Laid Off
About one and a half months ago, I found myself in the position of being expendable. Again. I was furloughed from my job at a Dr’s office. I thought that was one position I would be relatively stable in. Then CoVid-19 hit. Surgeries were shut down, therefore, follow up post-op appointments were no longer needed.
This isn’t my first rodeo. I had been laid off in the past. Three times to be exact. Being furloughed “technically” isn’t the same as being laid off. I could be called back to my job. There was no severance package. No compensation for my unused vacation time. I was told, “We’re sorry to have to do this, but, for now, your position no longer needs to be filled for now. Today is your last day.” I’ll give that they are paying for my medical insurance through the end of June. Which I am extremely grateful for.
Joined the Unemployment Rank
So, I had to join the (now) 36 million people that lost their jobs and sign up for unemployment. As someone in the position of being the sole income in the household? THAT IS SOME SCARY SH!T. Seriously!
I cried when I heard the news that Unemployment payments will increase to match our incomes. There was no emergency fund to fall back on, because, there was no severance. I am still recovering and paying off my debt from my last layoff in 2017. As more than half the population, I am in the position of living paycheck to paycheck with nothing extra. My son is in his first year of college.
Side Hustles?
I do quite a few side hustles. But, none of them pay remotely close to what my day job pays. I do Doordash and Grubhub. I do resume writing. I’ve published one book, Cavern Cove, and I’m working on my second. My Etsy shop is closing so I can open my new online shop. I renamed it from Gypsy Girl Designs to Gypsy Hive Boutique.
So, as you can see, I’m no slacker. I’m a hard worker. But, I’m a victim (Lord, I hate that word) of our new reality. Offices aren’t opening fully due to not having six-foot social distancing. My company did call some employees back, however, unfortunately, I wasn’t one of them. (So far anyway?) So, hopefully, I will hear something soon. Either from the job I had or with the jobs I’m applying to.
Making The Best Of It
While I am in limbo, I’m trying to make the best of it. I set up my online shop. My book is on track to be finished by the middle of June. I’m slowing down. This is an important one because I was always on the go. Up at 6 am and bed around 1 am. I called that five hours in the middle of the night a nap.
How about you? Have you been affected by what’s going on in the world today? Were you laid off, or are you still working? What are you doing, if you are, to reflect where you want to be in life when life returns to some normalcy? Comment below or over on my Facebook Page!
In Florida, some of us are still waiting for someone to look at our unemployment application (30 days later – still pending!). I am so happy to the financial people I have been following for the last year which forced me to look at getting an emergency fund. I still have to pay for my kids sports payments each month and having that small (but very useful fund) allowed me to do that. I was upset on the times I had to say no to going out or buying a new thing just because I wanted it and not needed it, but now, it has paid off. Hopefully this will allow more people the importance of a small savings account or even a jar in the cabinet! I feel for those that only have one source of income during this time and wish you well on getting back to work. Good for you for having side hustles and not sitting around waiting on someone to take care of you 🙂