Unemployment: Month 5
For the unemployed facing month "twelve," or "twenty four," our month "five" may seem like nothing, but it's still pretty crummy. And actually, now that it's November, we're heading into month six. Years ago, this is about when a top level manager could expect to find another job. But in today's job market, who knows when this misery will end. We've heard from many folks who are concerned that they may never get another job.
If I could start a company to employ 100,000 people, that's what I would like to do! And if there are people out there who can do that, they need to just do it.
Hubby has applied for hundreds of jobs, on all levels--upper management positions are few and far between as U.S. companies continue to downsize. He's refined his resume writing skills and is even helping other unemployed coworkers with theirs. The crazy thing is, not one job interview. Over twenty years of business management experience, and not one interview? He's applying for every level of job, basically anything and everything. We've agreed any job would be better than no job, but I can see the toll this is taking on him. So many of the companies he talks to are still sizing down. Hiring continues to be few and far between, I hope it changes soon.
God is so good. We have many decisions to make on a weekly basis and so far, we're getting through. It's not easy, but we're making it and we're still here. We continue to make adjustments to our budget, cut spending and hold onto our savings for as long as we can. Some decisions are easy, others are agonizing. But the bottom line is, you gotta do what you gotta do. I just continue to pray every day that we make the right decisions.
I had a refreshing idea last month regarding my husband's current time of unemployment. I was reflecting on how long he may be out of work due to the current economy (trying not to dwell on all the difficult issues that come with it--like having a big family without health insurance, working hard to save our home, going down to one car, how to pay our daughter's college bills, etc.), and I realized that there is at least one nice benefit from being unemployed... and it could be a rather amazing gift.
My husband and I are both in our late 40s, and very far from retirement. We've had several parents and grandparents who died before they reached retirement age, so it's certainly possible we won't make it that long either. As I was looking back on their work-life, they never got to have those golden years off (or even months) to enjoy time with their families; without being exhausted from working all week. And even though I am still working full-time, it helps that I work from our home. I am here with with my family 24/7. Now, having hubby at home 24/7 as well has been a big change for me too.
One day it occurred to me, this is a bit like retirement when people get to spend time with their families... we should try to enjoy this time if we can, it may be the only one we get! With our family history, if we continue working and never reach retirement age before we die, this could be it, this could be our retirement time, right here, right now! This is the time to enjoy our families, enjoy life, and enjoy time together. It's not an easy task with the daily stress of getting through unemployment, especially when you aren't completely prepared for retirement, and very few families are. But hey, when life gives you lemons...
And now, aside from desperately wanting hubby to get a new job for all the normal reasons, I laugh when I hear myself thinking... "Oh my goodness, when is he going back to work!" ;o)
Michelle Jones
http://www.michellejonesonline.blogspot.com/
6 comments:
Might as well laugh and drink leomon aid crying does nothing but ruin your makeup. Love you and praying daily.
You know how to see the bright side. Hoping your hubby finds a rewarding job soon. Thanks for writing your updates.
Michelle, You are wonderful to share your experiences with others. I know your husband has exhausted all avenues of employment in the private sector. Bless his heart it is hard. Has he tried applying for government jobs? They usually do not pay as well, but do have benefits. https://www.careers.ga.gov/moreopp/state.asp
Give each other a hug often.
On unemployment as well. It has been a mixed bag for us as well. I have also been struggling with finding a new job and now I struggle to understand the "tiers" and whether or not we will continue to have benefits. Still the Lord has enabled us to navigate the waters of unemployment thus far and I have enjoyed the time to explore my other talents.
It's heartwarming to see how you are looking on the bright side of your situation. I know the job economy is really bad nowadays. My brother has been looking for work for almost a year. He is exhausted too, but he said he is also grateful for the extra time he gets to spend with his niece and nephew.
Best of wishes and warm thoughts from us. :-)
My goal for many years was to retire by the age 50-was laid off 2 years ago: now age 48. I have been only able to find part time work-15 hours a week-not much but it helps to pay the bills. Fortunately my husband is employed so we have health insurance-but he had to take a pay cut to stay employed. Money is very tight-covers the basics but not much else. But we have time: time to be together, time to help family, garden,canning, to hunt: all to help make ends meet. But these are many of things we wanted to do when we "retired" So yes, in many ways I met my goal early...........
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