Sudden Job Loss
The site's anniversary is coming up in just a few weeks. In the four years I have been publishing, I have had countless people email me or share in person how this site has helped you save to achieve your financial goals. I've also had many share how the site has personally helped during the financial strains a job loss can present.
We are now part of the job loss club.
On Friday (yes, Friday the 13th), my husband was unexpectedly let go from his position due to “reorganization.” I worked in HR for many, many years. There is a reason the word reorganization is in quotes since I know you don't let your best people go. And, while I am biased, I know there are several people who would have to agree that my husband, was indeed, one of the best. But even if they don't believe our word, the financials and improvements as a direct result of his leadership speak for itself.
None of my opinions really matter though since the decision was for the new leadership team to make. We will choose to look at this as a blessing for reasons which we aren't able to share publicly at this time. The good news is that this site has become my job. As such, it provides an income for our family, and the team that work on the site (each contributor is paid and deserve every single penny too!).
This income generated through Savings Lifestyle and various consulting opportunities have always been “bonus” money to help us facilitate debt payoff sooner. It will be paying the bills for a while. We are crossing our fingers that he finds a new position soon but we are also preparing ourselves for this tough job economy. So thanks again for printing your coupons and clicking on the links in the posts here!
Over the course of the next several weeks, I plan on sharing with you what our plan of attack is. The financial experts encourage people to have 6 months of your income saved away for a job loss situation. I totally agree with that. However, I also think there are other things you have to do immediately, both from an HR perspective and a personal finance perspective. Some things I'll share more on are:
- Evaluating Finances
- Updating Resume and Social Job Networks
- Cutting the “Fat”
- Using Your Network
- COBRA or Finding Private Insurance
- Sites to Find Job Openings
Not necessarily in that order and there may be other things I hit during these posts as well as we proceed. For now, I'm thankful to have him home for the interim and I'm glad the people he worked with knows the kind of leader HE IS despite the circumstances. At the end of the day, your character is your legacy NOT your title or paycheck.
I realize I don't share a lot of personal stuff here. As the site has grown, I have come to protect our personal space as a family a bit more due to, to be very blunt, weirdos. I also realize some topics aren't always applicable to the site's mission and think that writing about topics that aren't of interest to the majority may be wasting my time, perhaps?
This is a topic that I know many can relate to so I'll be sharing more personally about what we are doing as we proceed with the steps in hopes that it is at all helpful to you! Please let me know if you would like to hear about other topics as well and I'll do my best to share more.
P.S., for all of the people who have commented on our personal Facebook wall (you know who you are). Your words are an encouragement to me. I know my husband exemplified the true servant leadership model. You know it too. Hopefully that has influenced how you would lead as well.
Feel free to share the sentiments here in the comments. You can comment anonymously if you feel more comfortable, no one sees your email but THIS CEO…me ;-).
The “reorganization team” must be a bunch of bungholes. Paul’s the best! Praying for you guys, can’t wait to see what God’s gonna do! It’s gonna BE AWESOME!!
Jenny, you always know exactly what to say :) <3 ya!
I’m so sorry to read this Andrea. On the one hand it’s wonderful that you are already formulating a plan, and have your site to help with the lost income for now. On the other hand there’s no sugarcoating how much this sucks.
I’m glad you are sharing what steps he and you as a family will be taking as I get asked about this fairly frequently and don’t have much to share by way of resources.
Kelly, that is true. There is no sugar coating it whatsoever. But, we truly are better off (for lots of reasons that I will get to share eventually).
