Everything sublime is as difficult as it is rare. Baruch Spinoza

Friday, October 24, 2008

Part Of The Statistics

60,000 jobs lost in the first three weeks of October. Last night a friend called me to say she lost her job that day. She's had this job less than six months and it was her dream job with a well-known corporation. She had been walking on air that she had landed this job. It seems they can hire a contractor for less, so she now joins the statistics.

 I was supposed to pick her horse up on Saturday so he could live here. My friend wanted to spend time with him in a quiet environment, a friend of hers rides here occasionally and she wanted to be here to ride with her and she wanted to go along with us when we go places. The problem is, board is much higher here than where her horse currently lives. So a little bit of the domino effect.

Because of the economy I, in effect, lost my job over a year ago. I started to think about all of the people like me who aren't in the traditional work force and therefore aren't counted in the job loss statistics. So how many non-traditional workers lost their income over the first three weeks of October? 

My friend is young, smart, attractive and educated. And unemployed in a very bad job market. I feel sad for her and hope she can keep her head above water during these troubled times.

Eleven more days, maybe the clouds will lift. 

6 comments:

Ashley Dumas said...

We are feeling it too! My husband and I have received some life altering news from his employer as well. We are internationally relocated and thus more expensive to hire than a local. At this point my husband's superior expertise does not make the difference in cost worth it for his company. They are even pulling the rug out from under us (so to speak) by trying to wriggle out of relocation responsibilities that our contract (apparently vaguely enough for them to try and avoid) outlined for us. We are looking at a drastic pay decrease, loss of expat benefits, and general job insecurity.
His company brought us here with all of our personal belongings, furniture, kitchen stuff, everything we own is here. We are looking at returning with our suitcases!! Wow. That will be a huge loss and we can't justify shipping the stuff ourselves as it is a super expensive process.

I don't want to complain too much as my husband (as of now) has a job and with much lifestyle change we can manage, however, it is certainly an unexpected change. One of our benefits was the house that we are living in. We are going to have to move out soon to a small apartment, cut spending etc... I am still happy we can pay our basic bills but the situation gets complicated when you take into account that my husband is Argentinian and his visas have always been supported by his employer. Now we are looking at up to a year and half process for me to secure immigration visas and a green card for him to work in the US. The rules are very complicated and the process is expensive!!! Yikes!
I feel shocked that we have been left in this lurch by such a formerly trustworthy employer. Oh well we are just going to try and make the best of it.

So far the saddest part is that the small apartments around here do not allow dogs of Margot's weight so we have to find her a new home : (

Sorry for the pity party post but I was struck by your post and your hardship because of the economy and just wanted to say you are not alone
: )

Sandra said...

Oh Ashley I'm so sorry. The loss of your dog just adds to the burden.

The chickens of the past 30 years of policy are coming home to roost for most of us. I think most people are feeling a bit shell-shocked because we went along with our lives, doing what we were told was the path to security and now we find that in the current place the world is in, there is no such thing.

I can only hope that what has happened will make the next generation a little smarter and more astute where their government is concerned. We didn't get to this place by accident. I tend to be preachy, so I'll leave it at that.

Again, you have my sincere sympathy, but you are right in realizing as bad as it is, it could be worse. I try to tell myself that everyday. I'll miss seeing photos of your beautiful home, but it's the beautiful family that really matters.

Ashley Dumas said...

Hi Sandra,

Yes, the economy is certainly going to need some fixing from the bottom up : ) We found a great home for Margot today at a farm of a friend of Sienna. Sienna feels more peaceful knowing that Margot will be with her friend Yasmin on the weekends. We are finalizing our final negotiations and will know pretty soon how soon we need to move etc... Anyways we will still be up to more adventures and will keep the blog uptodate. : ) Bye for now.

Ash

Sandra said...

The bottom up is the way to start.

I'm glad you found a good home for Margot. I have a feeling for the defenseless animals that get caught in the mess people make. I think about it all the time in my own situation.

A move and a new home will be an adventure. I see on your blog that you are very good at what you do, so I know this will be an adventure and a negative turned into a positive.

JeanRDH said...

Sorry to read about your situation, Ashley.
Wishing you the best of luck.

Ashley Dumas said...

Thanks Jean : )

We are going to need it : )

Ash