On more or less? - lost my job, gotta find a new one!

[WingAnimal]

What a week... Marry my son off on a Saturday, and lose my job on a Thursday. Well, at least it wasn't "ME". The company downsized all the managers because we were costing them too much. So, all the centers in North America lost their management teams. I won't say what company, etc. I'm not like that.

Anyway, I don't know if that means I'll be online more or less. I guess it depends on how the job search is going. All I know is, I'm going through all the stages (yesterday was denial, today is anger and sadness -- extreme sadness -- and guilt, even though I know deep down it's not because of job performance). The real bummer is, I was suppose to be on vacation with my wife, celebrating the wedding, and instead had to the vacation because we can't afford it now and the mood is a little different.

You all don't need to know this... other than, you all are by second family and I figured if I'm not on, you might wonder why. Well, that would be why. I guess I better get to work on finding work. Talk to you all later.

[Cmcburnett]

Norm, I am so sorry about your job. Keep good thoughts even though I know it can be tough.:( I've had a very rough year also so I know how hard it is to look on the bright side. Keep smiling, hopefully good things will come your way soon.

[jazzfisher]

Norm,
What a emotional week for you. They keep getting rid of people then they is no one left to do all the work! I'll keep my fingers crossed for the best for you.
In the meantime maybe you could do weddings photos & charge for every person there!!!!!! (just to make you smile!)

[AngelicKim]

Oh Nom, so sorry to hear about your job. What a week. The company my DH works for just lost a major account and he has to layoff people again next week. Its a small company and we don't know how much longer it will last. Good luck in the job search. Until you find something though, consider something with your photography to help make ends meet. You take great photos.

Congrats on the anniversary. The important thing is that you have each other not taking a vacation. Our anniversary is next week too and with my trip to Florida and all the trips back and forth to Ohio we can't afford anything either this year. But we have each other and thats what counts.

[westiemom]

Norm, I'm so sorry to hear about your job. Try to keep your spirits up, if you can. Unfortunately, people are not valued as human beings, just as a number that affects the bottom line. I hope you find something soon.

Anita

[Shari]

Oh Norm - I am so sorry to hear that news. I know you have a wonderful family to support you (emotionally) and having each other and your health is more important than any old job. You will find something and you might like it even better. Meanwhile get out there with you camera. You take such excellent photos - how about photos of your friends daughters at the dance class? You know it just takes one little bird to peep something in someone's ear and the ball gets rolling. And you are right - we are your second family and we are here to support you - so please keep us up to date on how things are going. Meanwhile toast each other, have a special evening and keep the glass half full!!!
Shari

PS I have always thought 'All laced up" would be a beautiful photo in anyone's home. I am sure there are parents out there who would kill (and pay) to have a print of their daughter in some of the dance poses.

[lindajay]

I absolutely agree with EVERYTHING Kim just said. Norm, this, too, will pass, and in the meantime hug your wife (and let her hug you) and take some pictures. Things will come out okay, although we never can see that at the moment of the crisis. We'll all be here for you.

[Tina_B]

When one door closes another will open. Just stay positive. Good Luck.
Tina B

[msbrad]

Norm,
Thank you for sharing with your second family.
So now as your "big sister", I will tell you, we've lived the same, it was awful. As stated above, you just never know how one person, telling another etc...and boom, everything works out and, often for the better.
God has a plan.
Hang in there- enjoy your beautiful family, as that is what is most important.
Keep the glass half full! You've a lot to offer.
Remember we are here for you.
m

[LeeOtsubo]

Jobs are like busses, if you miss one, another will be by soon. I've never lost a job yet that I lost any sleep over.

On the flip side, of all the people I've fired or laid off, most have called me or stopped by at a later time or told a mutual acquaintance, "That was the best thing that ever happened to me."

Now may be the perfect time to think about going into business for yourself. Everyone has considered that at one time or another. Good luck.

[mrod]

Hey, Norm, I'm sorry to hear about the job. The timing sure seems like a bummer. Then again, we only have a limited view of things, eh?

I won't try to understand, as I haven't been in that position (seems as though people keep on having kids, and those kids keep on going to school...;)). I can only imagine the feelings, and it ain't pretty.