Well unfortunately I’m not glad you have joined our club. Both my husband and I are unemployed and are currently waiting for him to be called to work within the next couple of weeks (hopefully.) Hang in there. I know unemployment and severance pay will only get you so far but please try to remember……
When one door closes another door opens. This may be the time for you two to take on that dream you have. :)
Julie, I’m so sorry! Maybe I’ll email you some questions!! I’ve done some research already on benefits, unemployment, etc. We have his resume updated already so that’s another plus. You are so right though because this door has closed and another is opening. I know God’s plan and timing is already perfect even if I don’t necessarily agree with it :)
Andrea, so sorry to hear that you and your hubby are going through this. I’ve been there (with myself and my husband) and it down right stinks – but I completely agree with you that there is a reason for everything – and knowing you, you already have some GREAT ideas of what to do next. :)
Melissa, thanks for the thoughts! I have a few things in the works, thankfully. He’s already getting calls back from resume submissions, so it’s optimistic but I also know how tough things are right now. I want him to find something he is passionate about, and for the company who gets him to realize his true potential. That was being stifled where he was before.
My prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing. There are so many people out there struggling and it helps to see a plan of action set up. Years as a therapist now frugal stay at home mom of two has taught me so much about hardships and how everything happens for a reason, but you never know ahead of time the reasoning. It helped me set up: Eleni Saves U. I am sure he will find something.
Eleni, thanks for commenting and sharing!
I’m sorry to read about it as well. In this economy, I think HR has become a different animal . I’ve repeatedly seen some of the best let go when the best are also making the most money (as it should be). Ten years ago, they would have offered the best a paycut and then let the lesser quality person go but they just don’t seem to bother anymore. It sounds like there are other issues brewing in this situation (and there sometimes office politics too) but regardless, I’m not surprised to see good/great people let go.
Kelly, you’ve said it best – it is a different animal and then all the other “stuff” on top of it. When a company is publicly traded, I don’t understand how it happens especially when you have shareholders who aren’t pleased that their stock has dropped drastically. I guess people can read between the lines?
Andrea, I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s job loss. It sucks. But I know if anyone can take a negative and make it a positive, it’s you! I feel confident you guys will come out better and stronger than ever.
Please let me know if I can help him find another job. I know a lot of people. :)
Thanks, Susan. We may be reaching out since I know you know a few people :) Hey, I may be working for you as a result of this!
Andrea
I am sorry for the stress that your family is enduring.
“When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” – Alexander Graham Bell
On a side note, I didn’t realize that you earn money when we print coupons or what not through your site….perhaps if you let people know that, it would happen more. I am sure I speak for many that anything we can do to help you (and your site) that have helped us so much…well, we would be happy to do so….
Karen, thanks for the encouragement! I always disclose when there is an affiliate link that has the potential to bring in revenue. I just don’t make a big deal about it since I want people to use whatever is easiest for them. I always appreciate the support either by reading or printing coupons/clicking through our links no matter what. That’s given me food for thought!
I am so sorry Andrea. You know God has you in His hands and he will carry you through this difficult time.
Love you friend!
<3 you sister wife!
I’m so sorry to hear this! But it’s encouraging to others to see how you are dealing with this. Your experience is sure to help others. I’m praying for you! Just a tip on the insurance front–we had great success finding a private plan through Humana.
lots of love!
Rachel B.
Rachel, thank you! We are looking at several plans and I’ll definitely make sure Humana is on my list when we finalize that decision. Thanks for sharing that as an option!
Andrea,
I’m so sorry you are dealing with this. I lost my job last year, and I know how stressful it can be. I will be praying for you and your family. God will provide!!
Mindy, thank you! I hope you found something by now. I know the job market is tough.
Andrea, I am sorry to hear this. Please know that I will be keeping you in my prayers. Love and hugs through the computer. <3
Thanks, Chris! I feel the hugs :)
Genesis 22:14. Jehovah-jireh: the Lord will provide or see. Sixteen months ago my husband was laid off indefinitely and on his birthday no less. It was completely unexpected and we were already in financial difficulty due to my choice to stay home with our kids. I must say that it has been the most blessed time of my life. God has given us so much in a time when it seemed impossible. We are even putting one child through college, just had one graduate and have 2 in elementary school. That can be extremely expensive. My husband chose to return to college during this time. God sees and provides in His infinite power and wisdom and in ways that all our trying can only dream and hope of. You are in my prayers Andrea.
