In which The King now has free days
Posted by Isabel on July 7th, 2009. Filed under: The King, Work.We started the drive to Utah two Sunday’s ago, right after church. We were going to drive that day to Boise, Idaho and stay the night in a hotel The King found online for $50.
All was going well.
We made it to Idaho and had a good night’s sleep in the hotel and headed out on Monday morning for the final (and most boring part) of the trip to Utah.
Seriously, that part of Idaho/Utah is UGLY and boring.
Half way through Monday The King got a voice message on his cell from work. They wanted him to call “when you have 10 minutes to spare.” He pulled off the freeway, near a huge hay field, and called his work.
They laid him off.
On the phone.
In the middle of Idaho.
This was a COMPLETE surprise to him and the twenty other co workers that were laid off with him.
After he got off the phone to tell me, he was calm and collected. He told me later that he instantly had a peaceful feeling about it. And, truthfully, so did I.
We decided not to tell anyone in Utah. We didn’t want to ruin our fabulous week there. We waited to tell our families until we got back this last Sunday. My mom told me The King was very brave to go on like he did. But really, we feel fine.
My job continues to be stable. The King will get some severance, and his insurance will be paid for the rest of the year. Babboo’s daycare cost was just lowered, so we’ll keep in him (to ensure his spot). Our mortgage is manageable and our savings is where we need it to be. We don’t have any huge trips planned and our upcoming trip to LA is paid for.
The King is smart and a hard worker and totally capable. Plus he has loads of contacts and leads in his field. In fact, he has his first interview today. (And if the job is based on being hott, he’ll totally get it. Because damn, he looks good in a suit.)
We figure we pay our tithing to our church. We do what we feel is right. We’re (generally) good people.
We’re gonna be just fine.
(For about a year and a half. If he can’t find a job after that then the house is totally being sold!)
In the mean time, The King will have free days to work on completing our house and yard, and looking for a new job. This will clear up his nights and weekends so he can hang out with Babboo and me.
And, you never know, this might totally be a blessing in disguise. We know there are tons of people that have it worse then us. We’re thankful for our blessings.
That being said, if you know of any jobs in the Seattle area, let me know.
July 7th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
My husband was laid off last summer and went about 6 weeks between jobs. We were discussing it last weekend, and he looks back on that time as one of the best times in his adult life. He hung out at home, spent time at daycare with our son’s class and just generally rested- something that dads don’t get to do enough of.
I did have to remind him that it wasn’t quite as rosy and happy as he’s remembering, that he did get discouraged when there were no interviews scheduled and no responses coming in to all the many resumes he sent out, but overall, I’m glad he had that time, and it was good for him. It sounds like you guys have a good attitude about it and hopefully your husband will have a restful, productive, fun time during his layoff as well.
Hope that he finds a great new job soon!
July 7th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Agh, I’m so sorry. I can’t believe they told him over the phone!
But it sounds like you’ve both got great attitudes about it, and I have no doubt that things will be looking up soon! In the meantime, enjoy seeing your hubby in a suit
July 7th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
It’s cool to hear that you were both at peace with it when you got the news, that must mean you’ve really been living right!
On the other hand, that sucks! I hope he finds a way better job, like yesterday!
July 7th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Wow! I’m sorry to hear the King is out of work, but those feelings of peace are usually a good indication that things will be fine. Having a “paid for” vacation in queue definitely helps, too.
July 7th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Oh goodness–this is crazy! I’m so glad your family will be taken care of, and I’m so crossing my fingers for something fantastic.
Lots of love,
xxox
July 7th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
I’m so sorry to hear this. What a sucky way to be laid off (if there’s a good way), and especially to be blindsided… right before you start vacation. Ugh. You guys have a great attitude, though… and things WILL work out. Good luck on the interview, King!
July 7th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
You guys will be in our prayers! I’m glad you feel peaceful about things- I’m sure they will work out. Good luck! Oh- and you totally have a place to stay in Eagle Mountain if you sell your house and move to Utah!
We would love to have you… hee hee hee!
July 7th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Holy cow! I’m sorry for the King, but I’m glad you will be ok while he searches. What a blessing that you have savings, so many don’t! Best of luck on the job interview. Maybe you’ll luck out (and he won’t) and he can wear his suit everyday to his new job.
July 7th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
you guys are awesome. I love how peaceful and positive you are about it…keep us posted.
July 7th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
My boyfriend has been laid off for 4 months now and is having the best time. He’s taking classes, developing his skills, and going to conferences to promote his work. I wish he would take more time and just RELAX. Everyone thinks being unemployed is terrible, but it can be a blessing in disguise. I’m glad you are both so peaceful about the situation, I’m sure he will make the most of his time and find work soon!
