In a weird situation

**duallypilot** · 01-04-2010, 01:23 PM

I was laid off in November 2009 from a company I had been with for 9 years - told the wife, don't worry I'll find something to do, there's plenty out there for someone "wanting" to work. I started getting my unemployment and was floored at the amount. I'm actually making more now then when I was working 40 hours. Now, I'm not a homebody type, I feel like a lowlife and lazy because I'm not providing for my family, But I have to find something that pays so much an hour or I'm actually losing money. It doesn't make sense to me and pains me to see my wife go to work every morning when it should be me...

**Russ** · 01-04-2010, 01:32 PM

Are you sure you're making more?
The reason I ask is here in Mich you will be taxed on your unemployment income unless you have them take the taxes out up front.
So while you may be getting more now, they will get you in the end.

**duallypilot** · 01-04-2010, 01:39 PM

Russ:
Yes, I'm still making more. I have the taxes taken out so they don't get me in April.

**frugalwarrior2** · 01-04-2010, 01:43 PM

First let me say sorry you find yourself in the same boat as so many of us. Would changing fields be an option. I have to say, when i drop DD off at Community College there are far more people my age than hers. Could you get a no worker left behind degree?? Your still in the shell shocked stage. You need to be banging out resume's like no ones business. That is your new full time job. Forget everything you used to know about finding one too. It is an employers market and you will be treated accordingly.

2nd, remember unemployment is temporary. You may be making more now but it won't last.
3rd, Dump any debt you can and sock away. Go into CRISIS mode.If you have a skill any skill start doing it. Shopping for pay,making wood stuff whatever.
Good luck. Check out ebay. Maybe you can sell stuff. People buy foreclosed storage units and sell online all the time. Do you have computer skills?

**Russ** · 01-04-2010, 01:44 PM

Then IMO you have time to be picky about the job you get. But I would continue to look for a higher paying job.

Now that said... I'm sure you are doing more housework, right? According to everything I've been told, thats hard work!

See how much you are worth! > http://swz.salary.com/momsalarywizar...momcenter.html

**Russ** · 01-04-2010, 01:47 PM

Here's a link for dads> http://swz.salary.com/dadsalarywizar..._newsearch.asp

**duallypilot** · 01-04-2010, 01:54 PM

oh yeah - housework, home improvment projects that got started this summer and need the "details" finished...and of course more time spent on the computer. I also work out more now then when I was doing the 8-5 thing...

**JerryG** · 01-08-2010, 04:40 PM

Shocking, alarming and horrifying, isn't it?

It'll come around. Don't freak out but I agree w/ RC - you CAN jump into anything or you can wait for a better opportunity (ie - more pay).

Do pound out the resumes and keep looking. Do keep up on the housework, cleaning, maintenance. Don't get discouraged and yes, sock all the more pay away.

One other word of advise - stay in touch w/ your old colleagues. It's easy to enter the "black hole" when you're not working outside the home.