Changing industry

11/01/1996

Changing industry

I read with interest your discussions about the personnel shortages. I was employed in the semiconductor industry for six years and would like to put a new slant on the subject.

During my tenure, I survived no less than four major layoffs and one complete plant closing. I was raising a family, and making payments on a house, automobiles, and all the other necessities of living during this period. The fear of unemployment at a moment`s notice was not a comfortable feeling. My loyalty to the company was only equal to their loyalty to me and my fellow workers. Slashing 20 or 200 workers at a time from your work force is a small event, but it is a major disaster to the individual who just became a number in the reduction of force figures.

I left on my own accord mainly due to the actions of the semiconductor industry. I must add that I cannot fully blame an organization for cutbacks in order to survive, but my survival takes precedence in any case. I doubt very seriously if I would ever consider employment in a fab type environment again. Maybe I am becoming like my father and his father - working and enjoying long-term employment with a stable company or industry.

Robert Keith

Space Vacuum Epitaxy Center

University of Houston