** Rant Warning ** Today the economy hit me

[MarkInCA]

I knew it would, after all I have been suffering the same as everyone, high gas prices, high cost of everything from groceries to stuff at Home Depot to maintain my 70 year old house.

Today was different, there was no bonus handed out at the company Christmas party for the first time in years. I work in the fresh produce business which many people think is immune because people will always buy produce. Maybe so, but we deal with a lot of farmers, truckers, customers, vendors, etc. who are also suffering and this effects our business. We also are into farming which requires credit and many of the things we need to do to stay competitive require bank loans and credit.

No business is immune in these times. I have worked at my current job for 8 years. I was also at the company for 1 1/2 years prior to that in a different position. The scary thing is that I know that I could loose my job every day. I wouldn't be pissed at the company because I know that cuts have to be made in this economy. My company has been very good to me and my family.

While the small bonus we got at the annual Christmas party was not much, many of us used it to buy a little bit better present for our family. I understand that the bonus was based on the profitability of the company and is just that, a bonus.

Fortunately I went through almost loosing my house and a bankruptcy about 9 years ago and we are now living a more manageable life. I am fortunate that I can pay the bills and feed myself and my wife.

However, I really realized today that any given day I could loose everything. I was able to save my house and deal with the creditors years ago through bankruptcy, but I don't have that option now. If I am cut due to financial reasons, I will loose everything. I am just able to get by each pay period because I am rebuilding and paying off debt.

God Damn Bush and his admin for allowing our country to financially collapse, I am supposed to be rebuilding from my mistakes but instead I know that every day it may start again.

OK, thanks for letting me get that off my chest DU, today sucks.

[alittlelark]

1. I'm sorry.

I know that seems paltry.... but I am truly sorry.

Just keep hoping that 1-20-09 will bring us a new hope.

[Swamp Rat]

4. and a job, and health insurance, and new clothes.

[glowing]

2. Many are in your shoes.. I'm stretched to the max.. and the cost of living

is still increasing in little ways.. insurance, property tax.. etc. etc. etc. NO extra income.

[Ichingcarpenter]

3. No problem on your rant..... sounds like

You're still employed, I've worked most of my life at
jobs we never got christmas bonuses, never. I finally got
one with a job and it really made the season better for the kids.
Everyone at that job, were betting on how much they would be.
I wasn't use to that world, but understand now, people considered
it part of their salary. I think your job is safe for now.


Anyway, I can see times are getting tougher and I worry about my situation, a lot.

[MarkInCA]

5. Thanks for the thoughts

I have set a goal this Christmas season to not focus on the negative (commercialism, religious wars, etc.) and focus again on what the season is about. I even appreciate other views, my owner is jewish and is nice enough to pay for a Christmas party for us Christians knowing that all faiths can enjoy the fellowship.

In an effort to not get too down, tonight I am making CDs of some cassette recordings my wife made 25+ years ago of my step son in an effort to preserve them. It is making me smile a lot.

Today I am blessed and fortunate, but tomorrow worries me.

[Lisa0825]

6. I hope your job will continue to be safe.

I worked really hard to pay off old debts over the past few years. I am mostly debt free now, with just a house and car note. I got my layoff notice last month. I am on the payroll for 5 more weeks, I am pretty confident I will have a new job by then, as I have lined up two 2nd interviews for this week. It's very scary out there. I will kiss the carpet in the office the day I start work. I don't need much. I just want to keep my house and car.

[MarkInCA]

8. I know what your going through

My financial situatuation was due to layoffs years ago, and I pray you will do better.

[pacalo]

7. I know how you feel. It makes a world of difference when you're counting on it

& then find out right before Christmas that you're not getting it. Awwww... :hug: