My challenging week
I got laid off from work on Tuesday. Of course, my first thought is health insurance. Seriously.Not where I'll get my next job, or how can we afford our house, food, etc. Having a chronic illness really changes my perspective on things that might be challenging when I don't have a job. (It also means I'll never be on programs like Survivor.)
I had to make two additional trips to the office to pick up all my books, I have way too many technical books.
I did get a severance package and I've already signed up for unemployment insurance. We're going to cut back to essentials and we'll can stretch things to the early fall. In this economy that doesn't seem like enough time to land a new job.
If you don't already know, I work as a software designer and developer. I usually focus on user experience, how software feels to the user. It goes beyond how it appears (forms, pages, etc.). But I've been in tough situations before and, if necessary, I'm happy to work at anything that comes along. So if I end up with a job in a hardware store, or washing windows that's fine with me. These are all honorable jobs. I may not be doing what I'm best at, but I'll be keeping out of mischief and making a living.
Please don't feel sorry for us. We're doing just fine. God has blessed us in many, many ways. So we're trusting in him, dusting off our resumes, and starting our search for new jobs.
In the meantime, I'll blog about this transition and how we're doing for a while. So stay tuned.
Labels: layoff
posted by Bernard @ 8:12 AM
22 Comments:
Sorry to hear about the job. It sounds like you are staying positive, which is very important. It's funny about the survivor comment. I always thought the same thing since it first came on.
I am previously from N. Attleboro and grew up in Western MA, so I have some contacts. If you want to discuss more, you can reach me at tony@bloggingdiabetes.com
Tony
Oh, Bernard! That's awful! I know what you mean about the health insurance though - when I found myself unemployed a few months ago, my first thought was a rather panicked one about insurance. My heart goes out to you and your family, and also wishes that your unemployment is short-lived, my friend.
Well, darn.
Best wishes during your transition.
I'm so sorry to hear that. The immediate fear about health insurance is terrible! I went "bare" for about 5 months between my last 2 jobs. It was horrible!
Let me know if I can help in any way.
Bernard,
So sorry to hear the news. Dang economy. All of us in the O.C. understand the insurance thing. Unfortunately, that has to be the first thing that we think about.
Sounds like you and your family have a plan to move forward. I do believe that the energy you send out in the world comes back. Keep sending out that this unemployment will be a short time.
Hang in there.
Oh Bernard, that is the pits!
And I certainly understand how insurance is the first thought to surface.
I work in the investment industry and feel that we will all be challenged in ways not yet anticipated.
But, I also know that you will come out of this with your wholeness intact.
Peace to you.
Oh Bernard, that is the pits!
And I certainly understand how insurance is the first thought to surface.
I work in the investment industry and feel that we will all be challenged in ways not yet anticipated.
But, I also know that you will come out of this with your wholeness intact.
Peace to you.
Bernard,
It happened to me on Monday! ugh... I got laid off twice this year. It all works out. You are staying positive, i will join you at the window washing place if you know someone :)
Are you willing to move to the DC area? If so, I know of a couple of defense contractors who might actually be hiring now/soon. Let me know - email me/comment on my blog.
I hope your job search is fruitful sooner rather than later and that there aren't too many health insurance worries.
We're definitely nervous this year, but thank goodness for COBRA if we need it.
Bernard, your attitude is exactly what you need at this time. Remember my little mantra, "as long as you have a roof over your heads and food in your bellys, the rest is gravy!" and it will get you through!
l
Lee Ann, me too, I hope it's not too long before the next job.
Molly, I'll be sure to blog about how the search goes and any lessons I learn along the way.
Kathy I hope you survive the investment industry shakeout.
Gina, that stinks. I hope you're back to work really soon. Thanks for all you do for the diabetes community.
Jenni, I think DC is out right now. I'm not sure how our goats and chickens would travel! Maybe in the future. Thanks for offering.
Landileigh, I really like that mantra of yours. I agree with you 110%
I know that you will be just fine. You are a very talented person, and heck, you've lived well with diabetes for a LONG time. If you can do that, you can do anything.
Ah, Bernard, I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.
I'm sorry to hear this. That is tough. You're a great person, though, and I'm sure you have glowing recommendations. I'm confident you'll do well.
Bernard, you have such an awesome attitude! And I agree with you 100% - any work is honorable because you are simply doing what you can to support yourself and your family. I'm going to send out positive thoughts and energies - and you never know. Sometimes one door closing to lead to an even better door opening. :)
Some of the things that diabetes teaches us is strength, perseverance, a knack for solving problems, the ability to deal with stress and tenacity. All of these will see you through. Oh, and us!
Hi Bernard--sorry about the layoff. Will you keep your insurance through COBRA? I've been there myself (albeit, as a single person) and know well the COBRA deal. Good luck with the search.
Bernard,
I saw your request for LinkedIn.com and just headed over here to check on the blog. I did not know. Up until now I was truly able to say I did not know anyone affected by these economic times. I'll finish that LinkeIn write up. Any suggestions?
Bernard: Follower of your blog - sorry to hear you got let got. Just happened to me so you have some brothers in arms. Keep marketing yourself and you will find something new and soon. Cheers, drew
Drew
Sorry to hear that you got laid off also. I hope that you a great job before long.
Bernard, I know this isn't as interesting as window washing, but the developers of the AIDA diabetes software have stalled on adding current insulins to their program because they can't find programmers. I think this is on a volunteer basis, which probably explains why they can't find them, but if you were looking for something interesting to do between job hunting, you might contact them.
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