so, after 15 years I am getting laid off

**Josephhgoins** · 08-15-2010, 10:17 AM

Last year I decided I could no longer handle the stress of my job. I was waking up in the middle of the night with panic attacks. I was ALWAYS thinking of work no matter what I did.

I realized just how bad it was the weekend of July 4th. I was going to my BF's for the weekend and was actually crying on the drive down. Not because I was happy to leave work or happy to be with him, but rather because I was thinking about how bad I was going to feel driving back that Sunday. I decided that weekend to quit and move.

I tried quitting, but my boss had other plans and I was given a part time work from home position. I have enjoyed this new position greatly. It was all of the good parts of my old job with none of the bad and was truly awesome.

I spoke with my boss yesterday and he let me know that I would be laid off soon "like real soon, start looking for something else" in his words.

I know financially I will be fine, I am lucky and started contributing to our 401K in my teens and now at 33 have a good amount in there although I don't really want to touch it.

As some of you have read my mom developed some really bad habits and I developed a worse one of not saying no to her. Because of my inability to say no pretty much all of my non-401K savings are gone.

I am going to some staffing agencies tomorrow and see if I can find anything at least temporary to pay the rent and keep me out of savings.

Problem is, I don't know what I want to do. I was thinking about starting my own small business DoD contracting business, but I am not sure that it would be profitable for some time.

This November 2nd would be my 15 year mark at my current employer. They have already laid off pretty much every factory worker with less than 5 years experiance and several with 10 years. The contracts that I got just before I left were completed and no one was getting any more. So, they had to start cutting staff and management.

Sis, thinks I should use the Pell grant to go back to school and finish my degree. I am not sure that I meet the requirements, but I guess I will find out.

Please wish me luck.

**frugalwarrior2** · 08-15-2010, 10:23 AM

First,I am sorry. And yes,sis is right-check into it. My SIL has been doing part time acct. w/ kelly services for over a year and makes about $50.000 a year. Dbro can't find work so he is Mr. mom currently.

**Darlene** · 08-15-2010, 12:17 PM

By all means check into all possibilities. This all may be the start of some wonderful opportunities/adventures for you. Wishing you my best.

**shoiji** · 08-15-2010, 12:58 PM

It really can be unnerving to find yourself in this type of situation. Get the word out that you are looking for work.

Now is also a great time to tell your mother that the bank is CLOSED! Seriously you are definately not in the situation to help anyone financially. It will probably help you feel as though you have more control over what is happening right now.

You sound very resourceful. Hopefully this is will be just a minor bump in the road. Fortunately here on FV we know how to make anything better for ourselves.

Take care and let us know how it is going.

**Libby** · 08-15-2010, 01:39 PM

Sorry to hear this news Joseph. I know you're very resourceful and will find a way to make ends meet. As this chapter of your life comes to an end...another is beginning. Perhaps for the best?

Sending you positive

for good things to come!

**Vanilla** · 08-15-2010, 03:39 PM

so very sorry about this.
I'm worrying when I'd be laid off too.

**mauimagic** · 08-15-2010, 04:01 PM

Sorry about being laid off - sort of like someone else is closing a chapter in your life and now it's up to you to start the next chapter. My money's on you and I'll be looking to see what direction you decide to take. You know that we are all behind you!!

**gapeach** · 08-15-2010, 07:21 PM

I'm sorry to hear about this. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders so I'm sure you will find something soon. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone to try something new and different. I know for myself, everytime that I do this, the experience has been incredible. Best of luck to you.

**pinetree** · 08-15-2010, 07:53 PM

Here's wishing you all kinds of luck! So sorry to hear about yu getting laid off.

**Luckybustert** · 08-15-2010, 11:01 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about your layoff, and I hope there are many wonderful new opportunities waiting in the wings for you.

**Bobby Rodgers** · 08-16-2010, 01:38 PM

Sorry to hear about the lay off

, however this can be a good opportunity for new opportunity

Either way you seem very resourceful, and I'm sure you'll be fine

**NikoSan999** · 08-16-2010, 10:30 PM

First you know my thoughts and prayers are with you as yours were/are with me and my problems. Hugs going out to you. That's a given.
Next what is Dod contracting business? Is there a future in it in this economy?
One thing that isn't going away is anything health related if you can handle it. LPN, RN, XRay tech etc...anything. Definitely a future in it.
Hopefully you have the $$ to be able to sit on making a decision until you have thought it thru and decide what you REALLY want to try/do. Without feeling that you have to jump in immediately.
Whatever you decide let us know. You know we care.

**Josephhgoins** · 08-17-2010, 11:48 AM

So this was my day so far. I was unable to sleep last night wondering IF I was going to be eligable for Unemployment benefits. I spoke with the lady and yes I am. Better part is, that the benefits I will get will be more than what they are paying me this week and next.

My boss called me earlier today and is checking, but wants me to keep my currentlly lowered salary and work part time for them, during evening and weekends.

So IF I find another part time job, I could actually be making really good money for awhile and may still be able to get the rest of my bills paid off and get in a good position for buying a house!!!

Still praying for guidance though.

Thanks everyone for your good wishes. I sure need them.

**Vanilla** · 08-17-2010, 12:13 PM

Good to know that you can get the unemployment benefits, hopefully you will not need to apply for it.

Wow, your employer is not asking much from you (???) working evenings & weekends for them too. (I'm being sarcastic)
I've been in similar situation, pay cut to 3-days a week for a year, then 4-days a week for 2 years.

Yep, that's a good idea in getting another part-time job. Positive thinking! Good things will happen around the corner.

**NikoSan999** · 08-19-2010, 12:55 PM

Just digging thru and find older threads and catching up..
A reminder here...with lower pay and less hours later the unemployment money could very well be less than it is now.

How is it going now?