Everyone has points in their life where the road branches off and things take an unexpected, life-changing turn. Or perhaps where the road completely ends and your minivan plummets over the side, crashing and smashing as it bumps along toward certain disaster? Well pardon my drama but that's about what has happened to us because last week Andrew lost his job.
I can tell you this, it's been a very, very nasty week.
I'm not looking for sympathy necessarily (though hey, if you've got any to give send it my way and I'll lap it up) and writing about what's happening to us is a bit of a departure for me. When difficulties come my motto is usually: "Don't talk to anyone who can't help you--and even then think twice" so I tend to keep quiet but this time I think it might be helpful to put our experiences out there.
I've got the general impression that it's a bad time to be out of work--heard it somewhere here and there--and I know a few people in the same boat as we are but I'm guessing that there may be more out there who know exactly the feelings I'm having right now. Maybe writing about this will help someone else.
So that while I'll still be writing some of the same things I normally post--I'm hoping to keep publishing recipes and products reviews and giveaways and would like to re-start the Write-Away Contest next month, I'm also going to be writing about what is happening here at the home front, I won't force you to hear my whines and woes every day but I have a feeling that this is going to be an interesting trip--probably a long trip--and I already have plenty to say about what's happening.
To paraphrase one of my favorite movies, "You work hard, try to provide for the family, and then, for one minute, everything's good. Everyone's well. Everyone's happy. In that one minute, you have peace. This isn't that minute."
More tomorrow.
P.S. I would have a picture to go with the post--but as the camera is now at the bottom of the Kenai River and we're not exactly in a position to buy a new one I'm completely picture-less.
And in case I'm not being obvious enough, this would be the point where any of you camera companies out there are free to send me any and all cameras you'd like me to review because I'm completely for sale at this point. Completely. Nikon? Canon? Any takers?
Sponsored by Tiny Prints for the holiday party invitations for children.
93 comments:
Hello - I'm an occasional reader, from over here in Switzerland ... but as a born and bred Alaskan, I've enjoyed reading your blog. My heart goes out to you and your family - I send my sympathy to you from far away. You'll be in my prayers.
I wish you all the best. This happened to us about 2 months ago (I'm an at home mum and my husband lost his job). All I can say is we were lucky and new opportunities opened up. I hope for the same for your family.
I'm sorry. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that a new opportunity awaits you soon!
Wow. What a blow. I am so sorry. I don't know you personally, but have come to enjoy your blog and your tales of family. I admire the life you share with us and with all my heart I hope this setback passes quickly and things work out for you.
oh no! i'm so sorry, i really hope that your husband finds a new job--that he loves!!--soon. thinking of you and your family.
I am SO sorry. Good luck to Andrew job-hunting and I will pray for you all.
Here's a bunch of sympathy and empathy dear friend.
It will work out. You know the old cliche; when one door closes, a new one opens? It's bound to happen, maybe even today! hugs.
So sorry to hear your news. I pray that new and better opportunities are waiting just around the corner.
Dear Michelle,
I have walked this road of job loss or laid off several times in our thirty years of marriage. We too had four children. The youngest with spina bifida. I did not do so well in the early years when we were unemployed. The longest time of unemployment was in the early 80's for almost a year.
The one lesson I have learned from these hard times is that we will s be ok.
I try to remember the scripture
Matt. 6: 28-33
28 Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, ashall he not much more clothe you, ...
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Through all our rough times we have been comforted and taken care of. Miracles have happened. I will be happy to share these miracles with you in private if you would like.
I do understand. I always said please let me learn this lesson so I don't have to go through this trial again.
Bless your hearts. You will be ok. You will still have your wonderful family and all the wonderful rich blessings that brings.
I pray your journey through unemployment is short and that your uncertainty is over quickly.
Sincerely,
Stephanie
I'm very, very sorry. It would be terrifying for us to find ourselves in that position, and I can imagine how awful it is for you. You'll be in my prayers.
Please, can't we get past the idea that it's somehow wrong to talk about our struggles on our blogs? Life's not all sweetness and sunshine, why should our blogs be? I don't think it's whining at all to express your feelings and worries. Let it out. It might help.
Lots of sympathy coming your way.