Melissa, what an encouraging story to share! Where God guides, I do believe He will provide no matter what. That’s why this blog truly exists (with Andon’s kidney illness). Thanks for your prayers!
Ugh! I so hate to hear this because I KNOW all the feelings you are going through. (BIG hug)
I also have (ahem) feelings about the folks who let my husband go. We had welcomed them into our home, shared meals more than once, and worshiped with them at church. They are multi-millionaires, so I imagine to them it was no big deal to let him go. I’m sure they have never had to think about budgets and coupons and they probably thought, “He’ll bounce back.” They will never know how hard it was for us.
I am so glad you are framing it as a blessing. God has big plans for you. You WILL come through it stronger.
Connie, I know you know and your series was so helpful to read last weekend (and I’ll be sharing it with others). When I was in HR, I really did feel horrible for letting people go under circumstances that I personally didn’t agree with. You never know a person’s home situation to know what’s going on either way. I am hopeful we come through it stronger – you have certainly shown me that it’s possible!!
Andrea –
My daughter lost her job of 15 years about 6 weeks ago. It was quite blow to her. Luckily, she has a dad who tends to believe all problems are just the next step to a better something. That’s been my experience – including marriage dissolution and job loss.
But she still was panicked. And I completely understand that. Feelings are tough to control.
Just 6 weeks later though, she’s already discovered that she wouldn’t take her old job back because she’s having more fun and being more creative doing stuff (starting a business) that she’s always wanted to do. Of course, she’s worried about money, but that goes with the territory.
Good luck in this. Whenever I go to our minister and say, “Yikes, my life’s falling apart!” He always replies with, “Good, more opportunity!”
dp
David, thanks for the encouragement! I truly believe that this was the precursor for something better. I guess if we make the decision to shake up our world, we wouldn’t make it on our own :) Love your pastor’s saying too. Everything is an opportunity regardless of what it is. I can choose to be bitter or better. See ya at NAMS in a few weeks!
Ugh, we went through this when I was pregnant with my first. I was a total SPAZ before we had a game plan. Things wound up being a huge blessing for us, my hubby wound up with a much better paying job with much better benefits and better hours. Praying for you guys.
KM, what a blessing for you! We are truly hoping that this is the same thing. While my husband genuinely cared about what he was doing – it was more than a job to him, we know that this happened for a reason. We’re gonna find the silver lining and share along the way.
Andrea, I am so sorry to hear this challenge fell upon your family. I know you and Paul will not just survive but thrive your way up and over it to something better.
Thank you for sharing with us. I know it makes me sit back and think long and hard, “What would WE do if this happened? How well prepared are we for something like this?” I thank you for reminding me to plan for the worst while hoping for the best.
Whatever help I can offer, just ask. ;-)
Mare, we have been trying really hard to be prepared for something like this. I can’t say we were 100% ready though since we have so many other financial goals. But, we’ll get through it. I appreciate the offer to help :)
Andrea,
I am really sorry to hear this. It feels like a punch in the gut to me, I cant imagine what it feels for you. I am however glad to hear there is an upside to it and you guys have already discovered it. I pray for a quick resolution to this.
Mercedes
Thanks, Mercedes. I was 10,000 feet in the air when I found out about it (on my way back from a trip) so it was like a closterphobic punch in the gut – LOL!
Saying a prayer for your family right now.
Thank you, Sarah Mae!
Oh, Girl. I’m so sorry. I wish I had really great words of wisdom, but all I can think is “That Sucks” and “I Know People, Who Know People, Who Can Take Care of These Things”.
Love you. Praying for you. Gonna be a cheerleader for you too.
Kelly, LOL, those words help too :) Thanks, girl! I may be asking you for advice on the self-insurance stuff too.
