[SoCalEric]

Hey all,

I haven't been around much. Got laid off a couple of weeks ago, after 18+ years with the company. Been feeling a bit sorry for myself and down, now I'm trying to get motivated and find me a job! Actually feeling pretty good the last few days. Work had been very stressful. I worked as a photographer for a newspaper and they've been cutting for quite awhile..the axe finally hit me. Guess I feel glad that it's finally over and I can try to move on. 25 years ago newspapers seemed like a good occupation...and for awhile it was a blast...but they are doing horrible these days. My wife still works at the place, and hopefully will continue to do so, at least till I can find something. I've even heard that they are haveing a tough time without me and some are trying to get me hired back...but I'm not so sure I'd WANT to go back!
I've spent most of today trying to get a call through to the unemployment office. All I get is a message that they are too busy and it hangs up! Pretty annoying when you get a letter that tells you to call if there's an error (there is) and then they will not take calls....let's hear it for the Government!
My dogs love having me around the house. Got one on both sides of me right now, sure glad I have them, they always put a smile on my face! Supposed to start raining tonight, after 12 days of temps over 80 degrees! My computer is telling me it's 70 outside now.....brrrrrrr:lol:! Think I'll give up on the calls and take the dogs for a walk!

Best Wishes,
Eric

 

[LoopyLoo]

Eric,

My thoughts are with you - I too have been made redundant, I worked in financial services which is sooo the wrong industry to be in right now :hehe:. After 18 years service I can imagine that it's hard to be positive about it and it's hard not to feel is rejected. You know what? Everything happens for a reason and it's great that you are feeling pretty well right now.

It does take you time to pick yourself but you mention your dogs and that has been the thing that has gotten me off my backside and out of the house everyday.

Be kind to yourself and I'm sure everything will work out for you.

Hugz,

Pam x

 

[Douglas]

You are certainly not alone in your assessment of the newspaper industry. One of my students/friends was let go after many years and awards as a reporter/columnist. Brutal.
My hat is off to you, as it is to anyone who can continue working with an autoimmunity problem.
All the best!
Douglas+

 

[LolaLola]

Dear Eric,
You must be very hurt. I wish there was something I could do, but sending a cuddle anyway.
x Lola

 

[keebler]

Hi Eric,

Sorry to hear that you got laid off. I can't imagine the stress of wondering when the axe will fall.

Good luck on your search for a new job. Hope you can the unemployment to answer their phone. Sounds very annoying to say the least.

Take care,
Lyn

 

[Marika]

Hi Eric,
First if you can take a rest.....I realise bills still have to be paid...but first take a rest. Then think about you can do...and like to do...slowly.....if you don't have to take anything then don't. It's the same here in Germany many people are losing their jobs after years of service. I wonder how many times your wife told you 'You won't get thought any better of' or 'if you die tomorrow they'll carry on without you'.....
At 56 I'm just starting to retrain for another job....there's still life in us 'mature' dogs yet

Good luck....
Marika

 

[Lily]

Hi Eric,

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your job I guess if you can keep up this good attitude (and I've never known you to have anything BUT a good attitude :hehe then things have a way of working themselves out.

I fear that worldwide we will be seeing more and more of this, several of our big end retailers are drastically reducing staff and closing some branches, and one of our mines closed, with great reductions in another yesterday as well. It's sure starting to hit isn't it.

Hang in there Eric, after all you survived the worst end of Lupus a couple of times, you can do this standing on your head just wish you didn't have to though

love
Lily

 

[Tom]

Hi Eric,

Chin up, sometimes getting laid off is the best thing that can happen. I would think that you would be eligible for retraining with that much time at one job. Where I worked many people that got laid off were able to go to college for a year or two and learn a new trade of choice. They collected unemployment for the entire retraining period and school was paid for as well. Keep calling unemployment or go down to your local office, they sure won't come to you. You can call the governor etc. and complain as well. It may even be a good time to try for SSDI while your off. You can always drop the claim later if you find a great job. It may end up being the perfect time to get laid off with our new commander in chief promising new jobs. There may be a ton of options right now for you to do whatever you want to do. If you are close to a college, you might talk to a counselor about programs available to you.

12 days of 80 degrees? Watch out for those earthquakes! It's been in the 20's and 30's here if you want to take a trip. :lol:

Good luck! I hope this works out to be a good change in your life.

 

[Maia]

Sorry to hear you've been affected personally by this downturn - but I'm positive you will find a way to make this end up being for the better. My brother was laid off in November and is looking for a job but will likely end up needing to take a job in some other area besides piloting.

 

[mary520]

Eric,
Just wanted to say I'm sorry. I live in Ky and I know that my niece had the same problem with calling the unemployment number...seems to be a nation wide problem. They are over flowing with calls and the system can't handle it...thats what she was told. Hope you find a new job soon. Good luck.
Mary

 

[SoCalEric]

Thanks everybody. I actually feel a bit relieved that it's over and I'm free of the place.....of course that may change when I run out of money!
I do have one job prospect, my dad and his wife own a large limo company in Los Angeles and they've offered to take me on. I'll drive cars for awhile, learn the biz (including taking some biz classes) and eventually take over my Dad's job as he'd like to retire(he does the books, works outta his home). Might be kinda fun to do something completely different, and I should have some interesting storys to tell as a chaffeur! They're in Las Vegas this weekend for a convention and we'll get together to talk sometime after they get back.
I'm just taking it slow, getting some R&R, working on my resume. I've been doing alot of housework....my wife likes that! I do miss going to work tho, I don't sit well!

Eric

 

[lazylegs]

Hi Eric,

Sorry to hear you have become another economic statistic. Don't give up though. My son-in-law ended up with a better paying job after 3 months of unemployment. He is no longer in the same field but his prior experience was helpful.

Get references from anyone possible at your previous job before they get cut and you lose contact. Network with all friends and acquaintances. Most of us land jobs through someone we know.

Take care,
Lazylegs