Every day, I am being invited to school fundraisers, Pampered Chef parties, trips to Florida, Atlantic City, NYC for Karoke, my cousin's wedding in Mexico, night out drinking with friends, out to dinner... More and more the answer to "Are you coming is?" "Im sorry...I can't."
In the beginning, I was able to pick and choose between the things I wanted to do. If it wasn't a huge layout of money, I felt it would be good for my mental health. In fact, if you remember, I had a strategy for dealing with these situations. Now, I am at the point where I have to say no. I guess I should feel lucky. I made it a year.
The truth is, unemployment benefits is only little band-aid, not meant to last a long time. Its been my savings, a home equity loan and a decent credit line that has been holding things together. My Cobra Subsidy is about the end, and that's when the band-aid will fall off, and the bleeding really begins. My next line of defense is borrowing from my parents. Then...I don't know.
I know I am not alone. And I know that things have to get better. And I know as bad as things are, I am still spoiled. Things are not even close to being as bad as they were in my grandparents' day. And I know it must have been pretty bad, becuase till the day they died, my grandparents lived a very simple life despite riches in their bank account. You don't that unless you've been through hard times before.
Today I have to make tougher decisions. How can I keep my head above water until my next job? What else can I cut? Can I rent out my condo?
Its tough out here...but I know we can handle it.
My Prayer for the Unemployed
Dear God,
I know you never give me a situation I cannot handle and for everything that happens in my life you have a plan for me. I ask that you give me the strength to stay positive during this difficult time, and continue to help me to find the brighter sides in my dark days, and guide me to a better future. I ask that you help others who are also struggling with unemployment, those who are lost, and those who are stressed financially and spiritually, that they may also find relief from their burdens. I trust in you, God. Amen
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