I know this economic climate has not been easy on anyone. Everyone has financial worries these days. So many people are without a job or facing that possibility. I've been worried for my dad for the past few months (he works for GM), but so far I haven't seriously worried about us.
Until last night. I called Husband at work to give him some fun, lighthearted, good news (later) and he said, "Try to wait up for me. I want to tell you about what's gone on at work today. A bunch of stuff has gone down. Don't really want to talk about it over the phone, so try to stay awake." My stomach suddenly felt like it was full of lead. "Nothing bad for us? Right?" "Well, not right now." And then I had to wait 3 1/2 hours for him to get home.
I'm not so good at waiting.
Here's the quick version: last week another plant owned by his company was shut down (near 150 lay offs). Their equipment is to be shipped here to set up & run at Husband's plant. They were supposed to be calling back people who'd been laid off in the past 18 months to a year. Good news, right? Last night they started walking people out of the plant. Husband said there were major cuts in the office (people flat out fired) and many more through the plant (jobs cut & people sent back "to the floor" where their seniority will take them...team leaders/middle management going back on the assembly lines). After all the bumping is over, there will probably be another lay off.
So far this shouldn't effect us. I'm praying it stays that way. Husband is now the only person who does his job on second shift. A year ago there were 3 of them. As of last night, he's on his own. There may be a lot of moving around between shifts, so there is a chance Husband will be bumped back to the floor. Rumors are swirling. More cuts, pay cuts, closings, government intervention. Not much is really known.
I've spent a lot of time praying & a lot of time trying to trust that God will take care of us no matter how this all turns out. It's not an easy task. Not remotely easy. Husband doesn't show his worry, but I know it's there lurking under the surface. I've also spent a good deal of time in prayer for him. He is always strong for us, but I know it can't be easy.
*******
The good news I called to tell him: Husband's cousin is the president of the FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) at her high school. Last night they had a fundraising dinner & raffle. I didn't go, but I bought some raffle tickets...partly because I loved the prize but mostly because I love Beffie & wanted to help her out with her project.
Guess what? I won. I'll post my prize as soon as I get it. I'm stoked!
5 comments:
Yikes, I'm sorry to hear that. I hope things stabilize and your husband's job is secure. This is why I get so irritated with people who say that if the economy were so bad, then people wouldn't be out buying stuff they don't need (I've seen this in a few places recently). Good luck to you guys. Congrats on the raffle win!
Oh that's stressful!!! Yikes!
Oh, Farmwife... you must be feeling gutted.Its that constant gnawing level of worry that won't go away. This, as you say, is happening to more and more people,but when it knocks on your door its still dreadful.I hope all will be ok.You will be strong together and weather the storm. S
It is scary - huh?
My hubby's been out of work since about Thanksgiving (he paints & does sheetrock), and my workload has been very light since about the same time.
I am frightened of the future ramifications of the bailout/stimulus package, but I sure need it to come through and kick start some transportation & energy projects for me.
Best you can do is keep praying, stay positive, and have faith. There's a lesson in here somewhere for all of us.
it's getting hairy out there, I know been through three straight cuts. I'm jaded now for sure, but your right to pray because it'll all work out as it's 'posed to. He is in control.
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