getting laid off... again

[Ghettogirl]

Hi everyone,

My boyfriend came home from work on Friday and was laid off work. He is a union plumber, and was laid off in Feb. 2009. He had just got called back to work 1 month ago, and now, again laid off with no job.

Things were so awful, especially the first 4 months this year. That is when his unemployment benefits ran out. The only income we had was my small amount of child support I receive, $300.00 per month.

My father owns the condo that we live in. Since my boyfriend, Dave was laid off we stopped paying rent. In December my Dad informed me he is having financial difficulties and has to sell my condo. That is still happening, except when the real estate company came for a walk through Dave had just been called back to work so moving wasn't as devastating as it is now.

Dave makes very good money as a union plumber. Over $35.00 per hour. When he went back to work things were getting better rapidly. Our relationship existed again, I was smiling, I had more energy, we were happy.
Everything had changed, for the better. Not only was he working but making good money. To go from barely making it to his income it was like winning a lottery. Now it's like the lottery winning was taken away. I don't know if he will be able to collect unemployment benefits again, he had only been back to work for about 1 month. If he qualifies for the benefits again, this "tidal wave" we were hit with will only be an earthquake for us. If he isn't, then I must say, I am very scared.

I can't go through that again. I spent most of my time sleeping. I had gained a lot of weight, morgellons symptoms seemed to be flaring all the time, I looked terrible, I felt terrible, my colitis was flaring frequently. I was in bad shape. Even when I realized just how bad and low I was I still was not able to do anything about it. I don't know why, I just couldn't. Too much work, I was exhausted 24/7. I know it isn't right, or a good thing to be like this, but I know me.

Dave will now be the last one on the "out of work list". It took them 2 years to call him back to work. OMG, I can't go through this again.

When we go his paycheck I went shopping. We had ran out of everything. We had been going to food banks and borrowing money here and there from my ex husband and my mom, $40 here and there to get food, etc. I was pretty much out of all my vitamins and supplements, my oils, epson salt, peroxide, all that stuff. When you are broke and just getting by, all the extra stuff is eliminated. Even buying laundry detergent, etc. wasn't possible some times. With this in mind, eating healthy wasn't happening. My morgellons had advanced during this time. So when I went shopping, I did start buying these items and other things needed.

I want to go out and stock up on some of the very important morgellons supplies that I need, but at the same time, I can't spend too much. I have to be careful.

The effects of Dave being laid off is already happening. He is very short tempered right now, snapping, etc. He gets very bad in his depression too, he tends to feel like he is alone instead of us being in it together, and it almost seems like he blames me for his troubles. He sleeps on the couch. When he talks to me it sounds and looks like he dislikes me so.

I feel like God gave us a wonderful gift when Dave got called back to work. Now I feel that I have disappointed him or have done something wrong for the wonderful gift to be taken away.

Thanks for listening,

Ghettogirl

[tcmgpt13]

Any possibility of temporary jobs where you are? Even if the pay is low? Even if he has to flip burgers it's money coming in along with no time for depression or snapping at others when keeping busy. It's one way to fight depression. Can he advertise his services as a plumber directly at a lower price per job? Many plumbers moonlight where I live, but maybe unions have rules about that? Here I do not think there are unions so it could be different. With the economy so bad many homeowners are looking for cheaper services such as he could offer. Win/win both sides. Flyers you run off handed out could possibly work and a cheap way to advertise.

Also there has to be a free job bank where you can look for work. The states usually run those.

If you have child support I assume that your kids are too little to leave at home alone for a few hours work every day? I know this economy is very tough especially if you do not have a car to get to work and if it's too far away that eats up any extra from low paying jobs even when using public transport. Bicycles are good but not practical everywhere. Still I know that giving into depression is not an answer, being proactive is the way to fight that. That and keeping busy with whatever work can be had. Or any help which can be given from the places which help people who are struggling to literally keep body and soul together.