Keep on keepin' on, brother. I'm excited to hear about the open door you'll find at the end of this journey.

And, congrats to your son and his new bride. May they have many years together.

Mike

[Orphanannie]

Hi Norm,

So sorry to hear about your job. It happened a couple years ago to Michael and I. It was tuff, but we made it. I think it taught us a good lesson, never take anything for granted. Lean on each other and your family, including us and you will make out great. Who knows, what is around the next corner.......

Happy Anniversary and please keep us posted.....

[Wags374]

Sorry to hear about the job loss - you are right the timing sucks!

But look at it this way, at least you knew before the vacation, rather than it happening while you were gone and coming back to found out you couldn't afford everything you just spent. (Had that happen to me once...)

Keep positive and something better is bound to come along. :)

[kroberts]

Norm,

I'll be sending positive thoughts your way that a new door will open soon!:)

[chas3stix]

Norm,
Sorry to hear about your job. A door has been closed in your life and now one will be opened. Hang in there.
Chas

[G. OReilly]

:twisted:..Norm.....I've been down that road too...and beleive me its not nice.
Unfortunately these so called "companys" just seem to look at there P & L sheets(profit & loss) not giveing a tinkers dam about the people that they affect. I'm sure something will come along soon,and as some have already said,it might just be "the best thing that ever happened".

Regards

George

[nkeevers]

Norm, so sorry to hear about your job loss! It's happened to me and I went thru the same thing...shock, denial, anger. Then I figured, hey, their loss, I'll find something better. I'm sure you will too! I've also been one to have to lay people off and that's not fun either! But, I'm sure you will find something better. It's not your fault...companies are doing that all over. The guys making the big bucks are the first to go!

Bummer though that you had a high (the wedding) and then immediately after a low (layed off). But, try not to worry about it too much! Too bad about the going away but you have each other to depend on and you'll enjoy whatever you do!

Good luck and I'm sure things will be looking up soon! Keep believing that and it will happen!!:D

[kevq]

Norm,
it's a real sickener when this happens. Hang on in there and it will work out in the end. We are all rooting for you.
Kev.

[jojo99]

Sorry to hear about your job Norm, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed you find something even better in no time.
Keep your chin up!
Jo-Jo

[Chuck S.]

Norm, your many friends here are wishing you the best as you undergo this unexpected change in your life. I really liked what Lee O. had to say; probably worth going back and reading and reflecting on his philosophy.

[Byron Gale]

Norm,

Having been declared "surplus" in the past, I know just how much it sucks.

I feel your pain.

Byron

[WingAnimal]

Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts. I know I'll come out of this just fine. It's just hard at the moment. I, too, have had to lay off many people as a manager and it's never fun. I'm such a people-person. I care so much about people, that it just aches my heart when I have to break bad news. But I'm also a smart business man, and know when it's time to do what is right by the business.

I will survive this because I know our God will not allow me to deal with more than I can handle. I'm just not ready to find out exactly what it is that I can and cannot handle. :rolleyes:

I've sent out some resumes already and I've made some other contacts. My lovely wife will be home soon and we will pop some popcorn and watch a movie and then enjoy (as much as we can) the weekend. Then, on Monday, I will put on my game-face and sell myself like I never have before.

Oh, Sherry... I'm not ready to smile about the wedding photographer.... yet... but I'm getting there. I'll explain later -- when I can smile about it.

[jazzfisher]

Norm,
I'll be waiting!
In the meantime, have a nice weekend, you deserve it!:)

[Robyn]

Norm,

I'm so sorry to hear about your job loss. You are such a nice person, I have no doubt whatsoever that it won't be long and some lucky person/business will have the chance of a lifetime to gain you as an employee!

[Diana]

Norm, I just wanted to wish you the best in coping with the disappointment and in your job search. Hang in there, and have faith something better is down the road for you.

Diana

[TexasRose]

Norm,

You definitely are not alone...for so many reasons. I bet if you took a poll of us all, the percentage of those who have been there far exceeds those who haven't. I know that doesn't help. And I know there will be positive times and negative times; but I do know you will find your way, and that you will find a new job. It is definitely tough. But do believe! It will come. You are a good man and I will keep you in my prayers.

