Job Gone! Where do I start

[Native87]

I feel the worst for my kids. Dad wont have a check. Glad I own my house and land. Guarantee no one will go hungry. It just feels bad.

[JeffColorado]

I'd be counting my blessings if I were you and feeling pretty good about it, that's a bunch better than the vast majority of people who are out of a job! At least you have food and a roof over head. I congragulate you for getting things in order prior to things doing down the toilet!

[CarolAnn]

Native87 - sorry to hear your bad news! Where do you start? Get that resume spruced up to start with, but while you are filling in all the things you've accomplished, give it some deep thinking. Is this a field you want to stay in? Does it look like it could come back when the economy gets a bit better? Are there other things that you really like to do and do well?

Is there something that you've always wanted to do, but couldn't try because you had to have that paycheck coming for the family?

Sometimes when a door closes, an even better one opens. (And lets be realistic here, sometimes not.) Platitudes aren't going to help you - but if you roll up your sleeves and dig into the possibilites, it'll help keep you feeling positive - and attitude is a HUGE part of dealing with the bad junk that life sometimes lobs at us.

How old are your kids? Are they old enough to know what's going on? If so, it may help to just get it out in the open. (Kids figure out more than we think they do - and it's better to not have them guessing wrong right now about what is happening and what it will mean to them.)

It might not be "No you can't have that new video game" - but "yes you can have that new video game - as soon as YOU figure out how to raise the money to buy it!) ;D My greatest treasures as a kid were those I earned for myself, and that's a valuable gift in itself, to have learned that.

Not going hungry is good. Having a roof over the head is good too. But no matter how tight the money gets, don't forget there are some fun and free things to do as a family that are very meaningful!

[flatwater]

CarolAnn great meaningful post. These are points that we all need to look at from time to time even when we want to change a job. Being stuck at doing something that you hate is almost as bad as not working

[manoucherie]

My dad was unemployed for a spell, and I think the worst thing he did for our family was get depressed and despair. Sorry to talk bad about my dad because I loved my dad, but he didn't handle that well and it affected our family. Do not sit around and watch daytime TV, or drink or whatever. Volunteer, take a lesser job, or take up a hobby. Most of all, don't fall into that trap of despair and depression. If you keep positive your family will follow your lead. Don't feel bad about it. And I wish you luck! Its getting ugly out there but we will all make it ;D

[SPIKE]

Native87,

I hope you came back and read the replies to your post. They were excelent replies and I really can not add much to improve upon them, but

Dude, pat yourself on the back. With shelter and food taken care of, I would think that you should not have to panic!
You can not control all of the events in your world, but you can to some degree control how it affects you and how you respond.
While you are seeking new employment, find something to enjoy every day. Take advantage of the time while there is no boss to control what would have been your time at work.
I know that it is not easy. I am 52 and in my younger days I never thought I would be someone that was a job hopper, but the world changes. At my first job, after turning 21, I worked for the same company for 5 years. I received a 5 year tie pin and my very first pink slip (lay off) the same week!!!!!!! I was crushed and not ready for that event. It change my perspective of the world and employers.
I got into construction and started traveling to keep good jobs. In construction, often when the project is over so is the job. You get laid off.
You learn to be prepared for the inevitable.
Pat yourself again, you at least have the major things covered!

When you come into this world, you are guaranteed some time. For some it is tragicly only a few seconds. For some it is many years.
You can not request more time or a time out!
Enjoy what you have. I know that is easier said than done sometimes.

SPIKE

[RangerRick]

Bummer! Sorry to hear of the job loss. Realize it doesn't bring a smile but patience is a virtue. Stay focused, stay positive, don't give up.

Rick

[snake]

Bummer! *Sorry to hear of the job loss. *Realize it doesn't bring a smile but patience is a virtue. *Stay focused, stay positive, don't give up.

Rick
Rick said it! Never ever give up. While I'm not a fortune teller, I know things have to get better eventually. Just have to try ur best to hold on.

[scanr]

If you are looking for work, might I suggest a grocery store. *People have to eat, so it is somewhat stable. *Some companies have benefits after 90 days. *You might have to stock shelves at night, but it will leave your days open till you find something in your chosen field. *Pay starts out at about $10/hr and goes up to $15-$16/hr at journeymen status. *If you go into management, pay just goes up. *Store Manager/Directors make $50k-$70k + bonus, which can easily go over $100k.

[EarthMama]

I feel the worst for my kids. Dad wont have a check. Glad I own my house and land. Guarantee no one will go hungry. It just feels bad.

This is the honest truth, Native87... I have NEVER heard of anyone getting canned without it being a good thing in the end. Honest! Anybody that I've talked to, who has been let go from their job, has gone on to get another job which is much more suited to them.

This will happen to you too.

[huckelberry]

buy a case of beer an celebrate, i find im always happyest when unemployed..an sometimes i make more money just foolin round,an then im not feedin all the welfare cases with my tax dollars.....good luck...huck

[EarthMama]

buy a case of beer an celebrate, i find im always happyest when unemployed..an sometimes i make more money just foolin round,an then im not feedin all the welfare cases with my tax dollars.....good luck...huck

How does a man just "fool around" when he has mouths in the household to feed and property taxes to pay... amongst other things?

I mean, a person can provide some things by living off the land but there are things that just simply require money and that's that.

[Native87]

I know it will be rough but its Monday and Im sipping coffee and sitting by the woodstove watching the sun come up. Hmmm. Not too bad.

[Terri]

I know it will be rough but its Monday and Im sipping coffee and sitting by the woodstove watching the sun come up. Hmmm. Not too bad.
And, isn't it that time of year to plan your garden and get ready for another year?

I am going to put an honor booth out in front this year, so I am planting extra tomatos and bell peppers.

[Cathy]

Native 87. I am so sorry you lost your job.. I have no advice that folks here have not already given.. You sound like a person who,, just needs to have a place to vent, then you will be getting on with your life and doing what needs doing..

[Cil]

Go to the job section, I posted the info for the 2010 Census. If you're interested.

[Native87]

Yeah Cathy you are right. Alot of folks have helped. Evryone actually. It feels good to vent to folks who really listen. Terry

[machinemaker]

I feel very fortunate, my home based business was drying up last year, so I went to work for a local manufacturer in Dec. My biggest complaint is they demand too much overtime. Tomorrow will be my first day off in several weeks. We are really blessed, great pay and benifits during this ecomomy.
kent

[swedishfish]

living in Michigan, I sometimes feel any given working day may be my last for awhile. My advise is to keep your chin up and keep moving around. It sounds like youve done right so far with your home and land.. now dont let your mind go to mush. economize as much as possible around the house and do not be too proud to take any work you find.