Comments on: Day One of Unemployment

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:32:51 +0000

You are correct… eveything happens for a reason. I went through a layoff several years ago. I was devestated (my pride, that is). It took 6 months to find another job. Looking back, it was probably one of the best things that has ever happened to me both personally and professionally. Yes, we had to cut back and dip into our savings, but we made it! You’ll never forget the experience… but that’s probably a good thing. You’ll be fine… just hang in there!

By: stephanie

stephanie — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:43:52 +0000

My step-father was laid off from a government job a few years ago, and he and my mother (and their son, who was about 8 at the time) managed to get by on her beautician’s salary and his unemployment. I think part of the trick is deciding how long you are willing to hold out for a great job, or how much of your savings you are willing to go through before you take a job in retail or whatever else you can get just for the extra cash. Lots of sites have been recommending learning new skills – has she considered taking some time to go back to school, perhaps learn a new trade (if hers is a niche that may not be in demand for a few years) or take some management courses so that when she resumes work, she can quickly move up the ladder to (hopefully) a more stable job?

Best of luck to you both, you’re in my thoughts.

By: allen

allen — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:45:16 +0000

As with everyone else, sorry to hear about this. It sounds like you two have a great handle on things, though, and that is one of your blessings.

It sounds like you two are handling this better then most, and you both have the right attitude. Good Luck!

By: Studenomics

Studenomics — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:06:39 +0000

Sorry to hear that man. I have been reading your blog a quite some time now and I know that you are intelligent and I believe if you guys put your minds together something great will happen in the end. Maybe she will find work in the same field or who knows she might find a totally new career that she will love. It’s good to hear that you guys are strong and ready to fight through this.

By: Jack

Jack — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:00:51 +0000

Sorry to hear that. I am a landscape architect as well. The ASLA posted this in their blog a month back. I hope it may help.

http://dirt.asla.org/2008/12/10/landscape-architecture-job-sites/

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:20:11 +0000

Sorry for that, the times are tough for everyone. I really recommend being active on LinkedIn. Join several groups related to your industry or niche and be active on discussions, as well as post discussions saying you are looking for a specific job in a specific area. I connected with someone and found an intern that way, and I know people have gotten jobs.

By: Rich

Rich — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:18:21 +0000

My wife was unemployeed for about 5 months, and honestly it wasn’t nearly as bad as we thought it would be, especially with her unemployement checks coming in. We live in the high-cost San Francisco Bay Area, but we managed to get, eat well, and still pay down debt on one income.

I think the key for us was giving up non-essential spending. We stopped eating out on weekends and started cooking as much as possible. That saved quite a bit of money. We actually increased our grocery budget a little so that we could buy good food every now and then. Having a tasty ribeye steak at home is expensive, but still way cheaper than going out. And having good food at home kept us from wanting to go out.

Other than that, tracking every expensense and getting rid of things you don’t need will help a lot. Good luck!

By: Jon

Jon — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:29:21 +0000

I went through a layoff a couple of years ago, so I can tell you first hand what it takes to get to the other side.
Here’s the URL for an article that appeared yesterday in the Idaho Business review about my experiences.

http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2009/01/12/Lose-your-job-Recareer-Degree-with-word-computer-in-it-works-out-for-Boise-man–Focus

Email me if you wish, and I can provide more info that didn’t make the final cut in the article.
Good luck to you and your wife!

By: Alan

Alan — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:18:31 +0000

Depending on your situation, don’t ignore quality positions that are outside of your targeted career:

http://my-wealth-builder.blogspot.com/2009/01/part-time-job-opporutnity-census-bureau.html

By: Aman@BullsBattleBears.com

Aman@BullsBattleBears.com — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:16:53 +0000

Its hard and stressful, but as long as you are supportive of her during this time it will only make things easier.

from the experience of a similar instance happening to a good friend, I would say that: positive attitude, support, and exercise help. The latter will help more than you would expect.

Things always turn around…keep positive!

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