It has spread like wildfire at my office that my position is being eliminated next month and I think people are worried. My position was suppose to be one of the more secure ones at our agency. I was working under a grant that doesn't end until June 2007, so everyone seems confused that they are letting me go. The truth is my agency has somehow really messed up the finances and the only way to get out of this is to eliminate positions. There are many things I would do differently if I was the CEO of my agency. First thing is to have the employees start paying some of the health insurance fees. Since I started the board of directors have been trying to save money. Since day one they have been having talks about having the employees pay a little bit of their health coverage. As of today, our agency is still paying 100% of the health insurance for all employees.
Last night Laura and I stayed up talking about things. We have already started to adjust things financially so that we are still able to save some money each month. For starters we have switched our phone over to our cable provider. This will automatically save us $50 a month plus we get 2 movies channels for free for one year. We are going to switch plans on our cellphones because with both of us home now we don't need 1500 minutes. Weight Watchers is also out. But I think I have the system down and with me going to the gym everyday I don't think I will need Weight Watchers anymore. Unless we start stopping at Krispey Kreme for breakfast.
I think everyone is shocked that I am taking this so well. I think Laura is waiting for me to break down at any moment, but really I am ok. I am actually looking forward to a little bit of a break from work. Maybe this was God's way of helping me not get burned out from my work. After any kind of break from work I always go back completely refreshed and feel 100% committed to my clients again.
Being a social worker is emotionally draining. No one comes to see me because they are doing good. My clients come see me when they have no where else to turn and their world seems to be ending. It takes a toll on my soul when all day I see is heartbreak. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't ask myself "why is this happening to this person?" Sometimes it just doesn't seem fair what some people have to go through just to survive in life. And it really doesn't seem fair when someone shows up at my office and they can't name one person that loves them. Everyone needs to be loved and more importantly to feel loved.
Yes I am losing my job, but I still have lots of love in my life. Laura and I may not be able to spend as freely as we do sometimes, but we still have a roof over a head and plenty of love for each other and our family.
I am suddenly in the mood for a nice glass of lemonade.
9 comments:
I can relate. I may be losing my job in 14 months and we are also trying to prepare as I am the major breadwinner. Glad you stopped in and finally commented on my blog! hope you come on back by!
This kind of situation is so much easier to take if you are in a good relationship and have done some financial planning! When I was single, I had to move back home when I lost my job. Now it really feels like Chris and I can hold the other up if the other needs it. It sounds like that is what you have. So try not to stress -- you seem to be doing a pretty good job.
Love your attitude! It will serve you well through you rlife and hey - this is just God's way of putting you on a different path. Hang in there - you're doing great!
scott--thanks so much for stopping by. i stop by your blog everyday so I will start commenting on a regular basis now
amy--i can't stress when laura is so happy that i will be home for a while
casey--thanks casey. my attitude has a lot to do with how good laura is being through all of this. thank god for her
Hey Caroline- I agree with amy. I lost a job several years ago while I was working at a drug treatment center. I received unemployment comp and my g/f at the time was so fabulous with her support. It's great that you have an awesome girlfriend and a plan of attack for the unknown territory ahead. If things for you go anyway as they had for me, I am thinking that you will be happy and sucessful..and hey- time off is kinda fun!!!!! Be Well- Jaime p.s. I am thinking that a blog is definitely in my future, you've been an inspiration!
I can sympathize. I was fired from my last job on account of the California budget crisis. The university gave me a nine-month heads up, and it was seven months until I got my first job interview (where I work now). And not because I wasted time job hunting. I keep my resume current and I had it in circulation a day after my termination notice. I hope you find your way to a new job in very short order.
You have a great outlook on things! We all love you! In a friendship kind of way! You drink your lemonade and enjoy it :)
Tightening up the budget is not always a bad thing, sometimes a financial crunch can bring out the best in life - by putting what really matters first! You guys will be fine, I know. Keep this attitude, it will see you through.
jaime--i am looking forward to the time off, but hate having to find a new job. sometimes it can be so stressful.
trop--me too
eye--thanks so much for your kind words.
sandra--when laura and i first got together money was very tight. we had so much fun making every dollar stretch. we are looking forward to the challenge again
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