Well, I have some bad news. Unfortunately with the down economy and other factors, my job that I have had for the last 18 years will be gone. What I mean by gone is the whole company will no longer exist. They just couldn't make it. I am really sad in a way. I am sad because I have been there for so long and I really love the people I work with. I am not sad because I have been so burnt out on what I do and I haven't been happy there in a really long time.
What I am not looking forward too is job hunting. I know there are some jobs out there but I want to be picky. Plus I want to do something else, something totally different than what I have been doing the last 18 yrs.
I should be employed for the next month or so. I will get approximately 6 weeks paid vacation time and a bonus but only if I stay the duration of the companies existence. I will go on unemployment, which I have only been on once in my life.
I am scared, very scared! I have alot of bills just like everyone else. I have 13 kids that I will need to feed and they always get fed before I feed myself. They come first. I will live off Mac and Cheese and Top Ramen if I have too. Yuck!
My OH has been very worried also, thinking he might get laid off of work. His company had a ton of cancellations of new projects that were supposed to be starting. He just found out that they found a temporary place for him until a big project starts this summer. Whew! If he lost his job we would lose our house and everything we have worked so hard for! One less worry. But we still have alot of other worries.
I know what my calling is. I dream about it. Now if I can just find a job doing what I love the most!
I am planning on taking the summer off. I haven't had a summer off since I was in high school (18 yrs!). I would like to take this time to get my yard back in order, get some serious horseback riding in, spend some quality time with my Aussies, spend time with my family. I will still look for a job during this time. I will submit my resume at places that I want to work at to start. I will be picky at first. I really want to love my next job and only one thing would make me extremely happy.
The new job I am looking for I know I will take an extreme paycut. One of the reasons I have stayed where I am at for so long is because of money. I think that is why alot of people stay where they are, even though they aren't happy, like myself. Money. It is amazing what money does to people. I know, I am one of them. No more. I would take minimum wage if I found the job of my dreams, a job where I am excited to get up in the morning, a job that fulfills me, a job where I can come home after work and say I had a great day today! I would even start part time if needed. As long as I am happy!
My biggest concern is benefits. I need medical benefits. I know alot of places don't offer their employees benefits, I need them. I had lung surgery 12 yrs ago, knee surgery 3 1/2 yrs ago and I know I need 2 more knee surgeries. I had pneumonia last December and had to make a trip to the emergency room. This worries me. Since my OH and I aren't married, I can't go on his medical. I know, if only we got married! This is totally another blog post!
I know I haven't known you guys all that long but do you know what my calling is? What I'd like to do for the rest of my life? Let me know what you think I want to do with my life, what will make me happy.
To be continued......................................
20 comments:
Well my guess is something to do with animals??? My prayers are for you, I totally understand what your worries are.
I wanted you to also know, I have something for you over at My Place..
Jan
I'm so sorry you have to go throught his crap babe. You are in my prayers daily, we will all get through this tough time. May all your dreams come true. Not just the job!
I'm also gonna guess that animals are involved. Maybe at a rescue/rehab center? I'm very sorry to hear about this life change, but certainly hope that things work out exactly the way you want them to. I have a feeling they will...I always say everything happens for a reason. You have such a positive attitude about it and I think it's GREAT that you're taking this opportunity to pursue your dreams. I think you're right, in that a lot of us have a calling that we didn't necessarily get to pursue due to financial reasons. I think it's great that the company is offering the vacation and bonus pay...hopefully that will ease the burden a little. GOOD LUCK with everything...I will be staying tuned for updates!
we've never met, but i know your mom. she boards her "dust buster" at our stables. i live with dr. tony. my thoughts are with you during this time. if god brings you to it he will bring you thru it..i would like to say that your next job will be with animals...horses perhaps??.....
Well Paint Girl, not having known you all that long via blogland, and not knowing what type of work you've been doing for 18 yrs...this a tough question to try to answer. Only you know what is in your heart and what your true passions are. And you should follow your dreams and passions.
Although this is a very scary and uncertain time for you, you should think of it as one door closing and another opening.
Because that is just what it is. A new beginning filled with new opportunities.
If I had to guess what type of work you'd be interested in I'd wager a Vet Tech (I did that for a few years...it was fun..but also heartbreaking), a zoo worker, apprentice/worker at a horse breeding/boarding/training barn. Maybe even working at a museum or nature center.
Whatever you decide to do, I hope it makes you happy.
And don't feel bad about getting Unemployment. As my Dad reminds me, you and your company have paid into it, for just the reasons why you will get paid with it. You've earned it....especially after putting in a long 18 yrs with the company. So enjoy your little break this summer, my friend.
Oh, but yes, definetely get medical insurance. I was so worried last summer about riding horses and not having insurance, which we still didn't have.
Thankfully the medical insurance went into effect in November.....one month before the fall of my horse and subsequent surgery.
The costs are already over $20,000. I don't know what we'd have done if we didn't have medical insurance. gah!
