Happy Valentines to me. NOT!

February 13th, 2009 at 12:34 pm

So today about 11:30 I'm in the file room working on well .. filing. The OM comes by and tells me to see SK before I head to lunch.

First thought is 'Oh S*(*&!' I'm fired!" Then I start thinking- no, that can't be it. The 15 th will be 3 years at the company - maybe its a raise. Maybe it's something completely innocuous- that's happened before.

So, finally I go back there to see SK. Long story short - I was let go.

They're giving me two-weeks severance and insurance till the end of the month.

Both SK and the OM told me that they would be happy to give me good references. That all the people making the big salaries have taken pay cuts, that the new land asst had been cut to three days a week, etc. They also told me that I was rehirable if the oil situation changed.

I'm upset right now mainly because, well who wants to be let go, right? But also I am going to really miss one co-worker who've I felt really connected to.

But in a way I feel kind of relieved. You all have read my complaints about my job, and my life in general.

I'm trying to see this as a forceful push to stop the broken record and actually do something different.

E, at the gym has already said he'll give me as many hours as he can at the location near my apartment. So, that's something at least until I can figure out what I'm going to do.

Maybe I'll go back to school - not really sure for what, but even though my mom believes I have really marketable skills, I'm not so sure about that.

I haven't told my dad yet. I know what he's going to say -- come to CA! Ugh.

The good part of all this is I have enough money between all my savings that I could survive, even paying Cobra, for probably 12 months. With unemployment and the hours I get at the gym, I could probably stretch my savings quite a bit more than that.

I also have people who will help me as much as they can. But in reality, I am an adult and need to do this as much as possible on my own.

I just feel sick.

Posted in Work Related | 40 Comments »

40 Responses to “Happy Valentines to me. NOT!”

creditcardfree Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 12:38 pm

((hugs)) I'm so sorry to hear about your job loss! I've been layed off before too and I know that it is a sickening feeling. It's very hard to wrap your brain around it. I'm glad that finacially you will be okay. Best wishes in determining what to do next.
NJDebbie Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 12:44 pm

I am so sorry!
Broken Arrow Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 12:52 pm

I am very sorry to hear that. It is indeed quite a bad timing. I hope that things will turn around for you very soon.
nance Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 01:05 pm

I'm sorry to hear about the job loss. Thank goodness you have savings, and know how to be frugal. Maybe something better will come along soon.
TryingHard Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 01:08 pm

I'm soooo sorry! I wish you all the best finding another job or going back to school. Whatever you decide I hope you're happy.
babymakes3 Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 01:40 pm

Very sorry to hear about your job loss. Thankfully, you have your EF, and the gym position. I'm sure you're stressed, but you'll come through this just fine!
monkeymama Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 01:47 pm

I am so very sorry while at the same time glad to see how prepared you are. Hang in there and here's to finding a job soon. Maybe you should move to Cali.
Ima saver Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 01:59 pm

I am so sorry too!!
frugaltexan75 Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 02:01 pm

Thanks everyone. I'm still trying to process what this really means and how best to proceed from here.

I'm really sorry for my co-worker who'll now have to take on everything I've been doing, plus her own work. I may not have been constantly busy, but I did things for *everyone* in the office at one time or another.

Being single right now feels kind of like a blessing and a curse - a blessing because I only have to worry about keeping myself above water, and a curse because I only *have* me to keep myself above water.
LuxLiving Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 02:33 pm

Sorry about the let-go.

While you're deciding what exactly to do after you file for unemployment don't forget to check Craigslist for gigs and labor jobs that might not be full time work but something to give a little influx of cash and who knows, possible contacts for the next thing. I see all kinds of things in my area - greeters for car shows, sign-spinners, ushers for opera, grips & extras for plays and movies, and such like that - a mixed bag and a place to possibly change up the pattern!

I worry about you and Fern and the other single gals on here. I want you all to have disability insurance for that possibility. Probably too costly, but I wish you all had it to cover that God forbid need if it should arise.
frugaltexan75 Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 03:31 pm

Thanks Lux. I will check def. check and see what CL has to offer.

I have disability insurance - at least till the end of Feb. I'm not sure if that is included in Cobra or not. Guess I'll have to figure out Cobra. I am lucky they're keeping me till the end of the month though. Gives me a little time to figure things out.
dmontngrey Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 04:06 pm

Oh wow, I'm so sorry to hear this! I hope you are able to turn this into something positive. I think you can! Scary, that's for sure, but you seem very enthusiastic most of the time and that's a great quality to show employers. CA is always an option as well. We all know you'll think on this situation for a bit!
Thrifty Ray Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 04:45 pm

drats! Sorry for the not-so-nice surprise...but like you said, this will provide you an opportunity to evaluate and make changes that you want to make. And good for you for having a stash of cash to get you through it. Instead of panic, you can take some time to make the best choice for you! Hugs
boomeyers Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 04:46 pm

So sorry to hear about this Laura! Ugh!
But I want to say, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!! You have made some wise choices and will be able to take care of yourself because of it. YOU ROCK! I have absolutely no doubt something else more wonderful is just waiting for you! {{{}}}
monkeymama Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 04:56 pm

The problem with disability insurance is you need a job to get it.

But yeah - I have to second Lux's sentiments. I think it is super hard to make it on your own. But by the same token, you rock! I think you'll be fine! Rah rah rah, you got your own cheering section here.
frugaltexan75 Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 05:28 pm

Thanks again everyone. I'm really trying to keep my mind on the positive side of things. Not entirely succeeding.
My cheering section is helping though.
One positive though - a man who works out at the gym each Friday afternoon when I'm there told me that his company might be hiring - maybe for an admin asst type job. I told him I had a degree and about my job experience and gave him my contact info. Who knows if anything will come of it - but it's worth a try.
lizajane Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 05:33 pm

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear it. You do sound pretty well prepared financially, but I know it stinks regardless. Take a little time to think about what you want to do next, since it might be time for a new opportunity.
scfr Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 07:17 pm

Oh, gosh, so sorry to hear it. I hope this will be the beginning of a positive new direction in your life, whether it is in California, here in Texas, or somewhere else.

