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!

Being published on April 1, 2012

Don't forget to check out my post on Sunday, April 1st, for the zombie housewives GIVEAWAY.