Hey gal! I would say how incredibly sorry I am that Paul lost his job, but you know, as well as I do, that God must have bigger, better plans for your family! And He will be with you every step of the way. I do very much look forward to reading future post.
Luv~N~Hugs!
Thanks, Tara!
Andrea
Have faith friend. My husbandhad the same situation last summer. We CHOSE to view this time as a blessing. We re evaluated our budget, did some financial housekeeping and re evaluated our retirement goals. We relearned some forgotten frugal habits. After all was said and done, God blessed us with not only a new job, but a new job doing something fulfilling, ten minutes away from our house, plus the opportunity for our kids to go to college free. We prayed for a job and we got ten times the blessing. Have faith, it will all turn out for the best. You have our prayers!
Anonymous, I think you hit it the most when you said you relearned some forgotten frugal habits. We are doing that now too, or getting back into a groove. I know that he’ll find something else and when he does, we will still have some big financial goals to achieve so being lax with our budget isn’t going to help us get there. Thanks for your comment and prayers!
I am so sorry to hear about this. My husband was laid off for a year and a half and there were NO job openings in his field anywhere. It really took a toll on him and who he was as a “man” when he couldn’t provide for his family like he had been used to. I hope your husband finds a new job soon, and an even better one at that! (In their faces!!) In the meantime, I will be sure to click on lots of extra links from your posts here so I can do my little part in helping you guys out :) Best of luck!
Stephanie, yeah, it is way more challenging for guys but so far hubby is taking it pretty easy (let’s just say, I’ve been keeping him busy and he has very little time to think about it yet). And thanks for clicking on the links and coupons. That will totally help!! LOL
I remember once when your hubby commented about wanting to start a daycare. He is so good with children, maybe he could come back to this “dream” now if he is still interested. This is probably the best time for him to try. what do you think? Better still, what does Paul think.
Mom, I think he’ll do better with adults :) You know how our boys can be more than any one person can handle, right?!
Last May I lost my job and was out of work for 4 months. I truly believe the Lord blessed me with that job loss and with the new job He ultimately led me to! During the 4 months I was out of work I was able to spend more time in my Bible, and I discovered your newsletter, which led me to many deals and freebies, which not only helped financially, but also were fun! Through you I learned of free books on Amazon, clipped coupons, learned of great deals and it was such a great blessing! It gave me something to look forward to each day! After spending the morning job searching and filling out on-line applications, I would open my email to find the latest newsletter! I will hold your family in my prayers.
Karin, thanks for sharing this! I’m so glad that our newsletter was part of your day filling out applications, and was a fun distraction for you! Thanks for the prayers as well! :)
Andrea – I so feel for your husband’s job loss. It reminds me to take a moment to thank you for your website. In 2009 my husband and I had quite a savings account because I was getting ready to go back to school. Unfortunately at the end of 2009 someone decided to change my life and rear end me. Long story short my school funds were depleted but I still went to school. I began couponing and your site has helped immensely in that endeavor. @ months after I started my classes my husband was reorganized which made no sense and was laid off. So we both were without incomes. Here again your site really really helped. I truly believe everything happens for a reason and it will all work out for you and your family as it is working out for our family. Godspeed.
Margie, I’m so sorry for your accident and your husband’s “reorg” but I’m glad you were able to continue on with school. Thanks for sharing this with me tonight!
I have been there, I was “reorganized” too. It was very demoralizing. But it will work out, it really will. Just be patient….
I am so sorry to hear of yet another family enduring a job loss. We, too are facing tough times, yet I feel so blessed to have what little we do have-our faith, each other and what little work comes our way (we have been self employed for nearly 30 years). God has ALWAYS provided a way for us to stay afloat and He’s not about to stop now.
In the back of my mind I keep hearing “When the going gets tough-the tough get going” I also think of the little engine that could;only I say “I know I CAN…I know I CAN”
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. God DOES know what He is doing. As humans, we just may not fully understand at the time.
