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My current reality

The unemployment office is a degrading, depressing place.  You see people from all walks of life.  The person waiting next to you could be a laid off city worker making 20K , an executive  who made 100K, or me a nurse who was firmly in the middle.  We’re all in the same place, at the same time, wanting the same things:

A job, and some help until we get one.

As a nurse, I never, EVER thought that I would be here, in this place, at this time.  I’ve always had it in my mind that stuff like this doesn’t happen to people like me.  I went to school for 5 years, graduated with relatively good grades with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a good school.  I majored in a field where “the possibilities were endless.”  I chose a field where it seemed I would always have a job.  It was supposed to be “recession proof.”

But here I am: pregnant, unemployed and a statistic.  Yes, I am a part of that 10.2% unemployement rate in Georgia, and the  9.5% unemployment rate in the country.  It was my lot in life to be the last hired, first fired in my 7th month of pregnancy.  To be a victim of “reorganization.”

And I find it ironic that because I am pregnant, I can’t get another job. 

The one thing that I have prayed for, wished for, cried for, rejoiced in, is keeping me unemployed.  Because who will hire the obviously pregnant woman who will deliver  sometime in the next 5 1/2 weeks,and then have to take 6 more weeks off to recuperate?

WHO?

I’ve searched, I’ve asked, and I can’t find them.  I can’t even find someone who will interview me now, and let me start in January.  Who knew a job search would be so hard? Who knew that last weeks of my pregnancy would be so stressful? Who knew I would be reduced to begging for a unemployement check from the government that will barely help cover my regular bills, let alone the new ones that will surface once a baby arrives?

As uncomfortable as I am most days, I would give anything to still have the option to work.  I would give anything not to have to worry about how my bills will get paid, how I will pay for this baby, and how will I support him when he is born.

But this is my reality at this time.

And this reality sucks.

jaymee

Saturday 24th of October 2009

so sorry that you are having to deal with this. finding work is just tough without the whole pregnancy and need for maternity thing on top of it all. i hope that you find something soon.

ilcw

skrambled

Friday 23rd of October 2009

That is really tough. This recession has touched everyone. I hope that 2010 is a much better year for all of us.

Ashley

Thursday 22nd of October 2009

I am so sorry. I can't imagine being as far along as you are and worrying about this. I hope things work out somehow!

ICLW

WannabeMommy

Thursday 22nd of October 2009

Oh, I'm so sorry. Unemployment does suck. Maybe, just as your miracle pregancy found you, so to will that miracle job..?

One can dream....

(( Hugs to you during ICLW ))

Krystal

Thursday 22nd of October 2009

Wow, that really sucks. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this, when you should be enjoying the glow and discomfort of late pregnancy! I too, am a nurse (I work in the nursery), and it's true that we're basically told our job is "recession-proof." I know the older nurses are all concerned that they're going to get pushed out because they're too expensive to employ. I always kind of assumed that since I'm the youngest in the department, I'd be fine, but I know that no one is immune. Thank you for opening my eyes to this stark reality.

I pray you'll be able to have peace of mind during your wait and that you'll be able to enjoy time with that baby when he's born. (((hugs)))