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Another round of layoffs

April 3rd, 2009 at 04:01 pm

Just got back from all-staff meeting. About six or seven people got cut, from a staff of about 60. I survived again, somehow, but I'm going to be asking around for work a lot more often when I'm slow. Someone with a new baby got cut, someone who'd been here over a decade, and the woman who started here the same day I did three years ago (we went through orientation together).

I feel guilty and sad, but I'm also relieved. I hope everyone who was cut has a contingency plan and knows how they'd survive on unemployment, as I do.

I'm sure everyone on SA has a plan, but if not, I'd recommend setting up an alternate, bare-bones budget, so you know how much you'd need to get by, and how long you could go without new income, if you lost your current source of income.

Without unemployment pay, we could only get by about a month and a half before things started to go downhill. But with unemployment, we could survive for six months without falling behind on bills. (After that, we'd need to consider selling things off, maybe even our house, and we'd have to stop paying on some of our debts). If even one of us could have a job that had benefits and paid more than unemployment, we could survive much longer.

Overall I think we have a good chance of surviving the meltdown without any permanent damage.

Sorry, just working through things. I'm still kind of shaken up; though each round does get less shocking, it also means there are fewer people for them to choose from should the necessity of more layoffs arise.

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments »

6 Responses to “Another round of layoffs”

  1. creditcardfree Says:
    April 3rd, 2009 at 05:16 pm 1238779015
    1238779015

    Glad to hear you were spared. I second the contingency plans...always a good idea, for anyone at anytime.

  2. KellyB Says:
    April 3rd, 2009 at 06:39 pm 1238783988
    1238783988

    I had to put my contingency plans into action 3 weeks ago when I was on the unfortunate end of the layoffs at my (now previous) employer. Luckily I have always been a saver and only have a mortgage as debt, nothing else. My emergency fund is in place and should cover over 1 year of expenses as long as my partner keeps her job. (And luckily I can get on her benefits, with a price of course). It's frustrating not moving forward with other goals, but very comforting that I don't have to worry too much about debt and fixed expenses. My advice, DO IT NOW people, pay off the debts and save, save, save.

  3. NJDebbie Says:
    April 3rd, 2009 at 08:20 pm 1238790000
    1238790000

    I agree with all of you. I don't know if any of you watch Oprah yesterday, but she had Suze Orman offer advice. She suggested a bare bone budget and challenged 2 income families to live on one income and save the rest. We can live on one and a half income but not on one. I follow advice when it makes sense for us and what she was saying did. Kelley B, I'm there with you save, save, save! Ceejay, I'm so happy you were spare from the lay-offs.

  4. ceejay74 Says:
    April 3rd, 2009 at 08:33 pm 1238790783
    1238790783

    Thanks guys. It cannot be stressed enough that now more than ever, people need to be planning for worst-case scenarios in their financial lives.

  5. whitestripe Says:
    April 3rd, 2009 at 09:40 pm 1238794851
    1238794851

    it is such a horrible predicament to be in. at my 2nd job that is also happening - but i think because i am a hard worker and multi skilled (i can do three out of the four jobs there) i am able to keep all of my hours. i will keep my fingers crossed for you ceejay!

  6. Louise Lewis, author Says:
    April 4th, 2009 at 06:48 pm 1238870911
    1238870911

    Job loss...Been there. Done that. Yep, still 'there'.

    I've found that losing a job is one of those defining moments in life. I can choose to lose my way (my mind), or I can rise to the challenge and follow what my Spirit tells me to do. ...always remembering that I am more than a statistic on the news.

    I'll share with you what I was told the day I got "set free" (laid off) from my job: "This is a new chapter in your life. WRITE ONE HELL OF A CHAPTER!" And I did just that! Will you?

    Although times are hard, it doesn't mean that we still can't give back to one another. So, if you need a break from the doom and gloom, then let me send you a FREE (no strings) book download. Sign up at: www.noexpertsneeded dot com
    ...It's simply my way of 'giving back'!

    take care, Louise Lewis, author
    No Experts Needed: The Meaning of Life According to You!

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