Oh, Michelle. I am so sorry. It's like you said, there are a lot of people in the same boat as you right now, but that certainly doesn't make it any better or easier to handle. I could say, I know how you feel, but that is such a small consolation.
I really hope that opportunity comes knocking at your door soon. :-)
{{{{HUGS}}}}
I so know where you are coming from! Boy.. do I ever! It's true, you think everything is going well and then all of a sudden on a Tuesday morning Jan 13 th , the hubbys back home from work at noon! DEVASTATION ! Totally shocked and couldn't believe it ! It was like our life exploded almost. I won't bore you with all the details but I so know that feeling I'm sure you have!
DH is working now...it's a "temporary" type situation and you never know when they will walk in and say ok...get out! But I'm trying to remain positive and feel this is the path we must be meant to be on?
The one thing everyone says about job hunting these days is ..Networking... talk, talk , talk..don't be afraid or embarrassed! Use all your connections !
keeping you in our prayers!
Oh Michelle - I'm so sorry! You all are in my prayers!!
Oh man. An expletive seems more appropriate, but I'm trying to help you stay family friendly, for the camera companies.
I'm so sorry. I'm glad you shared it, and keep us posted. I'm praying for you and your family.
That is terrible. My husband is graduating tomorrow, and so we are doing the scary job-hunt thing ourselves. I will definitely be sending you our good wishes and prayers!
I'll agree with what all the other commenters have said. (Hopefully) we're at the end of a similar situation ourselves.
So sorry to hear what you are going through. I am glad you decided to write about it. We are here to listen.
Hang in there.
Gaahh! This week must be terrifying you - or at least that's how I felt when Chris lost his job, and we had a whole lot of warning and a severence package. *hug*
If it helps, Chris losing his job forced us to change how we live and our new way is FABULOUS. We absolutely never would have made the changes if we hadn't been forced into it - had we even thought of this life, we would have been too scared to try. It was not a quick or easy transition but now, five years later, we love it.
So, I'm sending out encouragement for you and Andrew to find the best life for your family...even if it's not one you ever thought you'd have. I'm also sending out hope that the camera companies will respond soon - I've gotten used to regular doses of Alaskan beauty from your blog!
With your readership numbers I'm sure some big camera company will take the bait. :)
I'm really sorry about the situation you now find yourself in. My father was laid off over 7 years ago (computer industry) and no one will hire him, even with all his years of experience. They want the fresh new graduates. My mom has been hauling the financial load the whole time.
When one door closes, usually God opens a window somewhere eles and it usually has a better view!
Oh my! I'm really sorry to hear this.
Andrew is a smart fellow. Something will come up.
Hugs.
And yet, in the midst of it all, you keep me laughing there at the end.
Keep your humor and your love and this too shall pass. I will keep you in my prayers that it passes quickly for your sanity's sake!
Michelle! That is stressful. Good luck. I hope something good turns up soon. I'll send a prayer your way.
So sorry this has happened to your family. My hubby got laid off when I was 7 1/2 mos. pregnant with our first child. Um yeah, I FREAKED out. But God taught us a ton in that time and I am now grateful for the experience. I know he can bless you too.
I'm so sorry. Wish I knew how I could help. Except hope with you that it will work itself out. And soon!
No fun. Hang in there!
Oh Crap, Michelle. I'm so very sorry. As you know, we had our own share of this last year. Ted was laid off in June, a week and a half before my mother died. He was hired back at his same company a week after I was laid off from mine. That was February. I was just hired back by my same company in July. I guess the motto is, don't burn any bridges behind you, work your contacts, and remember that this too shall pass. Really.
Oh, and thank goodness for Unemployment Insurance!
My sympathy. hang in there. My husband and myself both lost our jobs at the same time once. He wound up being a janitor for a short period to keep us afloat until I found work and then he was able to find work. It isn't fun but stay strong.
I saw Betty Beguils put a donate button on her web site for people to donate to her family.
I'll pray for Andrew to find more work. Enjoy some of the time he is at home. While it happens it is l o n g and afterwards it is like wow I wish I had done these things. Prayers
I'm so sorry. I don't know if you're the kind who likes to know you have company on that boat or not, but you've got it.
Here.
From all accounts, he's a fabulous find. I'm hopeful he's snatched up again quickly.
