Comments on: Guest Post: Lessons Learned from Unemployment http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html Helping You Be a Better Home Economist Fri, 25 May 2012 12:54:03 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Going Green Mama http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186841 Going Green Mama Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:45:46 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186841 Excellent post. My husband lost his job more than 14 months ago, and while we've struggled to say the least, we've been able to pull through with a little help of our friends. And yes, prayer works! Excellent post. My husband lost his job more than 14 months ago, and while we’ve struggled to say the least, we’ve been able to pull through with a little help of our friends. And yes, prayer works!

]]> By: Sarah http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186840 Sarah Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:26:16 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186840 Thank you for the inspiring account! I feel like with this mindset, we'll be okay too, no matter what happens! Thank you for the inspiring account! I feel like with this mindset, we’ll be okay too, no matter what happens!

]]> By: GinnyB http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186839 GinnyB Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:09:43 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186839 As a friend of Jessica's, I knew her "inside story" already, but reading it this way, written from her heart and with some great advice thrown in, makes me realize just how much they went through last winter. The power of prayer is awesome. Thank you for sharing! As a friend of Jessica’s, I knew her “inside story” already, but reading it this way, written from her heart and with some great advice thrown in, makes me realize just how much they went through last winter. The power of prayer is awesome. Thank you for sharing!

]]> By: Karen http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186838 Karen Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:49:56 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186838 Great post - and kudos to you both for taking the bull by the horns and not sitting back playing the victim as so many are these days. Great post – and kudos to you both for taking the bull by the horns and not sitting back playing the victim as so many are these days.

]]> By: Dana http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186837 Dana Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:12:54 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186837 Beautifully written! Thanks for posting this. Beautifully written! Thanks for posting this.

]]> By: Martin http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186836 Martin Sat, 08 Aug 2009 11:28:12 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186836 During the dot com bust in 2001, I found myself unemloyed and looking for work. I had intended to go back to a similar job but found no opportunities. As things began to get bad I calculated on which day I would need to move out. I was on my knees praying when a Federal Express truck drove up and left me with a package. Inside, a job that I hadn't remember applying for had a job offer. At first, it didn't pay anywhere near the job I had left and I was hesitant to take it. It took some months for them to get back to me and once again I was praying on the day I would have to leave, when the phone rang and I was offered the job I still have today. What seemed like a small starting salary subsequently became much better than my last job. I thank God everyday that He cared so much for me that he did what He did. During the dot com bust in 2001, I found myself unemloyed and looking for work. I had intended to go back to a similar job but found no opportunities. As things began to get bad I calculated on which day I would need to move out. I was on my knees praying when a Federal Express truck drove up and left me with a package. Inside, a job that I hadn’t remember applying for had a job offer. At first, it didn’t pay anywhere near the job I had left and I was hesitant to take it. It took some months for them to get back to me and once again I was praying on the day I would have to leave, when the phone rang and I was offered the job I still have today. What seemed like a small starting salary subsequently became much better than my last job. I thank God everyday that He cared so much for me that he did what He did.

]]> By: Amanda L. Grossman http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186835 Amanda L. Grossman Sat, 08 Aug 2009 08:19:59 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186835 What a great post! My boyfriend (now fiancee!) and I found ourselves unemployed at the same time last summer. We made it through, and now have both been working in our new jobs for almost a year now, and are living in Houston together. Also--scrap metaling is a great side stream of income. I wrote an article about it you can find on my website (or here: <a href="http://www.frugalconfessions.com/extra-cash/scrap-metaling-for-extra-cash.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.frugalconfessions.com/extra-cash/scrap-metaling-for-extra-cash.php</a> What a great post!
My boyfriend (now fiancee!) and I found ourselves unemployed at the same time last summer. We made it through, and now have both been working in our new jobs for almost a year now, and are living in Houston together.

Also–scrap metaling is a great side stream of income. I wrote an article about it you can find on my website (or here: http://www.frugalconfessions.com/extra-cash/scrap-metaling-for-extra-cash.php

]]> By: sharon http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186834 sharon Sat, 08 Aug 2009 06:32:26 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186834 I know exactly what your thoughts were like. Sole bread winner, no-savings, etc. I've been unable to work for severel years due to an illness.Although couldnt get S.S because we were told he made too much $, now I dont qualify due to not working 5 out of the last 10 years,lol. My husband and I are currently going thru the worries of utility shut-offs and losing our home. Havent really been as fortunate as you yet so if the power of MULTIPLE prayers is better maybe you can take out a moment for us. Before this my husband was laid off 1 time in 27 yrs. so it is very hard for him, it has been SIX months. To the poster who is considering moving to Ohio, think hard that is where I live and after more than 300 resumes got 2 callbacks for jobs that cant pay you enough to live. Good luck all. Sharon I know exactly what your thoughts were like. Sole bread winner, no-savings, etc. I’ve been unable to work for severel years due to an illness.Although couldnt get S.S because we were told he made too much $, now I dont qualify due to not working 5 out of the last 10 years,lol. My husband and I are currently going thru the worries of utility shut-offs and losing our home. Havent really been as fortunate as you yet so if the power of MULTIPLE prayers is better maybe you can take out a moment for us. Before this my husband was laid off 1 time in 27 yrs. so it is very hard for him, it has been SIX months. To the poster who is considering moving to Ohio, think hard that is where I live and after more than 300 resumes got 2 callbacks for jobs that cant pay you enough to live. Good luck all.
Sharon

