Thursday, March 4, 2010

Blind-sided

For months the topic was at the top of the list in my house - the new CEO was going to eliminate my dads job. For nearly a year it weighed heavy on everyone's mind until one Saturday in February of 2009 when my dad came home from a meeting and told us it was finally happening. In April he would loose his job. I wanted to throw up, I wanted to scream, I wanted to march down there and punch that guy in the mouth and ask him what he was thinking. They were going to keep one person, but in the end it wasn't my dad (one of the long time employees of that department and one of the hardest workers). Instead he was left jobless on April 17, 2009 and is still unemployed. It was so hard at first and with each day grew harder, I watched my dad go from a laughing, happy person to someone who didn't sleep and didn't laugh as much anymore. My heart would break every time I saw him. I would love to help them out but I can't, the economy hasn't been easy on me either, like most Americans.

I read articles on Yahoo daily about this Jim Bunning who has filibustered the passing of a law that would extend unemployment, now he will be my new mouth punching victim. Everyday that my dad goes with out a job is heart-wrenching and it hurts me to think that they could soon loose their home and everything they worked so hard for because of what happened in this economy. This man probably has millions of dollars and can't see what his vote is doing to millions in this country. Then I read the comments, people saying that the jobless are lazy?!?! You have to be kidding me! And that collecting unemployment is making them even lazier, its just like another slap in the face.

I doubt that most honest Americans want to be "living off the government" but in times like this they have no choice. My parents do not get food stamps, Medicaid or Welfare and my dad paid into unemployment all the years he worked so he is entitled to collect what he paid into. The jobless rate in Ohio is at 10%, that isn't his fault either. People say they should move, do you really think they could sell their house right now or afford to pay rent and a mortgage on one persons pay?! I just don't think that anyone understands.

Thankfully after I began writing this post, unemployment did get extended until December for the millions of Americans like my dad. I was afraid the next blind siding moment would be my parents selling their home and everything they've worked for.

I know this is a rather depressing post for Writers Workshop, but its honestly the worst kind of blind-siding that I've ever experienced. Do you know someone effected by the economy? Did you or a loved one loose your job?

12 comments:

Domestic Diva's Corner said...

I do know how you feel. My husband has lost his job and jobs are few and far between here in N.C i wish you and your family the best and prayers are with you. Visiting from mama kats

Farmers Wifey said...

That sounds really tough, but wishing you guys all the best..visiting from mama kats xx

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry to read this story. My thoughts go out to you and your family in this trying time.

Kim Lehnhoff said...

My husband and I are both back on the unemployed list after we finish our tax season jobs. I've been unemployed since Oct. 2007; my husband since August 2009.

Jobs are scarce, and even scarcer for folks in their 50s, like us.

I will get 8 weeks' on my final extension to unemployment, starting next month. Not sure if the new extension applies to me.

After that, I have no idea what I'll do.

Unknown said...

My mom and I were just talking the other day about your parents and if there was anything we could do for them. Do you know of anything?

My dad's been having a hard time too, being in real estate. So have I. Everyone acts like once you graduate college and "get an education" you'll never have any financial problems. It's bullcrap. I graduated in December 2008 and still haven't been able to find a real, full-time job, and now, at least for the next 4 months or so, I won't be able to because of the baby.

Anyway, I'm with you. Let me know if there's anything we can do for your parents!

Amanda said...

Thanks to all of you and Caitlyn - I'm not sure what you guys could do, for now they are getting by as far as food and things like that, but if you hear of any sales jobs (you know what a good salesman my dad is...lol) let me know!

I don't even know what to do for them at this point - maybe we need to have a meeting of the minds sometime before the baby comes...sorry I suck at getting together!

♥ Kathy said...

I hope things improve for you

Cybil said...

What a terrible stressful situation for your family. I will be thinking about your dad, wishing him luck for finding another job.

Unknown said...

this is so hard. hard to see it coming, hard to know there is nothing you can do to stop it from happening, and hard to know what to do to fix it. hugs to you and your family (because I don't know what else to say/do).

Holly Lefevre said...

Stopping by from Mama Kat's.

Wow...that was a powerful and well written post. I am so sorry this economy has hit your family so hard...unfortunately they way things have been going are a big reminder for everyone that things...life...can change in an instant. Right now in this current economic climate there are many, many hardworking honest Americans out of work, and I certainly hope things pick up so that all these hardworking people do not lose what they have been working for.
Holly
504 Main

Jessica said...

My parents are about to be effected by the economy as well and I know they're getting paranoid. We live in South Central Texas and for the longest didn't really have to face any of the major effects, now it's an entirely different story...

Karen and Gerard said...

That is very sad indeed. When me or my husband have a bad day at work, I just am glad we both have kept our jobs, especially when my breast cancer came and I had extra medical expenses. We have been very fortunate. Hope your dad finds work soon.

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