…another one opens, right? And hopefully it is a bigger, better door: prettier, shinier, brighter, more comfortable, makes you happier, pays better, offers more perks.
Oh, that kind of wandered off, didn’t it?
I had planned a cutesy post about a topic that I thought was important today: men’s cologne. And I was all set to write about that until my husband called me around 4:30 pm to tell me he was coming home early today.
Because he lost his job.
Dammit.
I’d like to say this came completely out of the blue, but it didn’t. When he started working for this state agency two years ago, it was a non-political agency. With our new governor (a man who has made me question if he really is a Democrat) in place, he quickly set about putting this agency under his control, allowing him to appoint a leader of the agency.
Shortly after that, people who had worked there before this change of leadership began disappearing. Some transferred or found other jobs, others were encouraged to find employment elsewhere, and for those who remained, many were reassigned to new positions.
Aaron watched as his entire department was torn down, leaving him with the jobs of those who were no longer there, along with his own responsibilities. Despite the additional work, he received no pay raise, since our lovely governor had frozen the pay of most state employees. But at least he still had a job, so we continued on with little complaint.
More people disappeared, though, and this time new people appeared, despite a state hiring freeze. These new people held positions that had never been advertised on the state’s jobs website and collected comfortable salaries. Some didn’t even seem to know how to do parts of their job. Aaron was again given new responsibilities that didn’t suit his skill set, yet also was expected to continue with most of his previous job, too.
But today it all ended. After overloading him to the point that no single person could accomplish all of those tasks in a timely manner, and giving him a useless manager who never responded to his multiple requests to meet and discuss his responsibilities, he was told his services were no longer needed. Pack up your desk, turn in your keycard, and see you again never.
We’re not in a state of panic – yet. Probably because it’s still sinking in. The paychecks will run out in mid-July, and our health insurance is good through the end of July. Then we’ll panic for sure. We’ll have the option of Cobra after that, but there’s no way we can afford it. And last I checked, gas is $4 a gallon and the job market suuuucks.
We’ll get by somehow. We both bring in a little money from writing, and his resume is sitting on several desks already. Aaron has been unhappy with his job for several months, so the job hunt actually started back in March. Hopefully this is some kind of blessing in disguise, and the ideal job will fall into his lap as a result.
Until then, I’ll be reading Megan’s eBay column carefully to learn how to make the best auction listings, and temporarily giving up my search for a Wii Fit. I’ll also try to convince my sweet, devoted husband to not bother getting me a birthday gift this Saturday, because in this case, the thought will be good enough.
This is a big setback, financially, but it’s not the end of the world. At least he won’t be under so much stress from the toxic work environment he had to deal with. Aside from having no income at the moment, things aren’t too bad: we’re healthy, we have supportive friends and family, and we have each other. I’d say that’s still better than what many have.
Christina, I’m so sorry to hear this news. My husband went through something similar a few years ago, where they laid people off and loaded all this work on him. Then they used the fact that he couldn’t do the work of 3 people to replace him with someone who made ten thousand dollars less per year.
I have to say that you have a great outlook and recognize that there are still people who are worse off. I know you and your family will make it through this.
I’m so sorry. We also went through this a couple of years ago and that’s when my husband started writing full time working from home. It’s been rough at times but its had major rewards too.
I hope this will give you both and opportunity to pursue something that will make your family much happier.
Coming out of lurkdom to say I’m so sorry this happened. Sending lots of good vibes that Aaron finds a better job quickly!
I’m so sorry and I do hope that it’s a blessing in disguise. I work in a capital city and a change of officials always seems to shake things up.
Hang in there!
Oh, I’m sorry. I hope this leads to something much better.
Sorry this happened. I hope the new shiney door opens for Aaron and your family soon. Keep up the positive outlook. They say that’s half the battle. I know I’m an eternal pessimist so your attitude is amazing to me.
Sorry this happened. I don’t care how many clues you may have had no one should have to sit around waiting for this.
Yes, that door will be brighter and bigger!
You are very strong and your positive outlook will get you through this.
Oh Christina, I am so sorry. You have such a positive attitude, though, and I am sure that will serve you all very well. Best of luck.
