Unless one lives in a cave...or on another planet, the economy is the story. Joblessness is at an all time high, foreclosures are rampant and a majority of people are "upside down" on their mortgages. We all know someone who has been affected.
I am one. I got "laid off" a year ago. Was told that the company numbers couldn't justify two RNs in our department and I was being let go. It sounds like they are doing you a favor, we're "letting" you go...so much nicer than "you don't have a job anymore."
Being unemployed evokes so many different emotions. Disbelief, hurt, anger, fear, for starters. It deflates one's confidence and shatters self-esteem. I am useless, no one values me, I contribute nothing, I accomplish nothing. I send in resume after resume, apply to job after job...most don't even bother to reply. A few say thanks but no thanks and fewer sill want an interview. The phrase one hears most often is "the response was huge." It is one rejection after another, "We have selected another candidate." You get close sometimes, but success is elusive.
Then there are the financial worries. Unemployment is available as well as the much welcomed emergency extensions, but it isn't equivilent to lost income and doesn't cover all the bills...so every month the hole gets a bit deeper. I own a home but, like most people today, I bought when the market was high and am now upside down. Renting would be less costly, but selling is not an option.
There are upsides. Plenty of free time and flexibility, no alarm clocks...a leisurely life with time for family, travel and activities. I've done lots of traveling over the past year, entertained houseguests and spent quality time with my grandkids...and enjoyed it all.
Sometimes I like not having to go to work; other times I am quite bored and lonely. I often worry about money...how deep is the hole getting...what happens when my health insurance comes to an end? I notice that my confidence in my ability to do a job is waning and I don't like that. I've always been proud of my ability to support myself and now that's no longer true; something else I don't like.
I'm entering the second tier of emergency unemployment benefits, trying to enjoy my life, visiting doctors while my COBRA is still in effect, submitting resumes and applications...and keeping hope alive.
