Four Years Laid Off
Four years ago, March 27, 2008, I was asked to come into my boss’s
office for a chat. Chat!!! I knew what it was about because the week
before, four of my fellow employees were sent packing and laid off. He proceeded to tell me how bad he felt but he
had no other choice. I was to
immediately pack my personal things and leave.
They had my severance package and last paycheck all ready for me to take
home. I was a bit miffed when they felt
the need to watch me pack my stuff. I
spent over 8 years with this company and never stole from them (except maybe a
pencil, pen, paperclip, eraser and etc. that may have jumped into my purse and
went home with me).
I have to admit that
at first I was happy and relieved. I
worked as a Civil Engineering drafter/tech for around 30 years and never really
loved my job. It paid real well, so I
stuck with it. When I got home, I had to
give my hubby the bad news. As you
probably guessed, he wasn’t happy about it.
I immediately got on the computer and filled out the necessary paperwork
for my unemployment benefits. This sucked!!! I updated my resume and started the awful
task of job hunting.
The first two years were a blur and not happy ones. In October, I turned 50 and our bills were
starting to suffer. We had to dip into
our savings to help keep them paid, but that was demising quickly. I made major changes in ridding unnecessary
bills and getting a better deal on the internet and cable. After two years of job hunting, I only got
two calls for interviews. To make things
worse, our mortgage company was not working with us to get our payments
lowered. My unemployment benefits ran
out, the bills were way behind, our mortgage company was shitheads, and we didn’t
know what to do. We decided to check
into bankruptcy, but after a year of dealing with a crappy lawyer and it
possibly affecting my husband’s business, we stopped it. We called our creditors and worked out
payment plans and they were happy to help us.
Things are looking up today.
My husband’s business is doing real well, and has been a lifesaver
keeping us afloat. He isn’t pestering me
about getting a job. We short sold our
house, paid off some of those debts, and have only two more to go. We are hoping to be debt-free by the end of
next year, yahoo. Two year ago, I met a
wonder person, friend in Sharon, and since then things have gotten better for
me. I am doing things I just dreamt of
such as making money doing artwork, writing books, taking road trips all over
the state, and being able to photograph everything. My hubby has been incredibly supportive of it
all. He is proud of the Zombie
Housewives book Sharon and I have coming out on April, 1, 2012, telling all his
friends and family.
I want to thank all the readers and followers on my
blog. This blog was started as a joint effort
with my buddy Mike to chat about anything paranormal. Today, it is a place to share my crazy road
trips, photos, Wild West history, ghost stories, and anything personal. Thank you for your support!
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Being published on April 1, 2012 |
Don't forget to check out my post on Sunday, April 1st, for the zombie housewives GIVEAWAY.
I'm sure the book will workout for bigger and better things.
ReplyDeleteThanks Max, I sure hope so.
DeleteWell what a journey... too many bumps, I am so glad you have found your nitch and your goals are right in front of you. I am a full supporter of your situation, I am at that 2 year mark. I too found some salvation in my wife, friends, you and Sharon... it would be a very ugly place if I didn't have that.
ReplyDeleteAll the best, remember I am here if you need support.
Jeremy [Retro-Zombie]
Ps. Hell Yeah! on the Book!
I believe things happen for a reason, and I was meant to take this bumpy journey to realize my dreams. I would still be sitting in that cubicle, making good money, but not really being all that happy.
DeleteI am thrilled for you. It's hard to hold back a talented woman
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you Barry. This youngin' has only just begun!
DeleteIt is why I called you Adsila (Blossom). You are blooming with all your talents that were stifled by the day job. Congrats sis. You have earned it all by showing that when people accept the new reality and adapt, they survive. You didn't struggle to go back to the old life--you forged a new one. Congrats sis!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a big part in my moving forward to bigger and better things. I appreciate it all.
DeleteI can sort of relate with you. March was my 1 year mark at being on unemployment due to poor company policy. I am on the prowl now for a job. I am so glad everything is working out for you! Sometimes, things happen for a reason.
ReplyDeleteYou've got that right. I just looked at it as a good thing. Not having the extra money sucked, but we managed the best we could.
DeletePosted your book trailer on my blog. It looks great!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how sometimes bad things end up turning out to lead you in great new directions? I'm SO excited for you and Sharon and I think it's simply awesome your blogging friendship has evolved into so many wonderful projects like they have. It's really been an opportunity for you to grow and express your creativity and WOW have you. Best of luck to you gals with your book and all of the other ventures you have forthcoming. I've enjoyed experiencing your journey with you. Thank you.
ReplyDelete