So sorry, glad you have such a great outlook and that you are seeing it as an opportunity.
Sorry to hear it 🙁
Hopefully he’ll find something better in no time 😉
I’m sorry this happened. But it’s true: the door will be shinier and better for all of you. He’ll be happier, you’ll be happier. It will work out, somehow, and you will be glad of this. I hope that comes sooner, rather than later.
Oh, no. Christina, I am so sorry. Hoping that your new door is shiny, indeed, and quick to appear.
oh, I’m really so sorry. We went through something similar. It is hard when mommy is tight and the future is uncertain. You guys are great, hang in there together. I hope his resume impresses many in the days ahead – I’m sure it will
Sigh… I’m so sorry. Even if he DID want a new job, it’s always nice to be able to leave your old and start into the new one.
My fingers are crossed that this will bring something better for you all.
Oh, man, that sucks. I’m sorry, Christina. Let me know if there’s anything we can do.
Again, this sucks. I really hope that everything works itself out quickly.
Christina,
I am so sorry but you know, this may be a blessing in disguise.
Take care,
Emily
Oh Christina…my heart is breaking. This situation is way too familiar. I remember it all too well (it was only 3 months ago that I wrote words just like yours).
I’m keeping you and Aaron in my thoughts and sending good ju-ju your way.
Hang in there. I know it’s hard, but hopefully a better opportunity will fall into your laps.
That totally blows. Sorry guys.
So sorry to hear this. I have so many friends who’s husband are out of work, and I have several girlfriends who have been looking for work to no avail. What’s going to happen when there are no jobs and gas and food prices keep going up? Something needs to happen, and soon.
Can you get student health insurance through nursing school? It’s probably way cheaper than COBRA. Hope it doesn’t come to that, though. Good luck in the search.
Katie – No, I can’t. My school doesn’t offer student health insurance. They offer brochures for individual health plans, but due to Cordy’s health problems, and a few other health history problems, it’s unlikely any individual plan will touch us without charging a huge amount.
Christina I’m sorry to hear about this and I do remember the other times you talked about Aaron’s job and what was going on. Scary stuff. But you are resourceful and smart so I know you’ll find a way to make it work. I really hope he finds something that makes him happy and where he is appreciated for his talents.
I am so sorry to hear that he lost his job! I will be thinking of you and praying for you, all of you!
Hang in there and stay positive, maybe you are right that this is a blessing in disguise.
we went through this…when i was pregnant with my second and we had just bought a house. it was stressful, yes…but it turned out to be such a blessing in disguise. he got a much better job where he was able to move up much quicker.
hugs. sending good new job vibes your way!!!
I’m sorry to hear this, Christina. I hope something fantastic comes thru quickly.
Oh, C., that sucks!
I’m hoping for a shiny new door w/ a pretty bow on it for you guys.
Best wishes for Aaron finding a job quickly – one with a happier work environment! That office sounded really stressful
Well hell, that’s awful news. I’m really sorry.
Damn, that really blows. I’m sorry. But Aaron can collect unemployment, right?
That sucks out loud. I feel for you both. In the meantime Aaron could try getting a longish term consulting gig to keep you guys afloat until he finds something more permanent.
Just coming out of anonymous-ville to let you know that you’re in my prayers. That is not a fun situation to be in, but I applaud your positive attitude.
I really hope that something works out soon for you and your family.
Good luck!
I’m so sorry to hear this. Hang in there, better things are around the corner. Just remember that sometimes you have to open your own doors and sometimes you have to look for doors that don’t seem to be there…Mental hugs!
Plus side? This of the QT you’ll be able to spend during this time as a family.
Christina,
Reading your post, well, it is my life now too. H lost his job on Tuesday in the third round of layoffs.
I guess we’ll have a lot to talk about at BlogHer now…
You guys are in my thoughts and just like you we run out of insurance in July. I’m freaking out being pregnant and all. I hope things turn around soon for you guys!
Hang in there. I know it’s tough. We went through a similar situation three years ago. It did turn out for the best for us. I hope it does for you too.