I got the news yesterday - my job is gone after June 30.

[Skip Intro]

Done. Over.

I've been with this company for almost six years.

This is a small company, no 401k, but they did provide health insurance with a rather small monthly contribution from the employees.

And when they called me in last Sat, I was given a two month notice. Far more lucky that some, who will find out this week that they have a job no more.

The company is crashing. It's done. Over.

I'll look for new work, but this job paid pretty well, and I was just barely able to make my mortgage payments and keep the lights on with that.

I may have to go on unemployment for the first time in almost 30 years of straight working.

I won't be able to pay my house payments, not to mention the other costs of living, on that meager assistance.

I have two months to figure out what to do, but I'm starting at square one, and square one is pretty effin' scary tonight.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I am so sorry, my dear Skip Intro...

I know it's scary, and I have no suggestions. I'm sure someone will, though...

:hug:

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. I'm sorry

[Liberal_in_LA]

3. Sorry. Glad you got the 2 months notice.

[question everything]

4. So sorry to hear about this

Still, supposedly we have already hit bottom with the economy so perhaps there is some movement in the jobs area.

One of the problem is that since the company is going under there is not even COBRA for you. You may want to call your sate dept. of insurance to inquire.

Do apply for unemployment payments immediately. Several weeks ago there was a story on NPR about how hard it is to even reach the dept. So start looking into this.

And call as many friends and family as you can. Yes, many are in the same boat, but one never knows.

Good luck.

[FedUp_Queer]

5. What do you do?

Hello. I've been there. So...let me offer to help. What do you do? Where do you do it. Feel free to email, perhaps we can do some networking and see where that leads. [e-mail] is my email. We regular folks have to stick together. God knows our government has left us hung out to dry.

[Skittles]

9. you are a nice guy

glad to see you on DU :hi:

[Fluffdaddy]

6. Scary .........But think about selling your house

Tip
If you are SURE you won't be able to MAKE your house payments, Put your home up for sale.
Don't get so far behind that the bank takes the house and you get no money back.

I'm sorry you are gong thru this.

[lupinella]

7. My thoughts are with you

I understand what you are going through. I lost my full time job that I loved in February. Yes, my partner and I are working enough jobs (three part time for her, four for me) to keep afloat right now, but looking into the future is not a hobby in which I indulge. My therapist (which I've only seen once since the end of benefits) made me realize that the grief process is the same for any loss.
I hope that your suffering is minimal because no matter what anyone will say, it doesn't feel any better knowing others are sharing this particular boat ride.
Good luck, fellow traveler.

P.s. Feel free to kick anyone who spouts aphorisms at you. 'Everything happens for a reason' & 'When god closes a door, he opens up a window' should both legally require a boot to the backside.

[lbrtbell]

15. I agree, empty platitudes are so full of B.S.

Everything happens for a reason, all right. Republicans ruin the world, THAT'S the reason! :(

[handmade34]

8. sending positive thoughts your way

Starting at square one is scary, I know...

[Ken Burch]

10. I"m sorry to hear it. A lot of people are just a step away from this.

Good luck. And hopefully, this country will get some serious jobs programs in place sometime soon.

[NJCher]

11. there's hope for you and your house

Go to your mortgage holder's web site. There will be a link there for President Obama's (oh what a thrill, I can finally call someone "president" after eight freaking years) programs for people in your situation.

Putting your home up for sale is a last-ditch effort, especially at a time when there are no buyers. Perhaps you can take in a roommate for awhile? If you don't want a roommates, maybe you can rent out a room to a college student if there's an educational institute in your area. I am a college teacher and I asked my students what they were doing for the summer and all but one was taking classes.

And consider some type of freelance business that will get you out of the house and into contact with other people.

I know things look bleak tonight but in the last few weeks I've had a couple friends land jobs and I've seen a thread or two here where someone has announced a new job. It can happen. Chin up! :)


Cher

p.s. in the lounge is one story about someone laid off finding work and then there's this:
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=268346

If that guy can find work, you can!

[aquart]

12. I am so sorry. This sucks.

[readmoreoften]

13. That sucks. I'm so sorry.

:(

[lbrtbell]

14. I'm new, so I don't know you

But I'm so very sorry to hear about your plight. When on earth is this madness going to end? :(

[Egnever]

16. Ugh

Stories like these make me glad I work for myself.

You are a good egg though Skip, Someone will want a person of your clear inteligence working for them. Try to stay positive if you can.

[TheWatcher]

17. So Sorry to hear this Skip.

It's an ugly reality so many face right now. :(

I don't have any answers either, but you have my Best Thoughts and Wishes that a solution will emerge soon.

Take Care, and Peace Be To You.

[SoCalDem]

18. Shit..shit shit.. That really is sad.. Sending you a cyber-hug

Call EVERY FRIEND YOU HAVE..ASAP.. Let them all know you are looking for work..someone may know someone..

If you are able, you might even check into waiting tables as a moonlighting job now..My friend went back to waitressing, and even though she hated going back to it, the tips come in handy..

Maybe you could rent out your house to cover the mortgage, put your stuff in storage and crash with family /friends for a few months:shrug:...or find a cheaper place to live until things even out..

A co-worker of my husband's did this.. they rented out their house for 6 months and stayed with her parents, and it saved their house..

[Berry Cool]

19. I'm sorry, and I know the scary feeling.

I hate it when this happens, because I have been there.

Breathe. Take time for now to do that. Then plan what to do next.

[rucky]

20. Now is the time to contact your mortgage servicer.

there are programs out there. If they don't help you, refinance with someone who can.