I'm not sure what the "proper" emotional steps are for dealing with this, but mine went something like this:
- disbelief (because Seth's (former) place of employment had been adamant that there would be no lay offs.)
- immense anger (because Seth's (former) place of employment had been adamant that there would be no lay offs.)
- helplessness/scared (that we would wind up living in cardboard boxes! although we do have a very big one in the garage... and images from Cinderella Man kept popping into my head. think Great Depression.)
- immense anger (because Seth's (former) place of employment had been adamant that there would be no lay offs. and we just, as in Monday, bought our plane tickets for Mexico.)
- calm (because I know this is just part of God's plan and while it may be scary and inconvenient for us, I know He won't dish us more than we can handle.)
- planning (my mind started reeling on how to cut back our expenses. I'm going to aim for a $20/week grocery budget until things are "normal" again. (our current budget is around $40/week and our freezer and pantry are full) and I think it'll cause us to be more creative and use what we have. we may be cutting out our cable, my cell phone, definitely less/no eating out, etc.)
This weekend we are having our (already planned) garage sale, which turns out to be perfect timing. I'm praying that we get the "right" customers and they buy all that we have! ;)
Thankfully, Seth hoards his vacation time for just such an emergency. (I used to think he was paranoid, now I think he's brilliant!) And that provides us with over a month of pay. The severance his (former) employer gave isn't near enough alone to live off of while trying to find a job in this economy.
Oh Katie, I am so sorry! I will be praying for you all. Keep the faith!
ReplyDeleteMargie
Will be praying for your family and that Seth finds just the right job. I am sure my kids could provide some cheap entertainment. Do you like watching dramas?
ReplyDeleteWhat terrible news. You seem very grounded and fortunate that you have a bit of time to work with (full freezer and vacation time). We will pray that the job search goes quickly and fruitfully. Thank you for praying for Leo!
ReplyDeleteJulie and Leo
I'm soo sorry. GOod thing he's married to Mrs. Frugal and you guys will definately come out okay. Maybe its time to job hunt in Iowa??
ReplyDeleteWe will be praying for you guys. Call me if you need to get away and come hang out, or maybe now that the weather is better we can come to Manhattan to the park.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. It really makes me nervous b/c hubby's employer has been very adament about no lay offs also and they are working like minimum hours right now!! I'll be praying your hubby can get another job very quickly.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your family during this season in your life. Keep us updated!! I can't imagine a weekly budget your regular amount or you new frugal amount however there are 9 in our family with 5 of them being growing boys and another on the way. May the Lord bless you during this time more abundantly than ever before!
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