In the meantime, let's start a #nikonlovesscribbit campaign on twitter. Think that'll help?
Well everyone is posting their unemployed stories, so I won't; but I can empathize. Please keep us posted, because there's something personal in this cyber world of the blogosphere, and we feel like we know you and your family.
Wishing you and Andrew the best, never easy in the circumstances but the best is yet to come...
I am so sorry to hear your news. I said a prayer for your family just now... the Tongginator's prayers have included way too many "please help so-and-so's Daddy find a job soon." It's a sign of the times, not the person. Hugs.
I am sorry to hear Andrew lost his job but something good will come out of it. I am thinking about your family during this difficult time.
You've shared the good with all of us out here, please don't be afraid to share the bad with us too. Who knows... there may be a connection out there of which you are not aware that can help.
Best of luck... HUGS and prayers coming your way.
Oh no.....I'm so sorry to hear that! I'll be thinking of you and your family, and hoping that A is employed very soon.
Wishing you luck; sending my sympathies and good vibes your way. I hope the job situation changes sooner rather than later.
I will be praying for you all during this time. I think you are right that writing about what you are going through could help others. I will pray for that as well!
I've sat here and tried to think of something to say. I've got nothing. I'm so surprised and shocked and, and upset! I can't imagine what you must be feeling. You guys are in my prayers. I agree with what Mannequin said, another door will open.
So sorry to hear this. Praying for you guys!
So sorry to hear your bad news. Stay strong.
I can only imagine the level of stress you must be under right now. Hopefully, a new opportunity will come along quickly.
I wish I were a camera company so I could hook you up.
I'm so sorry. Thank you for telling us - I understand that's not your personality, but we want to know how your family is doing & what God does in your life through this time. I will be praying for you!
While You Were Sleeping, love that movie, and that's a great quote! Well, every day and every minute adds up to the eternity of our lives and beyond, but living in each minute can be hard sometimes. Wait and wonder is hard to do, but necessary. Keep the faith! Good luck! Keep writing, it's cathartic!
Oh, Michelle, not you guys, too?!! It's scary. But I keep telling myself that life wasn't meant to be a smooth, easy road, and that we learn from the challenges. And I'd much rather have this challenge than dozens of others I can think of. And from my childhood experiences (happened to my dad more than once) I realize that the kids learn valuable lessons that can't be taught any other way. Thanks for sharing you experience and keep us posted. You'll get through this and come out on top, I'm sure. Wish I could tell you when, but that's the real test.
We're mostly women here, and I think it's fair to say that we like to know what's really going on in the lives of our friends. So bring it on, sistah!
My husband keeps saying things like, "I wonder how little we could live on if it came right down to it?" and "Haven't you written that best-seller yet? We're probably going to need it." So things are far from stable out here in the heartland either. Gloom and Doom.
Prayers and digital hugs!
So sorry that this has happened to your family-- may've been only Andrew who lost his job but it certainly affects all of you. I hope something crops up soon!
Sending you prayers and positive thoughts during this time...
Thanks so much all of you--I really appreciate the nice thoughts and kind words. It's nice to especially hear from those who have been here before.
I'm sure things will be fine, and I bet it will be good for us in the end, it's that unknown thing that's scary.
I'm so sorry........a stressful time for sure. I'll be thinking of and praying for your family.
I'm so sorry. We have several friends in that boat and it's not easy. Thank you for being transparent and sharing about it on your blog. I look forward to hearing more of your journey, even though for your sake I hope it's a short one.
I'm so sorry. That's so scary and frustrating and completely not fair. I know you'll be fine, but right now, that doesn't help you much. So you have my sympathy, and lots of positive thoughts that everything will turn itself around quickly.
It could be any of us at any moment, couldn't it? I'm so sorry. But I'm glad you're writing about it and that you'll keep us updated. You seem like incredibly resourceful people. I'm looking forward to hearing what comes in this journey.
Hugs Michelle. It will all work out in the end, it is just the getting there that is hard. Hope this is a shorter rather than longer situation.
Oh I do hope someone comes in and rescues you. Give this gal a camera, anything! : )
Thinking of you...
Steph
I'm so sorry to hear about Andrew's job. Our prayers are with you.
