Comments on: One of life’s curveballs

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:35:32 +0000

Being let go is never easy but this may be the opportunity of a lifetime. Take advantage of the two months severance and the health insurance (that’s great… btw).

By: Accepting The Bailout For The Van | The Happy Rock

Accepting The Bailout For The Van | The Happy Rock — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:47:34 +0000

[...] the offer and sell the van. I was there myself a couple of weeks ago. But then life throws you a curveball and all of a sudden your plans have a way of [...]

By: The Happy Rock

The Happy Rock — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:02:59 +0000

J Dawg – That is quite the thorough response. Thanks for posting. I know I am not DD, but I will have to keep that list around there are some words of wisdom in there.

By: J Dawg

J Dawg — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:48:28 +0000

I am sorry for you loss ( of employment) but it does happen. If it only happens once in your life you are lucky. Here is what I found worked out best.
1) Go apply for unemployment, NOW! I know you may have a issue with getting assistance but that is what it is there for. And the process is usually drawn out before you get your first check anyway.
2) Do not sleep in. Get up and get dressed at your normal time. Keep the regularity in your life. Your new job is to find a job. So punch in and get started.
3) I love the idea of school but you can do school while you work. If you find another job quickly then you did not get a servance package you got a bonus.
4) You lost your job not your life, do not think you need to take some time to get over it and regroup.

This is a beautiful example of why you need an emergency fund, have a plan for where you want to go and what you want to do.

By: NH Mom of 3

NH Mom of 3 — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 08:34:31 +0000

I wish you the best DD. I am in the same boat, after being laid off in late March. In my case, they were really not able to be as generous — I had only been there for ~6 months and they paid out my vacation days and one more pay period (2 weeks). I have been able to get a little unemployment to help in the transition, and in June started a nice temp assignment as a project manager. The child care thing is tough, we also had to cut back from FT to PT child care, as I do continue to search for my next FT position and really can’t afford to lose the slot (we have 3 kids, and this provider is on the bus line in town). So the bad thing is that even the lower child care costs are barely covered by my paltry earnings and we are just treading water. I wish I had better things to stay, but honestly…it really stinks. Advice from others about the stress and decisions you and your spouse need to keep in mind is so on target. Keep talking, and keep your head up. I wish you the best.

By: John (Debt Defier)

John (Debt Defier) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:07:13 +0000

Thank you so much for all of your support. I’m a little surprised by how much it has helped me deal with all of this.

@tiffanie – It is scary isn’t it. But we’ll get through this. I wish you the best too.

@nick – Funny thing…My wife gave me that book right before I started the job I just got canned form. I gave it a quick read because it didn’t deal with that profession at all, but now I might have to read it again.

@The Baglady – I think I will use this time to make a big change. The little ones weren’t getting me anywhere.

@Eden – I actually was racking my brain earlier today trying to figure out if I had a skill or hobby that I could turn into a career. Nothing came to mind…yet.

@Jacquelin – Thanks again for a great comment. Mrs. DD has been super adn knowing her she will be no matter what.

@celticbuffy – Darn Daycare. Yeah we’ve gave notice that we’ll be cutting back, but we couldn’t cut it totally out because of the uncertainty of my future schedule and not wanting to lose our spots.

@Sue – Thanks, I’ll bet my bottom dollar on it.

@Pete – Yeah the severance does help, this would be so much worse if it wasn’t for that.

@Daniel – I’ll keep it in mind. Sounds like you or someone close to you has been burned by this before. Thanks for the heads up.

@Thecpa – I’ll be scraping paint tomorrow, I’d had done it earlier but our weather hasn’t been agreeable.

@Frugal Babe – You’re right two months will fly by. I can’t believe that it’s almost already been a week.

@Colin – I can’t lie, I’m thankful for this blog. Not only for the support, but the extra scratch too.

@John – “Your Money or Your Life” is probably my favorite personal finance book I’ve read. With all my free time it might need a second reading.

Thanks again everybody!!!

By: Polina

Polina — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:46:56 +0000

Hang in and don’t give up! Losing job is not a pleasant experience (especially with kids), but as long as you are in good health, are smart and have a strong wish to survive, everything will be fine. It just MUST be fine.
Hope you’ll find a new job really soon. Have you been thinking of online job opportunities?

By: John

John — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:04:00 +0000

DD,
Wow – this is a tough one, I’m sorry you have to go through this. My only bit of advice, non-practical as it might be at this time, would be to give Your Money or Your Life a quick read if you haven’t read it before. It sounds like you are open to considering a bunch of different options – maybe that book would help you think through and clarify what is really important to you as you consider the next step in your career path.
God Bless and good luck,
John

By: Colin

Colin — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:06:17 +0000

My condolences there sir. Don’t worry, I’m sure you will find another job soon – keep positive. You may as well give blogging for $ a pop whilst you have more spare time. Best wishes.

By: Frugal Babe

Frugal Babe — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:31:16 +0000

That’s a huge bummer. The good news is that they gave you two months pay and several months of insurance (that’s a huge benefit in itself!) The bad news is how fast two months can go by! I hope you’re able to find a job you enjoy before money gets tight. Good luck!!