-Tommy
p.s. Don't try to rearrange the home routine while between jobs, try to stay hidden in your workshop, so as to keep peace...:)
And speaking of videos: make more. Be on camera. I think you'll be surprised at the opportunity there. Trust me. I know a star with I see one.
Heck erco, a minimum wage job wouldn't even cover your eBay habit!!
I'm sure a great opportunity is out there for you.
Best of luck!
- Ron
I hate terminating employment under less than ideal conditions. I have done that twice over the years, and been better off for it. The last time I was 45.
I find employers like to have "seasoned" prospects. They know you are not a slacker because we were brought up in different times, better work ethics.
You already have a full time job...Parallax ebay buyer!
And it may give you a little time to work on the Corvair. Show up for a job interview in that, and they will give you a job out of compassion.
Best of luck buddy !
Jim
When I was in a hiring position I always looked for the experienced person that could use their hands and head. Best wishes...
Erco, I just know that a year or two down the road, you'll look back on this as perhaps the third-best thing that ever happened to you. I'd wish you good luck, but seriously, man, I don't think you'll need it. It sounds like you've got a helluva support group, and at 53 you're still a talented youngster poised on the threshold of a new career. That's gotta be pretty exciting!
But, okay, I'll say it anyway: best of luck, man! You deserve it!
-Phil
I'm in a transitional phase myself. I hope you let me know if I can help with your robot idea. It will of course have a Propeller for a brain right?
It will be tough to top designing Hot Wheels sets for a living but I'll be surprised it you don't find something even better.
Yeah, well, if it turns out it's Ideal looking to make a robotic Howdy Doodie, we'll all disown you and take back every nice thing we've said about you. And your Corvair.
I mean, such stuff is the making of a really scary Twilight Zone episode. And that's just the part about driving around in a Corvair.
Erco, If the choice comes up between Toys and Aerospace, always choose Toys!!!! Too much can go wrong in Aerospace.
That seriously sucks, but I think it will work out well for you - If I were in your shoes, I'd email a CV to Tamiya... or work on your own.
I am certain that you will do well.
I bought my own fax phone - that was the best way of all (loved it.)
Now there are no want ads, they don't want you to have any idea who they are.