]]> By: Sara @ Saving with Sara http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186833 Sara @ Saving with Sara Sat, 08 Aug 2009 05:44:10 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186833 Wonderful guest post! One of the best I've read in a very long time. Thanks for sharing. Wonderful guest post! One of the best I’ve read in a very long time. Thanks for sharing.

]]> By: Bradi Nathan http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186832 Bradi Nathan Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:54:16 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186832 Back to the basic.. what an unfortunate, yet wonderful, way to teach our children that less is more! Back to the basic.. what an unfortunate, yet wonderful, way to teach our children that less is more!

]]> By: Rachel http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186831 Rachel Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:09:03 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186831 I think it so amazing how far food really can go if you stretch it and cook from scratch. We usually have so many leftovers, which translates into even more savings! I think it so amazing how far food really can go if you stretch it and cook from scratch. We usually have so many leftovers, which translates into even more savings!

]]> By: Emily http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186830 Emily Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:39:17 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186830 Thanks for your wonderful post. It is under similar conditions that I decided to start cutting costs and found moneysavingmom's website. My mom was unemployed and got to the point where she would have gone into foreclosure if we didn't step in and help her. Paying two mortgages ate into our 'safety fund' in a nerve-wracking way. I decided that - sweaters were made for a reason and we turned down the heat to 64deg and made good use of them! (o: Found MSM and learned about couponning. It all adds up and definitely helps. I liked your piece on liquidating the things in your home that you no longer use. I think this doesn't occur to many people - there are certainly many venues available these days (craigslist, ebay, garage sale) I am fortunate for this upsetting but inspiring change in my total outlook. We are now committed to paying off our mortgage in 10 years so that we may never face what my mom had to face. Anyways, your post comes at a time for many that are facing these hardships. Thanks! Emily Thanks for your wonderful post. It is under similar conditions that I decided to start cutting costs and found moneysavingmom’s website. My mom was unemployed and got to the point where she would have gone into foreclosure if we didn’t step in and help her. Paying two mortgages ate into our ‘safety fund’ in a nerve-wracking way.
I decided that – sweaters were made for a reason and we turned down the heat to 64deg and made good use of them! (o: Found MSM and learned about couponning. It all adds up and definitely helps.
I liked your piece on liquidating the things in your home that you no longer use. I think this doesn’t occur to many people – there are certainly many venues available these days (craigslist, ebay, garage sale)
I am fortunate for this upsetting but inspiring change in my total outlook. We are now committed to paying off our mortgage in 10 years so that we may never face what my mom had to face.
Anyways, your post comes at a time for many that are facing these hardships. Thanks!
Emily

]]> By: melissa pimentel http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186829 melissa pimentel Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:24:20 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186829 My husband was laid off in Novemeber 2008 and thankfully, we have had enough in savings that we are doing okay. It has always been his dream to own his own business, so we decided when he was laid off that if was a good time to start that. We had enough to fund the new business, plus a year of living expenses. I can't speak highly enough of having savings. If we didn't have that the experience of being unemployed would have been totally different in a negative way. I have to admit when we had that money in our savings would think at times how nice it would be to have a nicer house or nicer cars, but I can't tell you what a huge blessing it is that we had it available to us. My advice it to save, save, save. You never know when or for what you will need it. My husband was laid off in Novemeber 2008 and thankfully, we have had enough in savings that we are doing okay. It has always been his dream to own his own business, so we decided when he was laid off that if was a good time to start that. We had enough to fund the new business, plus a year of living expenses. I can’t speak highly enough of having savings. If we didn’t have that the experience of being unemployed would have been totally different in a negative way. I have to admit when we had that money in our savings would think at times how nice it would be to have a nicer house or nicer cars, but I can’t tell you what a huge blessing it is that we had it available to us. My advice it to save, save, save. You never know when or for what you will need it.

]]> By: Angie http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186828 Angie Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:20:51 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186828 I really enojyed reading your post. My husband was unempolyed for about six months last year, and right before his benfits were about to ran out God provide him with a job. It pays alot less, but we have insurance and I still can stay at home with the kids. I will have to start subsuite teach after the end of the year, but I can chose which days I want, and I knw God will always provide and we need to trust him. I really enojyed reading your post. My husband was unempolyed for about six months last year, and right before his benfits were about to ran out God provide him with a job. It pays alot less, but we have insurance and I still can stay at home with the kids. I will have to start subsuite teach after the end of the year, but I can chose which days I want, and I knw God will always provide and we need to trust him.