Anyway sorry about your fears which so many share these days. Too many. I am saddened by that but also sorry many voted on empty promises of hope and change which have left most with change including the country. Not sure, but I think it's the plan to make people dependent, like your boy friend who could earn good money and wants to make his own way in this world. Most of us do.

You may have to seek welfare benefits if everything falls apart, but I know that most people do not want to have to do that. I hope sincerely that everything will work out for you both. Keeping you in my prayers.

tcm

[MeaganM]

You and your family are in my prayers! I will pray that your boyfriend finds employment soon and that you can stay healthy. Stay strong!

Meagan

[jonsi]

GG,

I really do believe that when God closes the door, He opens a window.

I am so sorry you are going through this & I hope things get better soon. Prayers for you and your family.

Itwl,
~jonsi

[janedoe]

im sorry to hear that, times are really tough right now. those who have pennies should save them

[Ghettogirl]

Hi all,

Thanks so much for all the support and prayers.
When I wrote that post I was really feeling down I hope I didn't come off as sounding too pathetic. After I wrote it, I first thought what a mistake I made to post it. After reading your posts I feel much better about it, thank you.

I didn't want to have to request help from the welfare dept. but I am in need. I have 13 years experience as a bookkeeper at car dealerships but it has been several years since my last employment. I have been having a heck of a time getting a job. I know that welfare will help me get work and I could use the help. They also will give me insurance, which I have not had in a long time. I haven't seen a doctor for a long time and aside from morgellons, I do have other health issues that need to be attended to, just a female exam is something that I have been putting off which should be performed once a year. So even though I feel there is others in need more then myself for welfare, I think it's going to help me and I am hoping that I will not need there services for too long.

My boyfriend was up at 5:00a.m. back out there trying to find work. He has a friend that he worked with for many years at a previous employer who has his contractors license. He is trying to start a plumbing company so Dave went with him on a couple of job walks. Perhaps something will work out. I am proud of Dave. It's been quite a blow for him getting laid off. It effects him with all kinds of issues of not being a good provider, less of a man, etc. I hope he can continue to have a good attitude this time. Last time was really bad. Our relationship was horrible for a long time. I will try to be patient with him and hope he sees that we are in this together and we have each other to lean on.

Again, thank you all for supporting me. You and this website has become important to me. Once again, you have not let me down, thank you.

Ghettogirl

[janedoe]

theres nothing wrong with getting welfare and other aide if you need it, thats what its there for!!

[jonsi]

GG,

Ups & Downs. That is life. The more downs we have, the more we appreciate the "ups".

I like this web-site too! Found many friends and support here

itwl,
~jonsi

[Ghettogirl]

Hi everyone,
I got some very good news yesterday and want to share......
Dave found out from unemployment that he does qualify, and can start his claim July, 3rd. WOO HOO!!
We have been surviving off of my little bit of child support and social services, which has gotten us by, and thankful to get, but not possible for a family to live off of.
Not sure about how my status will change with welfare. Starting July 5th I will be starting their "Welfare to Work" program which is mandatory. I will be going to a facility, similar to the unemployment office as I understand, where I will be assessed, work on my resume, sent on any potential job opportunities, etc. It's 8 hours a day Monday - Friday, like having a full time job. I am a little nervous and concerned about going from being off work for over 5 years to full time. And I have to dress professionally, which is a bit of a problem since I don't have any of those type of clothes anymore, let alone much of a wardrobe in the first place. Since the morgellons and gaining weight, I have gotten rid of most of my clothes. They do provide $180.00 to buy appropriate clothes so that helps. I just hate shopping with my weight issue right now, but oh well.
Anyways, I just wanted to let you guys know and update you on this situation. I first mentioned my situation a little while back and like always, you guys were awesome and supportive of me.

Ghettogirl

[Ghettogirl]

Forgot To Say In The Previous Post.......

"thank You" To My Mdr Family


Gg