Tough times for Austin

[Snakecharmer]

Well guys,

I want to say that there is a reason for the low activity in the Austin group, but I don't know what it is. Other than maybe a sense of troubled times. That's all I can think of that might be keeping people distracted enough to forego the local TCC activities. Austin has a huge contingent of high-tech workers and everyone knows that most hi-tech companies are struggling right now. Over the last two years, Austin has suffered tremendous amounts of lay-offs from all of it's big hi-tech companies. Even if you aren't in that sector, you can't avoid the effects of it. Consumers are conservative, less money in circulation, homes for sale on every street, high local unemployment, lots of toys for sale (boats, cycles, cars, etc.). It's not pretty.

I, for one, am definitely guilty of being caught up in all of this. My company has been fighting to stay alive for over a year now, after being abandoned by our now bankrupt parent company. I've been extremely distracted and I'm frustrated in not being able to spend more time with the group. My company will be done at the end of this month, so hopefully things will change soon and I'll be able to get back into the swing of things (whether I still have the Cobra or not).

Without mentioning any names, there are a number of Austin cobra owners that have been caught up in these tough times. I'm sure they are just as frustrated as I am. It really helps to know that things are alive and well with the TCC.

I'm certain that things will get better for the Austin group. Hang in there with us. Ed and Tony, keep us alive!!

Charmer

If anyone cares to capitulate, feel free....

[bwcobra15]

Originally posted by Snakecharmer
Well guys,

I want to say that there is a reason for the low activity in the Austin group, but I don't know what it is. Other than maybe a sense of troubled times. ..... Austin has a huge contingent of high-tech workers and everyone knows that most hi-tech companies are struggling right now. Over the last two years, Austin has suffered tremendous amounts of lay-offs from all of it's big hi-tech companies. Even if you aren't in that sector, you can't avoid the effects of it. Consumers are conservative, less money in circulation, homes for sale on every street, high local unemployment, lots of toys for sale (boats, cycles, cars, etc.). It's not pretty.
.....
Charmer

If anyone cares to capitulate, feel free....

That is the #1 reason I am still Cobra-less and did not pull the trigger (or write the check) last Spring. I feel your pain, believe me.

Check out this article in today's Dallas Morning News, if you can link to it:
Ex-tech workers pick up the pieces

[mustangmendez]

Charmmer I really believe that you hit the nail on the head ,I thought when Cobra Dude left so did the club .{NOT } I do see lots of my clients loosening jobs ,cars ,homes and other .But always remember Guys and Girls your health is the most important thing in life I am watching my 4 yr old nephew go day by day and I am really getting a real taste of what it really means to be in good health and in the hands of our lord .Not to mention my Mental illness as Cobra Dude and Ed 1 and Cammer would put it HA !But all in all even with not having a finished Cobra yet I really have met a good bunch of People, Cobra or Not ,Job or no Job .Its is tuff but you have to tell yourself I have been down before and you will rise again no matter what it takes .I almost lost everything I owned due to a Manufacture Defect and one day I just got tiered of telling the same old story and said Starting Today I will do what I have to do no mater what it takes .Working 7 days a week 15 to 20 hrs per day for several months in a row I over came my down fall and rose from the my own tears .Still working my butt off 12 to 15 hrs a day for the last 4 yrs things are great I do spend Sundays with my family and a Saturday here and there with the club I am still climbing to the top I will have plenty of time to rest when I die !SO There is hope for us all and sometimes you just need to come to and do what ever it takes things always work out ,Just Believe ! I really thing get better for you and everyone else .

[kountzecobra]

It's been said many times: It's the people! Funny how interest in a little British roadster has brought all of us many new friends! The car is only a tool to introduce us to others with some like interests. I have to thank Brent for starting this website, because I have met and conversed with people from all walks of life, and even other countries, whom I consider to be friends for life. I am sure others will mirror my thoughts! Always good to have friends to lean on. Later, David.

[Blake Olson]

I agree.

Although only attending 3-4 austin meets over the summer, I too, sold my company and moved to the hill country(Boerne). I'll still make it back to austin for the monthly meetings as long as they don't fall on the same weekend as the San Antonio Chapters..

[Ed Csoltko]

I was also caught in the high-tech layoffs with Motorola. I was planning to stay until 65, but Motorola began their layoffs and it finally got to me. At one time I had over 22 employees in my department. Every time Motorola hit my department. Finally it got down to two employees and myself. I figured I was next because you don't need a manager for two people. Last February Motorola forced me into retirement at 61. I've seen many friends in the high-tech industry laid off during the past year. Many are still worrying about the next layoff, and are saving their coins. Times are tough. But:

We need to hear from everyone once in awhile. Check in and say "Hello". If you got the time, come to a monthly meet for coffee. Remember, you don't have to have a Cobra, it's the friendship we have. If you have a computer, and most of us do, email or posting on the forum is cheap and it only takes a minute to check in with everyone.

I hope for the best for eveyone out there. Time will turn everything around. So hang in there. If anyone would like to meet in the evenings for coffee, just post a message. There are alot for Starbucks around. If anyone wants to get out for a cruise for a couple of hours, I always got a spare seat.

Hopefully some of us can meet this Saturday for lunch. It looks like its going to rain, the Cobras might have to stay in their garages.

[gsharapa]

Guys,

It's tough all over. Look at Ford Stock lately! Hit $ 6.90 last week and my 401 K is now a 50 K. Having a Cobra is great but having the Cobra Family and the love for the car is really what it is about. I've sold 2 Cobras and now on my third and all the times I was without a car, I still had the friendships!

[renaissance man]

I'm with the rest of you. After losing my job in June, I've been trying to get my Big Willy's Salsa rolling to bring in some income. This has required many weekends and odd hours to line up all of the ducks. It's a very slow process and the money runs out much faster than the business grows. Hence, my cobra is up for sale as well.

[paul cass]

hey stretch and others
sorry to hear about tyhe tough times. hope everything works out for everybody. i'm not sure about in austin, but here in corpus when some of the tech people were layed off they became school teachers. if you have a college degree the school districts will hire you on a temp contract until you get certified. we started school short 40 teachers. statewide it was something like 40,000! if you can put up with todays generation its steady pay-won't get rich-and you work for 10 months. you need the two off to recuperate-trust me. for instance in san antonio they are paying $230 a day for certified substitutes. just a thought.
paul
ps stretch-give me a call on my cell 361 549-9525. been trying to reach you. i'll be in austin the weekend of oct.26,27 for a tennis torney.