So happy I was laid off

[zumbamama]

Last week I was in tears because I was laid off along with half the company and was screwed out of all my unused vacation pay. The job market is utterly depressing. Market value for my profession is dropping although technical skill set is increasing. And I sooo do not want to go back to 9-5. So after a few days of feeling sorry for myself, I decided to turn things around. I've always dreamed being a PT SAHM and leaving my desk to follow my dream dance career...so I decided I WILL make it happen! And it's happening...I can't believe it. I get to take my kid to school almost everyday (I rarely get to do that) and line up all the dance gigs I want. I would've waited years to do this had I not been laid off.

Blessings....they so often come disguised!

I see many people in my boat. Laid off, sick of their desk jobs, want to work PT and maintain their same income and lifestyle. I know we are not all in the same field, but if you cannot find the opportunities you want...try creating them! Market your skills to the companies/people that will need you, and you may be in for a pleasant surprise. Life is too short not to go after your dreams!

[Anonymous]

That's awesome. Congratulations. I was listening to a story on NPR this morning about a Merrill Lynch banker who was laid off and he's now pursuing his dream career in music.

[Anonymous]

Yay!! Congratulations!! I'm so happy for you, zumbamama! Keep us posted!!

[Anonymous]

Congratulations Zumbamama. I know you'll be a huge success!

[Anonymous]

Aww, Zumbamama, you're such a positive force on this board. Glad you're here and congratulations!

[Anonymous]

i cant believe ill be working at a place called hot mama! too funny!

[Anonymous]

Zumbamama - best of luck to you! I know you'll be successful. I too love your positive attitude and your many words of wisdom. Dancing with the Stars lookout !!

[Anonymous]

I got laid off in 11/2007 from a job that paid well and was "prestigious" but that I just didn't like. It wasn't a good fit for my personality or my skill set and I grew increasingly miserable there, but was too busy to find another job, and since I'd only been there 7 months, it didn't occur to me to get out even sooner.

I was scared to death and depressed when it happened, and totally freaked out about finding another job, and totally freaked out about money. (I'm single, so I'm the sole breadwinner.) It did take six months to find another job and start working, and the job I found wasn't as well-paid or my dream job, but it's a job. I'm not miserable here, and I'm much happier not working 60 hour weeks! And I managed to live cheaply enough during my unemployment (with the help of unemployment income for 14 weeks) that I didn't have to cash in any of my retirement funds, though I did blow through my emergency savings and built up a little credit card balance.

The six months I was unemployed were actually really cool, though. I'd been working so hard my entire life - had worked during high school and worked my way through college and never had more than 4-5 days off between jobs from the time I was 22 up until I got laid off at 35. I was burned out and exhausted from years of 10-12 hour workdays and working weekends and business travel with almost no vacation. While unemployed, I job-hunted for a few hours a day, and I used the rest of the time to get in really good physical shape - I took yoga 4-5 times a week (daytime classes at gold's gym), did cardio every day, lifted weights. I got a good night's sleep every single night. I cut back on my drinking, but made sure to go out with friends every weekend so I wouldn't get too lonely. I cooked good meals at home nearly every day. I read a lot, and spent as much time outside as I could. I kept my house very clean and organized.

the other bright side was that when your income is super low during a fiscal year and your deductions stay the same or get bigger (like mine did because i also got pregnant while unemployed, oops), you could get a lot back in taxes, which you can use to replenish your emergency savings once you're employed again.

Anyway, good luck. Be as positive as you can be, try to see the bright side, because there is one.

[Anonymous]

I would actually like to get laid off right now. I would continue daycare for about a month and sleep all day. Then I would quit the daycare and have fun this summer with my toddler.

[Anonymous]

Congratulations for making lemonade out of lemons!

Best wishes with your new path.