Possible Job Loss (dh)

[snuggly mama]

Dh found out today, very unexpectedly, that his job may be in jeopardy. He is surprised, hurt and frustrated. I am scared! We just refinanced our house, so we do have a financial cushion (cash out, no increase in payments), but I am a SAHM, we have 3 kids, one w/SN, and I just don't know what to do! I feel so bad for dh, because he really has no idea what caused this sudden turn of events -- he's been working incredibly hard, and has had no poor reviews or anything. I want to be supportive in this, and I also want to do the best things financially to get us through this situation. Dh does not have any college background, and I admit to being worried about his earning potential in a new job. I'm also concerned about health insurance, since there is no way we could afford COBRA. I have been working to have a more frugal lifestyle, and I know that will help, but I just don't know where to start in handling this.

[mamajessica]

oh mama, that's so tough. One thing you may want to look into is how unemployment works in your area. If your DH is fired without appropriate reasons (sounds like he may be about to, especially with no write ups, etc) then he would likely qualify. Also try to find a lawyer friend to talk to. Even an aquaintence who knows a lawyer could probably give some good advice about the particular situation. Heck, even some MDC mama lawyers could possibly tell you where you stand in filing a claim.
I would also start skimming the jobs in the paper, better to leave a job because you got a new one than to be fired!
That's all I have now, but I had to respond. here's another

[dziejen]

Oh mama, I am so sorry that you might be going through that. Dh lost his job 4 days before dd#2 was born (I was 6 days overdue at the time : ) and had no warning. It was rough and scary but we made it through. What we did as soon as we could was apply for dh to get unemployment benefits, we got WIC temporarily, and dh got set looking for a job as soon as he could. As for health insurance, we were able to get free care at the hospital and just put off non-emergency appts (ie.dental cleanings,etc.) until we were back on our feet again and had insurance. We were honest with our doctor and he took the baby for her first well-visit for free and then reduced the cost for the next couple until we had insurance. Also our state (MA) had a plan for children's health insurance which you might be able to look into through unemployment. And the pp's advice about legal advice is good too -- especially if you think things were not done right. Best of luck!

[aprons_and_acorns]

Oh, snuggly mama

I just wanted to offer my support to you. We just found out that my dh will probably be laid off at the first of the year. I am a SAHM who does a few odd things here and there to make about $75 a week, and we are already barely manking it. I hope this layoff will be an opportunity to make room for better things for us. We have been through times like this before and have always found a way to make it.

I will be thinking of you and yor family, that your needs will be met through work for your dh, and that the stress of the situation doesn't cast a shadow onto your family life. Keep us posted, ok mama

[kimmie-pooh]

I am so sorry. I have no advice, just wanted to offer :

[Bethla]

Financial situations usually work out one way or another. I would start by canceling the unnecessaries like cable, internet, gym memberships...anything else you can think of. Take inventory of items you'd be willing to sell-maybe even a car if it comes down to it. As soon as your dh gets notice call your local unemployment office and start the process. In my state there is a toll free number you call and enter all your info. Have an up-to-date resume ready and start a job search on-line or in your local paper. He might want to start applying for jobs now even if he hasn't gotten laid off yet.

Best of luck to you guys. My dh was laid off many years ago and found a much better job than he had before.

[snuggly mama]

Dh is taking this in stride, and I am trying to follow suit. I am also trying to be positive in thinking of this as an opportunity for change instead of a disaster! Financially, of course, it's not very good, but it may be something dh needs in order to pursue the type of job/career that would make him happier. I have made a list of things we could do without, as well as some ways to begin saving money. I am also going on a job interview on Tuesday, and while I'm still feeling ambivalent about becoming a WOHM, at least I know there's some possibility of income. Dh is not at all certain about what might happen with his job -- he is getting some positive info, but is still waiting to hear more from his boss. With the holiday weekend, it will probably be mid-week before he knows more, which is driving me nuts

I am glad, though, that we are being supportive of each other. Even though my usual reaction to something like this is to head straight into panic mode, I am trying hard to stay calm and reasonable. Dh's usual reaction is more like, everything will just work itself out, but he's being more open with me and discussing some options just in case. Still hoping for the best here, though!

[snuggly mama]

Well, it looks like today might be the day Dh got called to his boss' office, which of course is an hour's drive away, for an "urgent" meeting. Given the fact that he accidentally found out yesterday that his position has been filled, it doesn't look good. I am so upset about this whole thing. Dh is a hard-working, dedicated guy. He busts his butt for this place, his reviews have been good, he's not in trouble -- I just don't get it : On top of it, he feels totally humiliated by the way this has been handled. I just feel so badly for him.

I checked into unemployment last night, and it seems pretty easy to do. I'm making a game plan, but the whole thing just stinks.

[ashleyhaugh]

that sucks..... hope everything works out ok

[Jane]

I had a positive above-average performance review in august and was fired just 29 days later. I was super pissed that other people knew about before me. It was the ultimate kick in the stomach on top of that.
I just got my letter that they denied my unemployment claim.

[twindaze]

Originally Posted by snuggly mama

Well, it looks like today might be the day Dh got called to his boss' office, which of course is an hour's drive away, for an "urgent" meeting. Given the fact that he accidentally found out yesterday that his position has been filled, it doesn't look good. I am so upset about this whole thing. Dh is a hard-working, dedicated guy. He busts his butt for this place, his reviews have been good, he's not in trouble -- I just don't get it : On top of it, he feels totally humiliated by the way this has been handled. I just feel so badly for him.

The same thing happened to my dh, even the sudden "meeting." It sucks, and it's hard to explain why he was let go when his sales were up 250 K for the half year and he was bringing in a 400 K account. I mean, can we really tell the employer that we think his old boss was bi-polar?

So I feel your pain, it's been 2 months so far and dh has some leads but it's taking FORever. Luckily we have a good amount of money in IRA's that we can tap into if necessary but the health insurance thing is troubling. His old company wanted 1880 per month for COBRA. Um, I don't think so.

[snuggly mama]

Jenny, it sounds like we're in this leaky boat together! I am alternating between acceptance and total panic. Knowing that I have a part-time job eases a tiny amount of the financial fear, but the health insurance thing scares me. Affording COBRA is out of the question, I'm pretty sure. Dh applied for unemployment, but that's it's own roller coaster ride. We recently refinanced our house, so the cash back that we had planned to use for home repairs is now our cushion. I paid off some debts to ease our monthly expenses (which we were planning anyway), but I don't know how much it will help