If you were a mill worker, have you recovered from the mill closing?
How has life changed? What did you do?
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I finally got a good job but the hunt was a nightmare. Being interviewed by 25 year olds that viewed me as an old fogey was so frustrating. One interviewer told me she understood my frustration, that her Mom would feel the same way.
I was between a rock and a hard place…too young to retire and too old to be hired.However, my last interview was with a gentleman that was closer to my age and appreciated the work ethic that older employees have. I now drive 60 miles a day to work and back instead of 10. And, even that wasn’t too bad until gas prices doubled. I carpool with another lady so that has helped tremendously. I know I am one of the lucky ones, finding a job and having insurance.
I can only hope that others have been lucky enough to find something to keep them going.
The saddest part is that the Research Center will not help many of the Pillowtex workers. I had hoped that something would replace the mill with jobs for many that were unemployed.
I do realize that the Center will be a boost to the economy of Kannapolis.
So, all in all, I went thru some bumpy roads but have survived and not too badly.
I was one of the “early” lucky ones. I found a job within a week of the plant closing, but at a $4 an hour cut. I also had to pay double what I was paying for my family medical plan.
I was able to get a job with a contractor (Landair) that runs Philip Morris’ parts department.
But now they’re closing, in another year or so, so here we go again.
I had worked at Cannon/Fieldcrest/Pillowtex for 31 years on different jobs. At the end I was working in the International Department. When the company closed, I took the opportunity to attend RCCC and get my 2 year associates degree. I was lucky enough to get a job at UNC-Charlotte, at a much lower pay rate. But, I have good insurance and love my job.
Posted by Jill Tucker on 07.28.2008 at 02:44 pmI never did recover after the mill closed. I work there 23 years. I started working in the mill after I got out of high school. I went to rccc and took the heating and air course. But after taking it I decide that isnt somthing I care to do. I work little jobs here and there some where temp jobs, but nothing like what I had in the mill. There will never be job like the mill again
Posted by Eric Daniel on 09.10.2008 at 05:16 am
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