My blogging friend,
Blessings to you. I don't comment often, but I stop by every day.
Yesterday I started memorizing James 1:2. Try it. I would write it down, then crumple it up and throw it out, wait a couple days and then read it again.
Gail
Oh Michelle, I am so sorry to hear this. I have no words of wisdom. No advice. Just my very best wishes that something will come along SOON for you guys. We have several friends who are out of work right now and, frankly, it's scary and sad and frustrating. Maybe writing about it will help.
I'm so sorry! It is such a shock to a family when a job is lost. My unsolicited advice is to give yourselves time. It's almost like a person has to mourn the job loss properly so he can move on to the next job with a healthy attitude.
In the meantime, it sucks. I'm rooting for all of you...
I'm really sorry about that. It stinks. My husband hasn't lost a job before but he really felt led to quit one last year and that's how we ended up moving from Georgia to Colorado.
I've never been so scared as when he quit. But we knew something good would have to come of it. I can't wait to read about the good that comes of this later.
I know you probably aren't seeing it right now but these things always have a way of surprising us and bringing out our character.
I wish I owned a camera company I'd send you a nice one.
Oh, Michelle, I'm so sorry. I hope things turn around soon! I'm thinking of you!!
I know it sounds trite to say things will look up, but they usually do. And thank goodness you did your remodeling last year!
I hope someone sends you a camera ASAP. I'll cross my fingers.
So sorry you are having to go through a hard time. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Oh, dear. Times are tough for sure. We're in a similar situation and it takes a lot of effort to stay cheerful and optimistic. I love that you are willing to share your experience on your blog.
So sorry to hear that. I firmly believe that in the long run things usually work out for the best so I do hope that will be the case for your family.
i'm sorry michelle. i pray that you can be an encouragement to your husband as you go through this together.
((hug))
How about your cell phone camera and email the photo to yourself. Not fabulous quality but we'd get the idea.
This happened to us right when we were in the process of having to move because the owners of our place (we rent) were selling, I was pregnant, and we had just put a ton of money into a car repair for my ancient Jetta. (The one thing that kept me from totally panicking was that we lived in Canada where our health insurance wasn't tied to my husband's job.)
What amazed me was how God provided for us in very specific ways - an anonymous person sent us a money order with a Bible verse to our post office box; a couple from church gave us some meat (venison, bison, etc.) because they knew I was interested in learning how to fix that type of food, another couple invited me to pick apples on their property, and some ladies from church kept showering me with veggies and fruits they had harvested. And to top it all off, a former boss of my husband knew I was into food preservation and gave me a ton of canning jars and a canner, which meant I no longer had to borrow a canner when everyone else and their brother is busy canning. Oh, and so many moms came out of the woodwork to bless us with baby gear.
When my husband did find work again, we were actually sort of wistful about the period of time we learned to live by faith. It was so special to see God provide.
I'll be praying that happens for your family too, that this becomes a special time of watching God provide and having fun being creative with the resources you do have. And, because I know the health insurance issue this will probably cause, I'll pray for that too. May you guys have some sweet family time as well, getting to spend more time than usual together.
Bill got his hours cut 25% on the hopes that Northrop Grumman can keep afloat until December. Supposedly contracts might, MIGHT, be renewed then. After giving up our house and moving into an apartment (a decision we NEVER regretted) I thought we were making it through this pretty well. It just gets scarier. My thoughts are with your family.
I am very sorry to hear this.
Best wishes as always
I'm so so so sorry. Of course, you know you're not alone and that many of us have gone through the exact same thing this past year. My husband's latest layoff resulted in an even better situation for us in the end. Think closing doors, opening windows.
Michelle, I am so sorry to hear this. I will be rooting for you and Andrew and your family as you deal with this unexpected turn--best wishes to all of you.
I feel your pain. I have gone thru that very same thing with my husband 3 different times in the past 3 1/2 yrs. The companies went belly up (housing industry). When he did finally find a job (different industry this time) this past Oct. we took a HUGE pay cut (1/2 to be exact). Now this company is starting to let people go and I just pray this will not be the 4th time. It is scary and when you have children that makes it even harder. Just know we are praying for you and your husband. Keep us posted!!
