Surviving Job-Loss During a Recession
by Kadraj
University of: First Hand Experience
Major: Common-Sense
Handling the loss of a job is tough enough, much less for being canned during a recession. Believe me, I’ve been there more than once; a total of five times in fact. That’s once, for each finger on my hand. Sound like a lot?
I wound up asking myself, some self- scrutinizing, and even self- defeating, questions. Did I not work hard enough, fast enough, maybe it’s because we lost the rumplestilskin account. “Damn, I knew I should have worn stilettos to work.” Now, what about the rent? How am I going to pay the phone bills? The worries pounded and compounded my mind into a state of pure panic.
It didn’t matter that I wasn’t really happy, conformant, or fitting in there. Nor did it matter, that each time I took the initiative, and brought some serious workplace issues to light, it was taken with hostility and haste. All that mattered was I “lost” a job and that made me wrong, in-approved, and insufficient at best.
About three days into unemployment, I began to look harder and deeper into my situation. After all, I had nothing but time on my hands.
What does it mean to loose and job, a car, a partner, a favorite charm. It means you can’t find it. So, what happens now?
Accept the present and let it go. Say good bye as you would a passing aquaintennce. It’s gone for a reason whether you understand it or not. Ironically, the following phrase came blaring out from the corners of my subconscious mind. ‘If you loose something, set if free’. If it comes back to you, it’s yours. And, if it doesn’t, it was never yours to begin with.” All this time, I thought that phrase was only intended for relationships, but it actually works quite perfectly here, too.
Think that job will ever come back? Well, let’s re-examine a few conditions. Just how good was the pay, anyway? Did I even get the hourly pay, I originally wanted? Where were all the fringe benefits, they talked about in the “employee- hand-book”? Was human resources so understanding, when I needed that emergency personal day? How about that vacation I been planning in my head for the last year? The more I thought about it All the list of shortcomings on the part of my employer, only grew. Yet the minute, I was no longer profitable, I was spewed out, like a defective tool of some machine.
Still, want the job back?
At this point there’s probably still a voice or two left in your head, or from someone around you trying to make you feel crummy about the whole thing. You should have worked harder, longer, or more consistently. What’s wrong with you? As far as imperfection pool I have yet to meet anyone without them. You, are the best judge of your own character, and shortcomings and one good honest look at your self, could push in the road to self-correction like like not other.
Outsiders, that is anyone outside of you, will try to convince you that the "job" is the valuable treasure, above and before you. It's not entirely their fault, so many of us are products of self defeating trainingit scary. We're told that 'we' have to jump through hoops to keep it, at all cost to save our jobs, our possessions, and social life. All things that can never really add to or define you at all.
You know what I think, yeah like, deep down? I think that ‘job’ is the disposable one here, and at more of a ‘loss’ then I could ever be. Let’s be real and use our eyes for the first time. My presence and my energy is valuable, whether I fit in or not. I possess an abundance of gifts, that the world is in desperate need of. Any employer is "equally" as fortunate to benefit from my service as , I am to benefit from being employed.
The more began to really look different pieces of this puzzle. The picture become more clear. I suddenly experienced a feeling of disgust and relief, I was disgusted because I had stayed so long, and relieved, because that phase of my life was finally passing. In all honesty, I was there for the money. And outside of that monetary part, the job served no viable, worth- while purpose, whatsoever. I needed to embrace more of my true passsion in life, and this was life's way of re-starting "my personal computer".
These insights are not for the ego. There for your true self. The part of you that cannot be swayed, fluffed, dismantled, or destroyed by any event, especially not the loss of a job.
It soon became obvious, that on a subconsious level, I helped sabatoged my own status there. You know, coming in later and later on Fridays, for no reason other then to see what I could get away with. Taking the lunch 'hour' I felt I deserved. Wearing prohibited shoes to work. Little things like that tend to remain in managers minds as ammunition to use against you later. Funny how it's never a one-sided tale.
