Lost my job today

[Ichiban]

This is sad news, indeed.  I wish you and your family all the best and hope you can find something soon.

[crusader rabbit]

Two years ago I was forced to close down my business.  Before that final day I had received no phone calls from clients or potential clients for nearly three months.  The only calls I got were from colleagues asking me how I was weathering the downturn--and could I turn them on to any work.  Then, even they stopped calling as their phones got turned off.

I'm not telling you this to elicit sympathy, or to discourage you.  I am telling you this so you have some idea that I know where you're coming from. 

Alfsuave had it right when he noted that so much of who we are is tied up in what we do.  Being told that our job isn't important enough to justify our salary really hurts.  It's a kick to our ego's groin, so to speak.

All that being said, there is still some work out there.  It may not be what you would normally do.  It may not be something you would normally consider doing.  And it may not be at a compensation rate that's even close to what you've been making.  But, it's work, and it pays something.

And, don't dismiss your photographic skills out of hand.  Check with Olan Mills or Sears:  you just could be the next great kid photographer.  You may come home smelling like throw-up and urine, but you'll also come home with a little dough-re-mi.

But most importantly, retain a positive state of mind.  Visualize what you want, then say it aloud.  Our brains respond differently when our ears hear something.  Start the day by looking in the mirror and saying something like:  I am a valuable husband, father and employee;  I have tremendous skills;  Today I will advance myself by _______________.  And fill in the blank with what you are going to do to find that job.  Maybe it's sending out resumes. Maybe it's by making phone calls to associates.  Maybe it's by enrolling in something that will make you more valuable.  Maybe it's by taking a "mental health" day.  Just don't give yourself too many of those or they will take over you life.

Finally, know that you have people thinking about you, hoping and praying for the best for you.  You will weather this set-back.  And you'll be stronger for the trial.

Good luck BAC, and keep us all posted as you achieve this next success.

[2HOW]

I have been in your shoes twice in the last 2 years, no fun at all. I'm still working but hours are cut back to part time, still looking for something better. Feel your pain Bro. chin up, it will get better.

[shooter32]

Sorry to hear it, Bac! One door closing and a new one opens, good luck!

[BAC]

Thanks for all the kind words and advice, everyone!  It hasn't even been a full day and I feel like I should be out looking for a job already.  It's going to be an adjustment for sure.   

[Sponsor]

[Teresa Heilevang]

CR said what I would have said. .................And after reading all the posts... the advise is very solid and good.
 Can't add to it.. but I can reiterate...
DO NOT lose your self worth. You must always try to keep a good attitude about yourself. You have your daughter and your wife and your health and that right there is the blessing that nothing else can take precedence over.
 And even if you are eating bans and cornbread... Your FAMILY and the love you share is the most important.. Sometimes we think that we need more than we actually do to survive. Actually when it comes down to it.. we need very little.
Recently I found myself in a situation that made me sit back ..reevaluate..and it was an eye opener on what I want vs what I need. I have done an about face and I have to say I actually feel better about a whole lot of things after the eye opening attitude adjustment.

 Good luck.. know that if you have good days or shitty days.. you can always unload on us here.. 

[tombogan03884]

Thanks for all the kind words and advice, everyone!  It hasn't even been a full day and I feel like I should be out looking for a job already. It's going to be an adjustment for sure.   

OH yeah ! You jump out of bed in the morning, go through your routine and then off to....... ?     

[m25operator]

BAC, I am in the same sitrep, now 4 months, at 1st I was pissed and hurt, and had a long pity party, with much alcohol involved, I did make quite a few phone calls for potential employment, and could have gone to work the next day, but I decided, maybe I should not go back into that cauldron, but look for alternatives, that might not be monetarily equal, but more fulfilling and less stressful, with minimal political friction. I will more than likely get a call back tomorrow, to be an educator, which I like, but does not pay half what I was making, but instead of driving 40 miles a day, I will drive 5, instead of getting off at 7pm or later, starting at 9am, I will go to work at 7 and get off at 3, or work 12:30 pm to 11pm, mon-thur and get a 3 day weekend.  My advice is to reflect and circle the wagons, talk to your spouse and make sure you are both on the same page, of course tighten the belt and reflect on your needs, mine have become very simple and the important things seem to come to the top with great clarity. I have cut 1k easily a month, and am looking for more, but still with the ability to have quality in our lives.

As some have said, write down your skills, however mundane you perceive them, and you might be able to cross skill with interest. for example, does your local club allow pictures to be taken, would shooters pay for expert photo's of them shooting? Not a great career, but might pay some bills, and some photographers do make good money doing photo's for gun rags of guns, gear and good shots of shooters doing their thing.

Hang in there and best of luck.

[PegLeg45]

BAC, not much I can add to what has been said by all (and better than I could anyway)....what I can do is pray for a positive swing forward for you and your family.

[cookie62]

all I can add is to stay positive, and keep busy. Volunteer a few hours when you can. Not only will it keep you going , you can make new contacts from those you meet.