Take Care,
((((HUGS))))
Lisa
Don't have a clue what you might want to do.
Hold onto your confidence, but fair warning: it's BAD out there. There are more people out of work than you can imagine and a lot of competition for available jobs. Mike had to take a job making half of what I make. We could lose our home at any time. I'll keep you in my prayers.
I'm sorry to hear about your job - that is really tough news. Although, like you mentioned, this might be an opportunity to take some time for yourself and find a job you enjoy more.
I'm with the others - I'm guessing something to do with animals - you have quite the crew at your farm, so that is my guess! Working at a rescue or a vet's office would be good, maybe training dogs? Hmm...
I would have to say something to do with animals! I will say a prayer for you. I hope things work out smoothly for you guys and you don't have to lose anything you love!
Thanks for your sweet comment, and actually, my header rotates between 3 pics, so it might be different next time (or I might totally change them, time for some "springy" pics!) =)
To ride your ponies and write a blog! If only it pays.
Fortunately for me I have more jobs being fired at me than I can take at this time.
I do on average a day 30 stalls, ride/drive between 2-6 horses and web design or school when I get home depending on the month.
Weekends are for weddings and carriage rides/parties that I am hired for and I got a lady in the mall that wants me to do henna tattoos in a both. Too bad you didn't live closer ;)
Vet's office? Farrier? Jockey?
I can't wait to hear part two! Although there are many ifs involved, I can't think of anything greater than to spend 8 hours of the day doing something that gives you real meaning and enjoyment. Although it's hard to do with less money, getting to do something that gives you fulfillment is amazing.
Warm greetings,
Esther
i am so very sorry! i hate that this is happening to you. though i do not know you, i love your blog. what about giving riding lessons to kids? farm tours? agritourism is growing. equine rescue? prayers to you fellow blogger and i know that with all these wonderful followers you have that something good will come of this. keep your options open!
Sorry to hear about your job! Definately an opportunity knocking some where else though! I too believe that everything happens for a reason and if you weren't happy, then there is certainly something better out there for you. The boyfriend and I are both in the construction biz and have been biting our nails. It was a tight winter, but so far so good.
As for medical insurance...I'm an office manager and deal with the medical insurance renewals. We just renewed a couple weeks ago and one of the new options that I noticed was that domestic partners were able to be covered if the company chooses to do that kind of coverage. Might be something your OH could ask about? Just a thought. If that doesn't work out BE SURE to get your new coverage before your old coverage runs out! It's WAY easier and I think it can be less expensive.
Anyways, good for you for taking a summer off and taking advantage of some well deserved time off! And looking forward to the next installment and hearing what your dream job is!
I hope things look brighter for you soon cuz. A little birdie with blond feathers gave me the heads up on your dream job, and I think it would be terrific for you!
I hope I get to see you this summer since you're taking it off!!!
I also know what your DREAM JOB is...we all talked about it one night in our jammy's at my house in the desert!!! I really missed not having my neices visit us this year...but times are tough everywhere. We will hope for next year! I think it is worth it for you to stay till the end for the bonus and it does look good on resume cause it shows loalty and dedication from you. Make sure to put that on your resume and why you chose to do so! I hope maybe that you and Pony Girl can come down for some rides in the PNW! I will have 2 horses and my friend D should have her new horse by then too so we will have 3 horses!!! Luv and hugs to you,
Your Auntie Rose
I hope this is the perfect opportunity to find your calling. Enjoy your time off and I hope you find that job that makes you excited to go to work everyday. I have a job that I do not enjoy, but also have it just for the paycheck, but I may be in the same boat as you this summer. My thoughts are with you.
I believe these things happen for a reason and in the end it all works out. Sounds a little idealistic, I guess, but I think it is true. Now you have no reason not to take that step toward the job you really want (involves animals, I have no doubt). Go for it and be happy!
Paint Girl, doesn't OH's insurance offer coverage for domestic partners!?
This will sound cliche, but I'll say it anyway because I know it is true: of all my friends over the years who have either gotten laid off or been fired, I am amazed, really amazed, at how such a terrible thing has so often turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to them. Or, kind of like breaking up with a boyfriend and thinking you will never ever meet anyone else--and then you go and meet someone 80 million times better! ALSO, I live in a tax-heavy, very expensive state and I am living proof that a person (even one with many animal children to support) can live quite richly on a very miniscule amount of money! You are smart and resourceful, and you will not only make it, you will THRIVE.
OMG!!! I am so sorry, I have been off line for a few days so I am catching up... If I were to think of something that would make you happy it would definitely involve animals!! Probably like a vet tech or animal shelter?!?! You know around here you can actually take classes to become a certified vet tech...Just a thought, ok I gotta go read your other posts now. Oh and Definitely do not feel bad about unemployment, you deserve it!!
Oh man! I'm so sorry...and so happy for you! I truly hope you find a job that you absolutely love! It's out there, I just know it. I will add you to my prayers.
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