It get’s very tricky when you’re stuck in your head. But remember no “friend” is going to consistently ‘assume’ and think the worst of you. So, if that ‘friend’ is yourself. You have a lot of self-exorcism and rebuilding ahead. If that person is someone around you, step back a bit. Hear what is being said. Use it, If you can. But if not, forgive whomever it is for being used to trap you in that self-defeating, and move on. Remember that anybody, yes anybody can be used in that way.
MEETING OF THE MINDS
"Ok, let’s call a meeting."
Me, myself, and I, really needed to have a talk. It had been a while, so we needed to call out the delegates and we needed to do it now.
Me: "Can we just look at all the things we do have right now?" Strong writing skills, a knack for communication, enthusiasm that could kill any mocking bird, drive, internet and web savvy, people friendly, fearless initiator, and flowing river of new and innovative ideas. Take a second to draw up your own winning attributes. Be as generous as you can with yourself. Remain honest, yet generous. You can also draw one up for your weaknesses too. Tackling one 'weaknes' per week or month can only make you better.
Myself: Let’s remember who we were before the ‘job’ came into our life. Is there’s any chance I was actually happier, on the inside, prior to this “loss.” I socialized more. I definitely wore the clothes, I really wanted to wear. You know , the ones that don’t make me look like every freakin’ body else. I spoke my mind, when paranoid skitsophrenics, approached me with bogus tasks. How often has it been we been since, we’ve been to the movies this year? A park? What about the trip we’ve been planning since the beginning of forever. It’s been ages since we’ve done any of the things we love.
I: (Stuttering) I, I, I, don’t know. I’m really analyzing this list here, and between the lousy pay, phantom benefits, and anal retentive supervisor, it’s really not lookin to bad. I’m beginning to get the feeling we didn’t “loose” anything. Dare I say the ‘job’ lost you?
Voice Once: “Nonsense!”…you worked so hard at that interview, and I must say your acting was “impeccable.”
Voice Two: (Singing ¶) Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Way up high…..
Voice One: Will you shut, up!”
Voice Two: Hey, just testing the vocals you know, See if I still got that special sauce, goin on. You Know.”
Me: All right... order in the court… We need to come to a some sort of conclusion before we all go mad.
Myself: I say we all pick up the pieces and move on.
I: Nowhere to go but up, anyway…agreed
Voice One: (buuuurp) agreed!
Voice Two: (sighing) whatever man!
Me: "Agreement sealed".
Now, Let’s reverse, for a second and get into my checklist. I mentioned having lost five jobs in my life. That’s one for every finger on my hand. Now, its time to lend that hand, to anyone who may be struggling through this very tough period.
I pulled together a hefty checklist that could help anyone, brave this storm and overcome one of our counties most trying times.
MONEY FANTASIES…
1. Cancel all or most of your credit cards, and do your best to use cash and debit only. If you’re the type of person who tries to use credit for everything, one two things is gonna happen. Your’e going to max them out beyond control, or waist all extra money paying interest.[R]
I fell into the max category while in college, and no matter many payments I made, the credit card cycle seemed to have a life of it’s own. Credit problems, bad credit, and debt traps are all monsters, I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
You begin to get a false sense of who you are. Entertaining fantasies of what you think you should or have to have. The commercial industries help us with that w whole lot. Treat yourself to the latest corvette model, or buy her some diamond you can’t afford. You can’t afford it but we can make it look like you can. We offer financing! More debt for things that aren’t even, mine. Ok, there is so much more we can get into with credit card illusion with my own. The day I truly walked away from credit, was when I realized I was pulling others around me into it. More specifically, my parents and sole financial supporters while in school. I was told that was long as if was for school that, I had support. Boy did I stretch that privilege. Everything turned into a school expense from clothes to food to mood music, to designer stockings, you name it. I’m still re-paying for the credit phase. And that’s only the beginning.
So, if you can muster up the courage, grab a pair of scissors and say. I have all that I need right here with me. There ‘is’ life beyond credit.