In the meantime, don't dwell on this. Try to take the time you need to figure out where you want to be. As scary as it is, you will get to where you need to be. Right now, it is so hard, I know; but please, just keep on keepin' on and you will find a good place.

[Inspeqtor]

Norm,

I am also so sorry to hear of your job loss. I too have been there. A company that I worked for, and had been in business for 54 years closed their doors and auctioned off the property. Everyone in the company had to find new jobs. I had worked for them for 21 years and thought I would retire from there. It was a hard and difficult time for me too. I have since found a better job, and I know you will too. Keep the faith, trust in God, and he will direct your path. :)

[genevh]

I've been there myself, also, and can feel your pain. But with a bit of perseverance, hard work, and a little luck (well, maybe more than a little :) ), things always seem to work out for the better!

[tootie501]

Gee Norm, that is a real bummer. Here you are, all pumped up and happy about your son's wedding, and then BAM, knocked down by the job situation. I hope something comes along for you very soon. Some times it's really hard to stay positive. Keep us posted on the job search and good luck.

[jo]

Keep your chin up and follow your dreams! This may be your boot in the rear to do something you always wanted to do but didn't have the nerve to break away from your "safe" position.

[GaryK]

Norm

So sorry to hear about your job loss. :mad: There is not much more for me to say that hasn't been said.
Now that you have a new daughter-in-law, I'm sure she and your son are looking to spend some quality time with you. Maybe you can move in with them for the next few years.:D

[jazzfisher]

Gary,
You're so helpful, why don't you let them move in with you........:twisted::eek::D

[GaryK]

Sherry

All are welcome to my humble abode.:)

Norm... wait until September though.. last one off to University then.:D:(

[Punkinsmom]

I can truly sympathize! My hubby has been out of work a month now! I make a very good wage so financially we should be ok, but we were so used to living on both incomes. We have just got to cut back on the extras. We're very frugal anyway so it isn't a big adjustment but I do miss a few things. Hope you get back to work soon.

[kayser]

Norm,

Sorry to hear your news. Keep us posted on your job search. And keep your spirits up!

[Bayla]

Norm,

So sorry to hear about your job loss. You come over as such a positive, upbeat person on the forum, I'm sure it won't be too long before you find something even better jobwise, and in the meantime look at all the positive things about spending more time at home - I'm sure you'll find some if you look hard enough!

Bayla

[billz]

Norm -

I'm sure sorry to hear about your job. I don't have any doubt though that you'll land something else soon .... your positive attitude will ensure it.

Good luck and please count on our support.

Bill

[crljean]

Norm, I can't add anything that someone before me hasn't already said. I am sorry about your job. Like so many, I've been there. But you are obviously a man of great faith and you know that you'll be okay. Hang in there. I'll think good thoughts for you!

[kimh]

Norm, I'm just catching this thread for the first time.
Hang in there and re-read this thread with all the positive thoughts.
Will be praying for a great new job (might as well throw 'fun' in there too:D)
Do keep us informed.
Kimh

[dsfisher421]

Norm,
When I lost my job a few years ago, I allowed myself one week to do the whole anger and sadness thing. Found another job that took me in a different direction and really enjoyed it. I hope that you will find something very soon as I know how stressful it can be.

[quillabee9]

Norm,
When I was facing transitions, some forced, some brought about freely by choice, I found so many opportunities to grow. I had to figure what was really important. In some cases I had major paradigm shifts and found some new delightful directions to pursue. Your mature forward looking attitude will serve you well. Time will work for you. Good luck.

[Vesta]

Norm,

I was thinking about you and your presence on this forum. you have always been and encourager and very caring and gentle person. I had a preacher that said "Be careful what you think it will come out in words any minute". Helpful and Good words come from you.

Since you have always been an encourager and you don't lightly dish out advice without having been around long enough to have had some experiences that have caused you to be strong and caring, you will make it through this and come out using some very strong talents that you have. I like the others on here will lift you up in prayer.

Vesta

[ChristineV]

Norm, I am so sorry to hear about your job. I hope you find something really quick! I believe that when a door closes a bigger, better one opens on the path you are to take.

Good Luck!