]]> By: Michelle http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186827 Michelle Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:18:16 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186827 Wonderfully written post! Two years ago we started to see signs that my husband's job could be in jeopardy (just due to overall contraction in the construction industry). I looked for part-time work as a CPA so that we had a bit of room to move and something to fall back on if need be. I started my job last June, working 2 days a week after being home with our four kids (the youngest is 2) for 10 years. During the past year, we did not learn to live on our higher combined income, but continued to cut and purge ourselves of things we did not need. We paid cash to make important and well thought out improvements/repairs to our home and vehicles as necessary after making due as long as we could. This past May my husband did lose his job. My work had been pushing for me to work full time, so I was able to go full time. Even though my full time pay did not kick in until 8 weeks later (due to our payroll lag), my benefits did right away and we tightened up even more and did not have to dip into our savings AT ALL - it was amazing. Things are going so well, that I am cutting back to 32 hours a week because I miss being home more and we can afford it. Who knows what lies ahead for any of us, but if you work hard and are prepared, often times you are ready when opportunity strikes. Sometimes it is still a hard road, but you have to do all you can for yourself. Wonderfully written post! Two years ago we started to see signs that my husband’s job could be in jeopardy (just due to overall contraction in the construction industry). I looked for part-time work as a CPA so that we had a bit of room to move and something to fall back on if need be. I started my job last June, working 2 days a week after being home with our four kids (the youngest is 2) for 10 years.

During the past year, we did not learn to live on our higher combined income, but continued to cut and purge ourselves of things we did not need. We paid cash to make important and well thought out improvements/repairs to our home and vehicles as necessary after making due as long as we could.

This past May my husband did lose his job. My work had been pushing for me to work full time, so I was able to go full time. Even though my full time pay did not kick in until 8 weeks later (due to our payroll lag), my benefits did right away and we tightened up even more and did not have to dip into our savings AT ALL – it was amazing.

Things are going so well, that I am cutting back to 32 hours a week because I miss being home more and we can afford it.

Who knows what lies ahead for any of us, but if you work hard and are prepared, often times you are ready when opportunity strikes. Sometimes it is still a hard road, but you have to do all you can for yourself.

]]> By: Becky S. http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186826 Becky S. Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:17:16 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186826 Thanks so much for sharing! My husband and I went through a similar situation and it is amazing how God provides in ways you wouldn't even imagine! Thanks so much for sharing! My husband and I went through a similar situation and it is amazing how God provides in ways you wouldn’t even imagine!

]]> By: carla http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186825 carla Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:45:07 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186825 Absolutely a GREAT post! Thanks! Absolutely a GREAT post! Thanks!

]]> By: Jill http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186824 Jill Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:33:59 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186824 What an amazing and inspiring post, thank you for sharing! We have been living on one income for the past month and a half, and we too learned the lessons of "going without". Now that we have a part time second income again, we are still living as though we are only on one income and that whole second paycheck is going straight into savings. It is a great peace of mind knowing that we can survive on just one income! Thanks for the great post! What an amazing and inspiring post, thank you for sharing! We have been living on one income for the past month and a half, and we too learned the lessons of “going without”. Now that we have a part time second income again, we are still living as though we are only on one income and that whole second paycheck is going straight into savings. It is a great peace of mind knowing that we can survive on just one income! Thanks for the great post!

]]> By: Amy Roller http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186823 Amy Roller Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:27:26 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186823 It's so true, unemployment really brings into perspective needs vs. wants. When my hub lost his job a couple years ago, we immediately put all spending on hold, ate all the food in the house, and prayed. We also of course, spent hours looking for and pursuing jobs. It brought our family closer together, and our neighbors out of the woodwork. People we had rarely talked to stopped by with Christmas gifts, food, etc. That was the best Christmas ever, as the Lord blessed us beyond measure. Now, we're back to work, but never forget the lessons we learned that Christmas. It’s so true, unemployment really brings into perspective needs vs. wants. When my hub lost his job a couple years ago, we immediately put all spending on hold, ate all the food in the house, and prayed. We also of course, spent hours looking for and pursuing jobs. It brought our family closer together, and our neighbors out of the woodwork. People we had rarely talked to stopped by with Christmas gifts, food, etc. That was the best Christmas ever, as the Lord blessed us beyond measure. Now, we’re back to work, but never forget the lessons we learned that Christmas.

]]> By: Jennifer http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html/comment-page-1#comment-186822 Jennifer Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:09:41 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/08/guest-post-lessons-learned-from-unemployment.html#comment-186822 Thank you, thank you, thank you for not going the "woah is me" route with this situation. In your decision to not let life happen to you but to make the best of what you were handed, you have let God move in some mighty ways. I've found that when we sit around and mope, we're not allowing Him to work. You are truly an inspiration! Thanks for sharing! Thank you, thank you, thank you for not going the “woah is me” route with this situation. In your decision to not let life happen to you but to make the best of what you were handed, you have let God move in some mighty ways. I’ve found that when we sit around and mope, we’re not allowing Him to work. You are truly an inspiration! Thanks for sharing!

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