My family has reluctantly joined the ranks of the unemployed. It’s a club we hope to be ousted from soon.
This is the fifth time in 25 years that one of us has been laid off. In times past, the financial blow created by one spouse’s job loss was buffered by the continued employment (and health benefits) of the other. This time, that is not the case.
Since I’m self-employed, my income is not as regular or reliable as a “normal” job, so the only thing we’re able to bank on at this point is Mark’s unemployment benefits.
Job loss is akin to losing a loved one. Now, one month into this adventure, we are finally emerging from the five stages of grief, moving towards acceptance – and action.
The kids are feeling the stress, too. J asked if we would lose our house. I told her that’s not part of the plan – and it’s not.
If one good thing has come out of the recession, it’s that there are more options available to help people keep their homes. One is the Home Protection Program. This loan fund program is only available in a handful of states and, luckily, North Carolina is one of them. We are just in the early stages of the pre-approval process, but are hopeful it will work out.
In the meantime, we have returned to a Depression-era mentality of pinching every penny, and taking a hard look at needs versus wants. This is a familiar way of thinking for me. My father still wears T-shirts until they are worn down to nothing – even though he has a dresser stuffed with new ones, still in their packaging.
Recruiters are saying that the job market is opening up and things should start popping by Spring. Until then, if you know of any appropriate opportunities in web analytics/search marketing, and/or business/data analysis, please email me. Prayers are also appreciated!
3 years ago
Maria, I am sorry that you are finding yourselves in this position. I have so many friends who are there as well, but of course, we all wish no one were going through this. Have you and Mark seen the movie "Up in the Air"? It puts an interesting perspective on job loss and the importance of the truly important things in life--love of family and friends and the support and companionship of people who love each other. I work for Wells Fargo and we acquired Wachovia. I can say that here in NJ, they are hiring many new people for the position of Personal Banker and there are opportunities for those with no previous banking experience. I ended up in the banking industry because I was also in a situation where I had to reinvent myself and found myself in a position that I really find rewarding. You could check it out on Wachovia's website--I'm not even sure there are branches down by you. Anyway, please know that I wish you the best--a speedy recovery from this bump in the road. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Janice
ReplyDelete