7 Stages of Job Loss Grief (cont.)

Stage 5 – Depression

By the end of May, Cindy and I knew we had come to the end of our rope. That’s when she told me we were going to put our belongings in storage, and she was going to take the kids to Omaha—and that’s when I entered the next stage of grief, depression.

Leave our apartment and put our stuff in storage? Oh, my God, what had we come to? Cindy was going to take the kids to Omaha, but what was I going to do?

I had no money. My credit cards were maxed out. I planned to host my older children for the summer, and I needed to keep looking for a job.

My father and step-mother had enough room to host us in Rhinebeck, but I knew they were not as energetic as they used to be and were not up to the challenge of hosting us for more than a few days. Furthermore, Rhinebeck was at least a two-hour trip from the city. How would I get to meetings and interviews in the city?

What I did not know at the time was that my parent’s health was becoming so fragile, they could no longer maintain their house or feel confident they could handle an emergency. They were planning to rent or sell their house and move into an independent living facility.

I spoke with my father and asked him what to do.

My father had always been a great provider, and I had asked him for help before, but I had never felt so defeated and desperate. I had never before felt as though I was imposing. I asked him if he would either take me in or give me enough money to survive for the summer. I knew I was putting him on the line, but he spoke with my brother—and they each sent me a check.

I had never felt so helpless before. I felt as though I was not only ruining my own life, but I was bringing everyone around me down into a bottomless pit.

I had destroyed my wife’s dreams and my children’s opportunity. I was asking my family for money when they were all facing their own financial challenges.

Where and when was it going to end? How was I going to get back on my feet?

Comments

[Louise Lewis, author]

Job loss...Been there. Done that. Yep, still there. And my heart goes out to all who are dealing with getting 'pinked'.

For me, losing my job was one of those defining moments in life. I knew I had a choice: I could choose to lose my way (my mind) or rise to the challenge and follow what my Spirit tells me to do, always remembering that I am more than a statistic on the news.

I'll share with you what I was told the day I got "set free" (laid off) from my job: "This is a new chapter in your life. WRITE ONE HELL OF A CHAPTER!" And I did just that! Will you?

So if you just need a break from the doom and gloom, let me send you a FREE (no strings) book download. Sign up at: www.noexpertsneeded dot com

Yes, times are tough, but it doesn't mean that we can't still 'give back' to one another. This is simply my way...

take care,
Louise Lewis, author
No Experts Needed: The Meaning of Life According to You!
www.noexpertsneeded.com