Cutting Back...What about you?

[westie97]

style is changing. I got a phone call while on vacation telling me my contract was not being renewed. Been looking ever since for a new job but, as of 22 May, I join the ranks of the unemployed.

[mddock58]

My contract was ended on October 31 last year, and I haven't found a new position, and because of "self-employment" there is no unemployment.

Though it sounds really bad, we have been getting by.....

Hang in there, it looks as though there may be changes soon, and this could end up as a time that proves more beneficial than you may think, and has many blessings if you look for them.

[Aldisimo]

Now in my third month of unemployment, I've been cutting back on everything as well. Even in the Texas heat I didn't turn on my air conditioning until last week, mostly because the heat was affecting my cat. I'm also considering taking in a roommate to help with the mortgage because I think this situation might go on for a long time.

[O'Callaghan]

No bonus and no pay rise this year, unlike every year up until now in this job, but it could be a lot worse. At least I still have a job, touch wood.

After "9/11" I lost my job and couldn't find another for three years. I became suddenly involuntarily self-employed, getting work where I could find it, but never really having enough clients to make a real go of it. Then, when I did get a full-time job, it turned out not to match the job description they gave me, which was dissapointing, so I quit in less than a year to take this job, and I've now been here about three years I think. This recession is making me nervous. I don't want to go through all that again.

After the lean years when we couldn't afford to fix anything, everything we own is breaking down and falling apart, e.g. refrigerator, clothes dryer, car, computers and even the roof of the house and the ceilings. A bonus would have helped with some of that, past bonuses were very generous and would have been big enough for a new fridge, a couple of computers and a cheap used car, but alas, I didn't get one.

[Carolina Kiltman]

Congratulations on the coming event of the birth of your first child! Needless to say (as both a Father and Grandfather, and, I have hopes, Great grandfather.) Life will never be the same.

As for the economy, both my wife and I are retired, and our health is holding up. So far so good.

There was a drop in retirement income as part of it is tied up in the stock market, a total drop of about 20%. Hence the new kilt I was going to have Barb make is now on hold. I just put the fabric in an airtight bag with mothballs. No real financial trouble on the horizon for the two of us.

So far (also knock on wood) cars and appliances are relatively new and holding up well. Had to get new hearing aids, $4000+ and of course no insurance to pay for them. (Nobody ever died from being hard of hearing!)

My prayers are with all of you who have lost jobs or had severe cutbacks. I have been through several over the past 50-60 years, and I know it is no fun, and can be terribly stress producing both on the individual and on a marriage.

Best to all of you.

Frank & Katherine

[jhockin]

Due to cost overruns during this financial crisis, we have no other alternative but to lay off Andre.

[Andy]

Due to cost overruns during this financial crisis, we have no other alternative but to lay off Andre.

That pic is kinda sad...but funny as hell too!

I feel for everyone on this board going through these tough times. And in a way, I feel kinda selfish in that neither me or my wife face losing our jobs (my wife actually is getting promoted in 2 weeks), but having previously worked in radio over the years, I know all too well what it's like to lose a job through cut backs, etc. My fingers are crossed for everyone here that things look up soon. I think they will....

[Mipi]

The pic is sad, funny but very close to reality, too!

[Rob Wright]

You use your credit card wisely, carry no monthly balance, etc and what does the credit company do? Raise your limit 125%!

I refuse to give into their cheap ploys! NO sir! Not me!


Rob

[ChattanCat]

I was notified in February that my employment, after five years, was ending in two months. Nice to have that notification but I am still searching for that next great opportunity. For all of you, good luck. The auto's are now hitting the unemployment lines and it has been the largest since... ever?

Count yourself lucky to have a job, do it well so that the economy turns, soon <- Thanks.