unemployment


One year ago today I was laid off from my job. It was a truly horrible day. I called my parents and started crying into the phone and didn’t stop all night. In between sobs I downed a few glasses of wine but didn’t care seeing how I had the whole next day to sleep it off. Man, what a crappy thing it is to lose your job.

I like to think I’m of the philosophy that things happen for a reason. God has a plan for me and I believe it. Sometimes trials and tribulations make us stronger and test our character. I’m not sure what it did for me. I hated it and it stunk. But I do know that I’m now working for a great company that’s growing. The people I work with are talented, friendly, and fun. I’m working harder (it seems) than I have in awhile and I am still dealing with stress issues but I will always be grateful for my job.

You probably know someone who is out of work right now. Or maybe they’ve been furloughed or given up or have taken a job that’s not quite up to what they could be doing. You don’t have to do anything special for them because unless you’ve been through it you won’t understand. But what you can do is listen and be their friend. Don’t treat them differently (except I will say don’t throw your recent purchases in their face or suggest shopping sprees). Invite them over, have a few laughs, and keep trying to help them network so they can find potential opportunities. And pray.

I’m still a little gun shy and sometimes nervous about the future but I’m moving on. I’ve refinanced (thanks to being employed), I’m taking a break to Nova Scotia this summer with my parents (something that was on the books for last summer), and I’m saving my pennies for a promising, hopeful future.

But in conclusion, I just want to say to all of you still out of work—we haven’t forgotten you. We still care and we’ll be here for you. Good luck!

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I started this blog after I was laid off from my job so that I could practice writing and get familiar with social media. And since then I’ve been patiently waiting. Waiting to find just the perfect fit. The job that was right for me. A company that was right for me and I for it. Okay, I lied before. I wasn’t being patient at all. I’ve had a few moments of contentment here and there but in general it has pretty much stunk.

I’ve been praying over and over and trying hard to wait on God. “Trying” being the key culprit. I’ve had amazing support from family and friends who encouraged and consoled me. And a few signs from Him here and there that things were going to work out just right.

I love when I see things around me that seem to be perfect timing for what’s going on in my life. For example, last weekend my pastor started a new series. Guess what it’s called. Waiting. Yup, finally he gives this sermon after months of stress. And the other week I went to the Army’s version of American Idol—Operation Rising Star—and this amazing singer belted out a tune that was so beautiful. It was a Faith Hill song and it’s titled, “There Will Come a Day.”

The video and the lyrics are below. The song title is ringing very true to me today because yesterday I accepted a job offer from an amazing company. I’m excited that I’ll be working with some talented and creative people in a really nice environment. The waiting is over. I’ve learned a lot on the unemployment line but am ready to get back to work. If you are waiting for something and running out of patience, take a deep breath and sing this tune. It may help.  

There Will Come a Day

It’s not easy trying to understand
How the world can be so cruel
Stealing the souls of man
Cloudy skies rain down over all your dreams
You wrestle with the fear and doubts
Sometimes it’s hard, but you gotta believe

(Chorus)
There’s a better place
Where our Father waits
And every tear He’ll wipe away
The darkness will be gone
The weak shall be strong
Hold on to your faith
There will come a day
There will come a day

Wars are raging
Lives are scattered
Innocence is lost
And hopes are shattered
The old are forgotten
The children are forsaken
In this world we’re living in
Is there anything sacred

(Chorus)
There’s a better place
Where our Father waits
And every tear He’ll wipe away
The darkness will be gone
The weak shall be strong
Hold on to your faith
There will come a day
There will come a day

The song will ring out
Down those golden streets
The voices of Earth and the angels will sing
(Hallelujah)
Every knee will bow
Sin will have no trace
In the glory of His amazing grace
Every knee will bow
Sin will have no trace
In the glory of His amazing grace

There will come a day
There will come a day
Oh, there will come a day
There will come a day
I know there’s coming a day, coming a day

 

Some time ago I wrote a post about Bart Simpson chalkboard quotes and thought it would be fun to examine them again (and some of his other lines from the show) and see how Bart’s genius can be applied to all kinds of situations.  Yes, I’m stuck for a topic and didn’t really want to delve into a political discussion or the recent elections. So here goes.

  • You’re asking the wrong guy, Millhouse. They all look alike to me.

Yes Bart, it can be hard to distinguish between our elected officials at times but  everyone  should educate themselves on the issues and vote.

  • I am not certified to remove asbestos. I am not a dentist. Organ transplants are best left to professionals.

Even Bart can see the need to hire the right people for the right job. The latest unemployment numbers are scary but there are still skilled people out there so let’s get back to work!

  • I will not strut around like I own the place.

I’m only adding this for the benefit of a certain neighbor of mine. Just a little reminder to all of us to be considerate to others.

  • Underwear should be worn on the inside.

This was my bad. Once when I was babysitting my nephews I had to help the little one get dressed and I ended up putting his brother’s underwear on him over his diaper. Okay, it was early in the morning and I was a rookie.

  • I am not a 32 year-old woman.

But if you are a cute 32 year-old man, I could be.

  • You’re turning me into a criminal when all I wanna be is a petty thug.

More commentary about our elected officials and the news media. It’s funny and it’s not at the same time.

  • I will remember to take my medication.

And I hope the crazy woman down the street remembers, too.

  • All he does is lie there like an unemployed whale.

I know you weren’t talking about me dear Bart. I am busy doing things like coming up with lame posts for my blog and walking Grendel.

bart-simpson-generator votea

 

 

 

 

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