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Monday, March 9, 2009

$M: Tips from our house to yours. And we know a little bit about this now.

Would you believe, Jim was laid off again?

We enjoyed five years of steady employment before the first layoff, which was actually a complete shutdown of the company, last summer. You can read about that here. And we still look back on that as a really, really wonderful time.

Between then and now... See, then, that company was a part of the beginning... all those companies several months ago that just couldn't hold on any longer, and then they all started falling...you know how last fall the news just got very cluttered with stories of companies filing, failing, bailing, etc. and then The Man who gets to decide, decided that we really were in a recession?

So the last time he was laid off, it was new for us, but the economy wasn't quite where it is right now. Things just looked a little sunnier back then. And Jim had several options for new jobs in his field (mechanical design engineering). And he got one, in short order. It meant a commute, but really was a great job.

Then after a few months, it was announced that they were putting the kibosh on regular pay increases, then a little later, layoffs began, and Jim survived several. He was given much more responsibility, and made very important to the team (meaning, job security, as much as he could have it, with so little tenure to speak of). Then the pay decreases started- every salaried worker was cut 8.5%, and then a couple weeks later it was changed to 15%. Which, when coupled with a 2.5 hour daily commute... well, things were going to get dicey for us anyway.

And then last week, Jim was let go- with great reluctance, and a promise that he'd be asked back the moment they could afford him. We know they mean it, but are of course not holding our breath.

And so, here we are again.

And you know, at first it was of course not great news, but we'd been trying to decide what to do anyway, with the commute and the pay decrease.

But we know Who's we are. And we are in good hands. And we're not forgotten.

And we've done this before. So we knew what to expect, and what to do next.

We knew there was a chance this could happen, but of course it's still, you know, not what we wanted to happen. But we're sure, we'll be OK.

I know of at least a few of you who have been through this in the past year along with us. And there are some common threads we all shared.

I wanted to write a little about the practical things we've learned, and so I'm hoping to return later this week, after an important picture post tomorrow, ahem, with some things we've learned and experienced in the last 2 job losses. And so perhaps, if you end up in these same shoes, you'll at least know someone else has been there too.

So if you're fearing our same fate, or if you're cruising on the same ship with us and we didn't even know it, these posts might be for you.

Step one is just me letting you all know what we're going through, so if you felt alone, you'd know you weren't.

Losing your job used to sound so negative, something to be ashamed of. Now, it's almost chic. Everyone's doing it. It's the new black. Or whatever. You are not alone.

I may even get Jim to guest post. What do you think? Can I get him to do it?

16 comments:

Beth Cotell said...

I'm so sorry to hear that you have to go through this again.

I was laid off 6 years ago...before it was chic. I just had my first child and had been praying for God to provide a way for me to be a SAHM. That wasn't the answer I was looking for but it proved to be a great one!

Debbie said...

I am sorry you all are going through this again. And yes. It is happening to everyone.

Kiki said...

I too am sorry this happened again. I'm glad you know Whose you are and Who you can look to. I'll be praying for you guys.

Ris said...

I love that you know Who will be taking care of you! Praying for y'all.

d.a.r. said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. But, I have to say, your faith and strength is so admirable and I can only pray that I am such a great wife and mother some day!

Anne Elizabeth said...

I am sorry that you are going through this again, but it is awesome that you are keeping your eyes on Him! I will definitely be praying.

A Crafty Mom said...

Great post, Megan. I'm so sorry you are all dealing with this again. It really does help to know you're not alone, surprisingly. You know we are in the same boat, so I welcome any tips you have to offer!! Looking forward to reading about them :-)

Unknown said...

Aw. ((Hugs)) I'm so thankful you know Who to turn to. And you wait on Him.

(rats. double rats.)

Shelby-Grace said...

I'm sorry that this has happened to your family again. I'll be praying for your family. And you are definitely in good hands!

Grammy Staffy said...

I am so sorry that you are going through this hard time. My son-in-law got laid off right after Christmas. He was a projects manager building Albertsons and Wal-marts. With no new contracts his company had to let him go. He and my daughter just moved into a new home that he built last year and couldn't sell. It is a hard time for them....for you... and for so many.

All we can do is pray and have faith that we are in God's hands.

You are so clever and thrifty. Your hubby is lucky to have you. I wish you the very best. Hugs, Lura

carrhop said...

Your heart in the face of such tough news is just so amazing. And I love how you are taking the opportunity to give to others of your experience and wisdom and encouragement. May the Lord bless you richly indeed for your trust, humor and faith.

Blessings!

Lisa said...

Megan,
so sorry to hear about Jim's job. Leave it to you to always look at the bright side. You are one family that will come through this unfaultered. Prayers being sent your way for a good job though ;) Too bad there isn't a Pottery Barn close to you - you could go get a part-timer!!! (On second thought, if that were ME it would make me want to spend everything I made!)

Amy said...

What a great outlook you have on a trying situation. I know during this time you'll strengthen your family and your faith--and be a great witness to those around you. Thanks!!

Mandy said...

Megan, I'm so sorry. {HUGS} I'll be praying for you. I'm so blessed by your example and witness in your atitude. Keep looking up and leaning on the One who holds you.

Flip-flop Mama said...

I'm sorry Megan. I'll say a prayer for you guys. Ryan was involved in the 9% paycuts at USF. You can pray for me. . I was 100% certain that I was sending Ainsley to public school next yr, but it's HARD to imagine being away from her all day. I have debated homeschooling off and on, but it's such a BIG DECISION!! What's right for me?! Ahhhhhh!

Jane said...

Megan and Jim,
Praying for you and praising God for your trusting hearts!
~jane