Michelle,
I'm glad I'm reading this at the end of the day when my life has gone into quiet and not the quiet of the morning just before everyone awakens.
I'm sorry. I know the depth of what you are facing and have faced. While my husband hasn't lost his job, his company lost their work. It is real for me, for you, and for many, and it will become even more real along the way.
I know your faith and tenacity, and I know you will not lose that through the process. They will only grow stronger. I promise that. Share that with us. Please?
I'll pray for a camera from heaven because you always take the nicest pictures.
Oh, Michelle! I'm praying for your beautiful family...what a (to put plainly) sucky, sucky situation to be in. We moved up here in the aftermath of a similar situation. You guys are such a strong family unit...everything will be more wonderful than before. But it's ok to be pissy and angry and sad and not entirely optimistic. Crank up some Scorpions and get mad. You have my permission.
Aw, man. Really sorry you have to go through this.
You definitely get sympathy from me. Fingers crossed that Andrew gets a new job sooner rather than later.
Sorry to hear Andrew lost his job! Things will turn out OK! Keep your chin up!
God bless all of you. We're not in a position to lose a job because we own the business -- a very small one. All that means, though, is that since I can't bring myself to fire someone when cash flow is too tight to pay all the bills, we just don't pay ourselves. My sympathies extend as far as our common ground will allow -- and as for the rest, we'll just pray for you.
We just found out that our neighbors who used to live across the street, in a $160,000 house they were renting, and which they trashed, and whose lawn was never, not even one time, mowed by someone who lived in the house, but instead by concerned neighbors who took care of it when the grass got to our knees, just bought a house in a large city near by . . . for $600,000. And they were so proud of it because they got it for $90,000 off list. Now, you're asking, where in KINGDOM COME did they get money like that?
Interesting question, that one. It seems that on our little family friendly street, that only has 5 houses, and between those 5 houses, there are 11 children, one lesbian couple, three dogs, and some stay at home mommies, these people (we'll call them the Crazy Haitians) have been growing marijuana. And selling it. And, apparently, getting away with it.
It would seem that we're in the wrong line of work if what we're looking for is financial security!
Im so sorry, Michelle. I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers...peace for you and new opportunities for hubby!
Oh wow, Michelle. I'm praying for you guys: wisdom, opportunities and peace!
Sorry to hear this.Be patient and have confidence,everything will be alright.God is watching!
I love While You Were Sleeping!
The rest of your news is a bummer though. I'm sorry.
I hope you will find unemployment short-lived, and, if not, that you will find the experience offers amazing rewards in other ways, even if the pay is not good. :(
Hugs Michelle! We've been there before and I know that you "know" everything will be ok, but walking through it all is no fun. We'll be thinking of you!
I will pray for you and your family. I hope things work out for the best soon.
Sorry to hear. I love your motto "Don't talk to anyone who can't help you--and even then think twice"
Hope things clear up and you start to see a path .
the good news is that now that hubby is home, you may have more time for the blog. :)
I didn't even realize that you had been missing the write away contest, I just kept figuring that I had missed it. Yeah, I just had a baby and my brain cells aren't back yet.
I seriously will say a prayer for your family tonight. It is rough times for everyone.
Me personally, I am so grateful for my three month supply. I have been using it like crazy in the past month, and I have taken up a new love for couponing. You should try it.
I am so sorry to hear about your hubby's job loss Michelle but I know being the great man that he is, he will find another one soon!
Keeping you in my prayers.
Sending some positive vibes your way and hoping Andrew's search doesn't last long.
So sorry to hear that! My sister lost her job two weeks ago as well. She always says, "Everything happens for a reason", so I say optimistically that it's a sign that bigger and better things are coming your way soon!
I'm on vacation and haven't been checking blogs. I'm so sorry to hear about this. I'll keep your family in my prayers.
Sorry about your news!
I am so sorry, Michelle. Really.
Thanks for being so authentic during this "minute" of unrest.
Michelle, my heart goes out to you. Being without a job or struggling with finances in general is not a pleasant experience. I know because I am no stranger to it. (It is the way I grew up and the way I have been living my whole married life.)
I hope Andrew's new business finds success soon and I hope you enjoy your new camera ... blogging definitely has its perks :) !!
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