FATTY EXPENSES
2. Why not cancel all of your fatty bills. Fatty bills are memberships to clubs, subscriptions, associations etc. The often disguise themselves as need in your life. But most time are exactly the opposites. More specifically:
A. The Gym- Belonging to a gym is much more of a luxury than it is a need. With all the
Pressure to stay sexy and loose weight, the lines can become blurred. But, the key is here to
lesson to monthly bill pile that we face every month. Utilizing more natural forms of exercise such as walking and running on solid ground can be just as fun and better for the body. [] Several accidents can occur through the misuse of an exercise machine that you can surly avoid using more natural forms of exercising.
B. Magazine Subscriptions- Buying a magazine here and there is one thing. Four or five of them
Lined up at your porch every month is another, so unless they are free, chuck’ em.
C. Minimize your cable TV usage. With so much competition among cable companies, you’re
Guaranteed to find a decent, internet/ phone/and cable pack for way under
$100. a month. Internet/ TV another growing way to catch up on some favorites without that extra
bill.
D. How about your cell phone usage? Unlimited Night & Weekends may be sweet
but at what cost? Do you find yourself incurring extra charges anyway? You, are the best
judge of your phone plan, but as for usage, why not, just say what you need to say, and hang it up.
Oh, yeah and if you can muster up the courage, have your cell turned off at least unit you can afford it again.
3. Have a trinket sale or two. You be surprised how many in demand, ‘never used’ electronics you may live under your very roof. Sites like e-bay or craigslist can be invaluable for this, and may have the potential to bring you hundreds of dollars you never knew you had.
DAILY TRAVEL
Drivers, what’s so wrong with using public transportation every now and then? If it saves you dollars, especially if, you live in a big city, again, hop on a bicycle or walk to where you can. I’m so baffled at the thought of getting into just to drive a few blocks down the road. I certainly hope I never get so dependent on my car, that I can’t ever go without it.
4. Fill the car pool. How many times have you driven ‘all alone’ in your fancy four-door, while you watched your neighbor of many years walking by? I’m not encouraging hitch-hiking, but let’s face it. The reason many of us, are isolated from our neighbors, is because we only think about ourselves all the time. How would you like to be stranded one day and have to watch you neighbor of ten years, knowingly wiz by, without stopping. It’s as simple repeating these words: “Need a lift?”
5. Apply for ‘temporary’ unemployment insurance. Many states have an abundance of these available for citizens in transition, the suddenly un-employed, and under-employed. There is no shame in this. As long you don’t ‘abuse’ these resource, and become dependent on them, you could save plenty on food and transportation.
6. If you’ve been contemplating becoming a vegetarian but needed a motivator. Now’s the time. Meat is very expensive, fatty, and a gross acceleration of the aging process. You’d miss out on nothing but a very bad habit. Soy milk and beans can provide all the protein your body needs.
7. Purified water. Consider returning to the distill and drink method for your water. The thirty dollar a month water gallon, is much more practical when the cash flow is back to normal.
ENTERTAINMENT
8. Slim down on the entertainment costs. Though I agree that there’s nothing like catching a new release on the big screen. Pay per view is way cheaper than spending that ten or more at the movies, before popcorn and drinks.
9. Check out which free admissions, city or local events are happening in your area.
Your weekly paper, and especially your local library usually lists free socials, shows, or other
affairs. You may be surprised out how fun these events actually end up being- at no
cost to you.
WORK
For those of us who still work, but not enough, or get the feeling not for long, a few of these may come in handy.
10. Wash and wear for work. Come on guys its work. Having on five different outfits for your five day work week is certainly favorable during economic boom, but not during a recession. So mix and match. Wash and wear. Whatever you have to do and if anyone has a mouth full of nothing’ to offer. Let em’ pay your bills for you too.
11. Bring your lunch to work. So many can attest to over-spending for lunch during work. I’ve easily spent over fifty- dollars for the week on lunch alone, especially when working in the city. Bringing
lunch can save both a lot of time and money.
12. Order Group Lunches- Everyone knows ordering a pizza may come out much cheaper during lunch
Lunch. One those days where you just have to eat out, initiate a group order and see if that cuts everyone spending.
