vfem said:
Don't worry with the job thing... there is a great plan for you... I never thought that before, but from last years layoffs in this family. We were grateful for everything that came with the layoff. Things aren't the best ever, but we all noticed after the change we've all been happier. Like, no one liked their jobs before... and no one was paid enough to even pretend they liked them!? So my dad started his own business, said the worst that would happen is he fail and have to go back to job searching (which he was getting good at), my husband got to build so many things he wanted to and was putting off... he also got LOTS of time with his daughter he's never had before. Then he got a better job then previously that he's happy to get up and go too! My sister ended up with a better job, plus she got some extra time with her boys she had wished she got more of. It can suck sometimes, but like you said... it has its perks!!!
Thanks.
It's definitely been an eye-opener.
I had a very stable, fun job at the beginning of the year. I had been there for a long time and although I loved it, there were many times that I just felt like I had outgrown it. I was bored and frustrated many a time. So, being the planner I am, I started job hunting at the end of last year. I found the *perfect* job - it was exactly what I wanted to do, AND I was going to be making more money and working a better schedule. Unbelievable! Well, I took that new job and left my comfortable, easy old job (and the steady paycheck) behind.
I soon realized that the new job was everything I hoped it would be - except one thing - the person I worked for was a very unreasonable microanager who had to have things go her way (or else). I was also working hourly, so while I was making more money per hour, there were times when I worked less hours and ended up making about the same as the last place. Well, after two months I was told it "wasn't working out," and that they couldn't afford to keep me. And that was that.
I have always been kind of panicky about money. If there was an extra opportunity to work, I took it. I hardly ever spent money on myself. The only thing I spent money on was the garden and the house, and even that I did with utmost spendthrift. I grew up very well-to-do, but I think I had an understanding early in DH's and my relationship that we would probably never be that comforable financially. I mean, we're not living in a cardboard box by any means, we have a large house, two cars and a boat, but I grew up with SO much - it seems like there was always money when one needed it.
Well the past few weeks have been interesting. I've been without work for almost a month now, and we've managed to pull through somehow.
My husband has been so understanding and sweet about it, but I hate that I am not contributing. It would be different if I could afford to stay home all the time, but in reality, that's never going to happen.
The worst part about all of it is that I had to make a decision at the beginning of the year: Take the new job or stay with the old one and start a family? I chose the new job and decided to put off the family thing for another year. I wanted to get established at the new place, have insurance, make sure I wanted to stay there long-term, etc. If I had stayed at my old job, we would have been trying for baby #1 right now. That's the part that hurts me the most, because I feel like now I have to start all over and add another year onto that plan. It makes me sad.
Sorry for the vent, but it's been really depressing being cooped up and hearing, "no, we're not hiring right now," over and over.
On the bright side, I may have a job for the end of the summer. I'm waiting to hear this week.
I saw two or three actual cucumber beetles in my yard today. I stumpled across this site that gives some helpful tips on how to get rid of the little buggers. 