Andrea,
I am sooo sorry to hear about what happened. You know I am not a very religious individual, but I believe in God and Prayer. I also believe that Everything Happens for a Reason. In my own job loss, I experienced not only loss of pay, but also loss of myself. It is a greiving process that the whole family must go thru. I know that God will guide you and the family to whatever he has in store, and I will supply the prayers. I love all of you.
I got let go from my teaching job because I “wasn’t the right fit”, which was code for “we are hiring a new football coach & you have been here the shortest amount of time so you have to go”. At the time it sucked but it truly ended up being a blessing in disguise. I got to spend lots of time with my daughter & at her school (she was in kindergarten) and my eBay business flourished. I also got an amazing job as an adviser at our local university and I absolutely love it. It’s like teaching, only without all the stress :)
Hang in there & thanks for all of your awesome saving tips!
Andrea –
Eek. I’m so sorry to hear this! This is a HUGE time of transition for your family right now and you’ll have a TON of important decisions to make in the upcoming months… dealing with not having group life insurance, disablity, etc. What to do with 401k…. If you don’t have an amazing financial planner, let me know! I work for a Christian nonprofit Fortune 500 financial planning company here in Cincinnati and we always do a FREE consultation to just make sure you’re covering all your bases and help guide you in making smart decisions when you’re in a place of panic.
If you need advice, give us a call! We provide all the benefits of financial planning… but with a Christian heart.
513-239-2933
Libby
Sorry to hear about this Andrea. I too was “laid off” – I have it in quotes for the same reason you have “reorganization” that way. The good news is that it IS doable and although it’s hard to feel it is a blessing when you are going through the shock of it, ultimately it is a blessing. Your family will be better off for having had this happen.
Paul’s next position he will be valued and appreciated much more than the crap he must have been dealing with at this past position (inferring a whole lot from the quotes).
You CAN do it & it IS a blessing. ((hugs))
Sorry you have joined the club but remember that the best is yet to come. Four years ago my husband had his hours cut to part time. It took him three years to find a full time job. I lost my part time job in the middle of those three years. Fast forward to today, he recently celebrated his one year anniversary at an amazing job. After three years of hardly any bites, he was actually offered two different full time jobs on the same day. What an amazing sense of humor God has! Although those three years were tough, I wouldn’t trade them for anything because it gave us time to grow closer as a family and I learned some great money saving strategies in the process.
I don’t know how,but totally missed this post until you referred back to it today. Not sure if you remember,but I’ve shared about my husband’s job loss on here before. My husband was out of work for 2 1/2 years and then he was blessed with a job which we know for certain the Lord provided. It’s a bit of a long story and I do so love telling it,but won’t write a story here. I will say this that it increased our faith immensely. I’ll never forget how the Lord led me to these coupon sites and how much that helped us. We are still so far behind it seems impossible to ever dig out,but I know that with God all things are possible. Feel for you and you will be in our prayers. Hopefully your hubby will get a new job a lot sooner than mine did as things are a little better in the job market than they were. Things are just so different now-he couldn’t even get a job at Wal-mart or cleaning up after mental patients-apparently overqualified. I know that God had a plan for him though just has he does now and just as he does for you guys. Just wish we had some more encouraging people around us as a lot of people thought he just didn’t want to work which was absurd. Hope more people are understanding for your sake’s.
I’m going to be looking forward to your posts on this. My husband received the same news last Tuesday and his last day is this coming Tuesday. He’s never been really happy at his job even though he’s done it remarkably well, so even when he told me I had no sense of fear…just peace that passes understanding. I’m also in HR and have been on every side of this coin (the one doing the laying off, I’ve been laid off myself, and now married to the one being laid off). We’re just trusting that this is part of God’s grand design for our family. It’s never a question of whether or not God is faithful through difficult times (He always is), but it’s whether we’ll choose to be faithful to Him. I’m walking the same road right there with you and will keep your family in my prayers.
Awesome