GROCCERIES
13. Coupons are our friends: Those coupons placed at the door on weekends can be so useful, when
they feature stuff we use. Clipping them out in front of the TV is already a blast. So there’s really no reason to over spend.
14. Go store-brand. I recently did a comparison of ingredients on store brand food and the name brand ones. If you observe the ingredients list, on a name brand product, and a store brand, 99% of the time all the ingredients are exactly the same. Same gift different wrapping. Only one cost more. You can use your own judgment to figure out the rest.
15. Curb your appetite and knock off a meal a day. That’s right 3 meals is great, but
I never met a man or woman who got weak from eating only one or two
meals a day will do. Many would feel lucky to even have that much. Replace one
meal with water, lemonade, nuts, or juice.
16. Eliminate what I call grocery accessories. Item like salad dressing, blueberry syrup,
Cheese, bacon or bacon bits, croutons, hot sauce, the list is endless and I’m pretty sure
You’re well aware of what you don’t need. So don’t buy it.
BEAUTY
17. Ladies, first of all, what happend to doing our own hair and nails? The beauty polar is ‘crazy’ compare to how much it normally cost to buy your own products and do your hair. Now I know many use that time to catch up on gossip and bond and all that. So get a wash and go. Or refer more people to your favorite parlor who you know can afford it with no problem. As for Miss , unemployed. Let it go for a while. Perms are slowly fading out of style, anyway, and natural hair rising-especially with African American gals. Now the wig & hair piece game is a little touchy, but still more cost effective then the parlor. So if you must feel like a dame, buy one of those. But leave the weekly parlor alone.
18. Do home manicures. It’s very fun, as a matte have a friend, or sibling come by and you can do each other nails; or even hair. Do it for each other, that way no one owes the other. It’s very fun, and a more genuine way to bond. (Home Manicures & Hair Styles that Turn Heads)
19. Wear fruity soap instead of expensive perfumes. Those of us who are allergic to them would
Really be great full. And from what I’m hearing, the opposite sex is much more attracted to those softer scents. Did I mention, that fruit and vegetable base products are much better for your skin: Think, Bath& Body Works. For more on natural skin care also visit www.Blorganic.info
20. Make your own jewelry. By now your probably wondering how the hex you do that.
(I’ll show you step by step how. (See “Recession Proof Beauty” E-Book3)
21. Avoid the name brand craze. While you in the fitting rooms ask yourself, does it fit? Is it clean? Does it and suit “you”? A yes, to all of these is more than sufficient reason to buy. All the other stuff ie: latest designer, label, exuberant price. Please.
LIFESTYLE
22. New movers- Try air beds. I am very happy to boast about the pure bliss of
Sleeping on a fully pumped air bed. They are so comfortable and yes, it
Fill like your sleeping on air. So instead of dishing out six or seven- hundred dollars,
Save that, and be way happier with your twenty or thirty dollar air mattress.
23. Relocate. If you’re at across road, such as having recently finished school, or out of work
That’s thee best time to stronger consider relocating to an affordable marginally populated town, especially if there are opportunities there too. So often I hear people
Say, oh I “would” move but I’ve got my friends or, I’m just so used to this city. It’s all I know. Ok so nothings working here, and since no one around you, is necessarily supporting you so why wouldn’t you move, when the opportunity arises.
20. Consider splitting living costs with a roommate. It’s a common practice and mutually helpful
Once you’re reasonably selective and wise.
24. Be fearless about change, especially drastic change. It’s a great killer of fear, complacency, and stubbornness. You’ll also learn so much about what ‘your’ innate natural resources really are. That alone could make, change, worth-while.
25. Sell an asset, you don’t need. I met one, too many folks who have two and more cars they can hardly drive because, rush hours are impossible or hold onto jewelry they don’t need.
26. Diamonds are a nice thing to where, but far from your best friend if your still making payment on it. Let her go, and if she comes back to you she’s yours. a piece of jewelry you can loose down toilet one day. Pawn it.
27. It’s ok give, when you do have, not necessarily to charity, but to someone in need. No one can tell whether a need is sincere other then yourself. In reality, you never know, when that beggar could be you.
