a REAL job, with REAL benefits

[Donnachaidh]

Finally DH got the word - he's being hired on permanent at a job he's been temping since January. He's been *underemployed* for almost 2 YEARS.

We really don't have much left. He's had to take a pay cut. We've moved to a cheaper place. I guess you could say we've been through the full course of the Shock Doctrine. Survived it, but I'm not sure the scars or the anger at all the crap we've been through will ever be gotten over completely.

My heart goes out to those who are STILL in the hole, still trying to survive in this depression. To those who have to get up every morning and call agencies to beg for aid to pay their utilities, or stand in line at food banks because they are a few bucks over the max to get food stamps -- my heart goes out to you.

I had to share. Part of me still is waiting for something else to go wrong, because we've been down so long we're not real comfortable in any other mode than crisis.

And I won't believe any of the smiling happy PR about the *recovery working* until I *don't* see lines out the door at the foodbanks, or at the labor board office down the street.

[RandomThoughts]

1. I do know that feeling.

Years of conflict, means it will take some time with security in situation for me to conform to many other ways that would be more advantages, hence why

:shrug:

Might as well just post thoughts, something to do.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. I just want to say congratulations on the new real job!

I know it doesn't feel real yet, and I hope it will very soon.

:hug:

[Donnachaidh]

4. thanks Peggy!

I'm so relieved for DH -- he was not handling being out of work well. He's bouncing back now!

[njlib]

3. Congratulations!

I've been working a real job with real benefits for about a month now, after 14 months of unemployment. I took a cut, too...but getting a paycheck that's almost twice what that unemployment check was is NICE!!

Hope this is the start of nothing but good things for you and, like you said, everyone else who's hanging in there can catch a break too!

Congratulations again!

[Donnachaidh]

5. I have to say it seems WEIRD to have regular checks again

And I absolutely HATE to buy anything that isn't absolutely necessary. We've definitely gone through a change as far as spending goes. I want to keep that cash in my pocket.

Congrats to you too! And I really hope others can catch a break soon. One thing I'm planning on doing is a small splurge at the local warehouse store - to be donated to the foodbank we used the most. They need the help -- the crowds still come.

[njlib]

8. Yes, I was donating before I lost my job

and gave a little when I first was out of work. Once the savings started to dwindle, I had to stop. I plan on taking some of my next paycheck and making a donation...hopefully, I'll be able to do it once a month.

And I know exactly what you mean about still spending like that paycheck isn't there. I'm going to try to keep that habit. Since I now wear scrubs to work, and most can adjust to my waistline expanding & contracting every few years, there's no need for me to spend any money on clothes...or makeup...or styling products, since I throw my wet hair in a ponytail and go!

[Hannah Bell]

6. congratulations. to better days.

[Demeter]

7. Congratulations to You Both

You now have a stronger relationship--tested by adversity and still holding. The money and bennies are just another bonus! You are survivors.