Cindy from Farmington writes:
I desperately need your advice! My position in the department has been eliminated and the director is trying to allow me time to find a suitable position within the company. I have had interviews with two departments, have posted my resume on Internet job boards and had a few interviews with other outside companies. I feel like time is running out and I could be let go any day now. My husband has committed my salary to paying for our son and daughter's college tuition, rent and support, as well as contributing to our monthly expenses. Without this money they would have to quit school. I'm so stressed out I don't know where to turn or what to do. I just want to find a job where I can feel that I belong, be productive and bring home a decent salary, enough to pay the bills. Will I be able to find a job soon, is there a future out there for me?
Dear Cindy,
You are very fortunate in that you still have a little time before you put in your last day of work. While this is a very stressful position to be in, it is allowing you to get all of your ducks neatly lined up in a row, which will eventually tumble like dominos.
I'm not going to tell you to relax and not stress out, because it is your panic and determination that keeps life, as you know it, from blowing up in your face. Just try not to obsess - start putting out that positive vibe that everything is going to come together - you will land a decent job, and the kids won't have to quit school.
I see you working for a different company. There will be an opportunity for you at your present place of employment, but it is going to take time for the proper opening and fit. Because of this, you will be offered a job elsewhere, that will suit your needs. It seems like a great opportunity for you, a place where you will not only fit in and feel productive, but also excel. The salary will initially be lower than what you are currently making, but that is only a temporary condition. In the long run, you will end up making a bit more than you do now.
In the meantime, try to plan for the worst. Sit down with your husband and work out an interim budget, because things are going to be tight until June. Yes, there may be some juggling and tapping into reserves that has to take place, but your kids won't have to leave school.
Hang in there and keep searching. You have more inquiries and interviews heading your way. While all of this may feel unfair and scary right now, in the end, because of the chaos, you and your family will end up better off because of it.
Good luck!
Red
Ext. 9226