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.
I wish you peace of mind MyFriend. I wish I had the answer, but I don’t. I do know that it always works out some how some way.
*Big Hug MyFriend*
I know I’ve said this before, but I always believe that things tend to work out in the end. Try not to worry too much.
wow, that’s rough. I really feel for you. I guess saying “it will all work out” wont mean much but I truly believe it will. Baby wont need much for now, so hopefully baby wont be too expensive. You’ll get that job quickly after baby is born and then things wont be so stressful. Your post does put into perspective how lucky I am to have a job now. So thank you for that.
Times are tough right now, and I wish you the best. I remember when I was a child, my parents didnt have much, but they always had the love, and we always knew they were there for us. And that will make up for a lot of “things” that can’t be afforded.
You can do this 🙂
Best of luck. I really hope things will work out for you.
ICLW
I’m sorry that you have to deal with this – that is really sucky. When you said that you’ve always had it in your mind that this sort of thing happened to other people I really identified with that. I was laid off from a job several years ago (two weeks before I got married – which is not the same thing as your situation but still wasn’t fun) and it just all seemed very surreal.
I’ll be thinking of you.
ICLW
I’m so sorry that you’re going through the stress of unemployment during the last weeks of your pregnancy. I’ll be thinking of and rooting for you!
hugs, girl. So sorry. Hoping for brighter days for you.
So sorry that this time that should be filled with joy and anticipation is instead filled with worry and stress. Sending prayers and good thoughts your way.
ICLW
I really do feel for you! My husband is also part of that Georgia unemployment rate (he’s been out of work since November 10 last year – almost a year now!), so I can kind of relate. I guess for once in my life I can say its fortunate we don’t have any children right now. I know it isn’t much help, but if you need an ear to listen, I’m here for you!
~ICLW~
Ugh, it does really suck that you have to be stressed about $$ right now when you should just be getting to enjoy your pregnancy. It does seem like that’s always the way…like if the job’s going well, then we’re not pregnant, or vice versa…why can’t we just have it all?! Not fair. I’m sorry you’re going through this, and I hope everything looks better soon!
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)))
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 ))
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
That is really tough. This recession has touched everyone. I hope that 2010 is a much better year for all of us.
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