I see you were a teacher ... So am I correct in assuming you have a 4-year college degree minimum? If so, I could steer you to some possible temp work in the Dallas area.
Blue Eyes Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 07:19 pm

I'm so sorry to hear about your job loss. Take care!
homebody Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 07:48 pm

So sorry, you have done a good job though getting prepared for such a possibility. Buying your own health insurance may be cheaper than Cobra. My 28-year-old daughter has a $2000.00 deductible for about $125.00 a month through Blue Cross of Nevada. You may check with a broker or on a Blue Cross/Blue Shield web site. Before I became employed my 50-year-old DH $3000.00 deductible HSA approved plan was $147.00 a month through Blue Shield of California. So something to consider.
frugaltexan75 Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 08:28 pm

scfr - Yes, I do have a 4-year degree. I'd be interested in hearing about the jobs you mentioned.

homebody,

You're right. I really should check into other avenues of insurance first.
my english castle Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 09:43 pm

Ah Laura--I'm so sorry. But we are all pulling for you here. We know how hard you work! And I'm glad you've got the gym as a mini backup! It's lousy to lay off someone at Valentine's Day.
Bah.
snoopycool Says:
February 14th, 2009 at 04:53 am

I'm sorry to hear that! I know what you're going through. Hang in there... sounds like you have a solid plan to get you through to the next FT job.
frugaltexan75 Says:
February 14th, 2009 at 08:21 am

Thanks MEC, I'm glad I have the gym too - glad I didn't go through with really quitting it a few weeks ago.

Snoopy, Thank you. I have a plan of sorts - just not sure what the reality is going to be. Guess I'll be finding out . .
Ralph Says:
February 14th, 2009 at 12:11 pm

Wow, that really makes me sad. These layoffs are affecting way too many good people. But I'm proud of you for being ready for it - not too many people are. But if you weren't really in love with your job that helps a little. I'm wishing all the best for you!
frugaltexan75 Says:
February 14th, 2009 at 12:25 pm

Thank you Ralph. You're right, it does help that I wasn't completely happy with my job in the first place.
scfr Says:
February 14th, 2009 at 04:49 pm

Hey Laura - I wanted to send you a PM or message through Email to tell you about the temp opportunity, but you're not set up to receive them. Would you mind either temporarily setting up to receive them, or send me a PM and hopefully I can reply to you. If that doesn't work, maybe Jeffrey can facilitate getting a message to you? I'd rather not broadcast the name of the company since I work for them sometimes myself.
frugaltexan75 Says:
February 14th, 2009 at 11:36 pm

scfr - I sent you an email (I think) lmk if you don't get it- thanks!
dawn Says:
February 15th, 2009 at 05:53 am
scfr Says:
February 15th, 2009 at 07:36 am

Laura - I got it and sent you a reply. Let me know if you don't get it.
frugaltexan75 Says:
February 15th, 2009 at 07:59 am

Got it,thanks scfr.
baselle Says:
February 15th, 2009 at 10:12 pm

I'm sorry to hear about this. It does sound like you are much better prepared this time than last time, and for that - congratulations. Remember we are all here for you, and remember that if you want to make a change, here's your chance.
Analise Says:
February 17th, 2009 at 11:21 am

I'm very sorry to hear your news... but, cliche-y as it may sound, when one door closes, another opens. This could be just the push you need to move your life in another direction. You are a smart and resourceful young woman and have wisely saved some $$. This will allow you to get by for months, regardless of being laid off. Good luck!
Sunshine Suz Says:
February 17th, 2009 at 11:39 am

Ekkkk. I've been sick and am just catching up. BUMMER! Sorry this happened.
Check out ehealthinsurance.com
You can get quotes immediately and it also tells you not to cancell COBRA till you are approved.
Good Luck.
frugaltexan75 Says:
February 17th, 2009 at 12:41 pm

Thanks Baselle. You're right, I am much better prepared this time than last time - plus there are other circumstances which were involved last time regarding family members which won't reoccur.
Analise - Thanks! I'm trying to keep my eyes open for those open doors!
Sunshine - Thanks! I will check ehealthinsurance. I'm on my companies insurance through the end of February, so no Cobra yet.
miclason Says:
February 17th, 2009 at 08:05 pm

I'm late seeing this, but, as I've said before (and as I said when it happened to me!) This is just the beggining of something better to come, you'll see!I'm sure it's a blessing in disguise!
((hugs))
frugaltexan75 Says:
February 17th, 2009 at 08:25 pm

Thanks Miclason.
Amber Says:
February 21st, 2009 at 06:36 pm

Oh I am sorry. Keep in mind that when we think God closes one door He opens another that's better than the first
Hugs
gamecock43 Says:
February 23rd, 2009 at 06:35 am

Oh wow. I'm late to this entry but that sucks.
pretty cheap jewelry Says:
February 25th, 2009 at 11:51 am

me too (seeing it late). Cali is pretty hard hit with the recession, my personal opinion is don't move, use the internet to your fullest advantage to explore employment before making a move.

Keep us in the loop, if nothing, to make us not worry!

Keeping It Frugal in Texas

My thoughts about life and money.

Happy Valentines to me. NOT!

40 Responses to “Happy Valentines to me. NOT!”

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