July 7th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Sorry to hear it but also glad if you feel so peaceful about it! T lost his job about 6 weeks after we moved in together and I was on the minimum wage and he had debts we needed to clear… we were in hell financially but he hated plumbing and it made him so ill he hated it that much… we went through months of struggle with health and financial problems but it was all necessary – he now works at the hospital doing a job he loves and has even just passed his first qualifications in care work and because of the situation I changed careers and found the perfect job for me too, which led to meeting my colleague who rents her home to us for such a tiny amount – it is perfect for us, far larger than we could have afforded on our own and opposite the village church. It was all part of a plan bigger than we had for ourselves and we questioned it at our lowest points but it really did pay off and we’re starting to see that… so if you’re feeling peaceful about it then I’d say something amazing might just come out of it! So glad you’re seeing the blessings in it and holding good thoughts that the way forward becomes clear to you when you need it to.
July 7th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
You’re the second family in the same number of weeks who has been laid off and has reported having this kind of peace and Ok-ness about it. I think that’s because you know Who is in charge, really. (Hint: It’s not us. But then, I’m pretty sure you knew that already.) Nevertheless, here’s hoping that The King finds a new dream job soon.
July 7th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Rather, you’re the second family that I know (somewhat) personally that’s gone through this with the same attitude. Anyway…you know what I mean, right?…(man, do I have a way with words or what?)
July 7th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Wow, that sucks. I’m so glad you were blessed with peace of mind right away, that makes everything easier to bare.
I’ll cross my fingers and say my prayers that he gets a job fast.
July 8th, 2009 at 3:08 am
I think this is definitely good news wrapped up in bad news. And the fact that he already has an interview today? Awesome! Huge to you and your fam, Isabel!
July 8th, 2009 at 11:22 am
That is insane!! What a shock! I admire your attitude (and your responsible preparation). The last few months have really taught us all that “it could always be worse” and like you said, what goes around comes around.
July 8th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
its so good that u guys feel peace about it. being financially secure is a blessing too.
good luck to u guys.
July 8th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
my husband was unexpectedly laid off last January. It turned into the biggest blessing of his career. Some times being laid off is the cosmic kick in the butt one needs to move on to better things. Good things are on the way!
July 8th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
wow you guys ARE taking it well. Good luck to you and The King! I know he’ll find something even better than the last.
July 8th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Annoyed for the King that they laid him off over the phone while he was on vacation, but impressed by your outlook. I was laid off last year and spent a frantic month trying to find work. I admire your ability to roll with the punches and find the silver lining in the situation.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
That’s horrible that they did it via phone while on vaca.
Here’s to hoping The King rocks all the projects around your house that have been waiting for him! It’ll all work out in the end. How’d his interview go?
July 8th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
I still can’t believe they fired him while he was on vacation. That’s so crappy! But it will work out. Think of how quickly the house will be finished now!!!
July 9th, 2009 at 12:33 am
I can’t believe they told him over the phone. That is terrible. But I know everything will work out for you guys. He’s extremely talented. I don’t even think I know what he does, but dude! He built your house. He’ll get a job fast.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Man!
Good luck and keep positive! (I’m sure you could find a great job in Utah and then you wouldn’t have to drive through Idaho anymore
).
July 9th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
I always hate to hear the news that someone has lost their job and this is no exception. Best of luck to The King in securing a new job, and major kudos for staying positive and pressing forward. Good things will come without a doubt!
Now with that said – his employer laid him off over the phone? While he was on vacation? What a bunch of cowards.
July 10th, 2009 at 1:13 am
Man, what a crappy way to get that kind of news. Even Jenna’s boss had the decency to man up and tell her to her face.
(Can you tell I was dipping into my TLF archives yesterday? Hmmm.)
Anyway, I think you guys have a fabulous attitude about this, and you should, for all the reasons you stated. It’s wonderful that the King can take some time to work on the house and decompress a bit before while searching out a better opportunity.
But it doesn’t change that his old company is a collective tool for breaking the news to him OVER A CELL PHONE ON VACATION. Good riddance to them!
July 10th, 2009 at 5:06 am
Having gone through the experience of my husband being laid off I can only be impressed with your attitudes. I hope it does bring something better his way!
Coincidentally, my husband was laid off on his cell phone while driving through that ugly part of Idaho, too. Only he was on his way to a funeral. I have to shake my head sometimes at the incompetence of HR people!
July 10th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Wow, that sucks. Not just that he was let go, but the way they let him know? Classy! Good to hear you guys are going to be okay, though.
July 10th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
My husband got laid off a few months back. His boss called him in on his day off to “help out with some projects.” He got to work, and they laid him off. Lame. He got hired back by the same company, at a new location, for more money 3 weeks later. Here’s hoping you have similar luck!
July 12th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I got laid off lately too. I’m impressed with you two and your calmness. I’m also impressed that you can get by for a year and a half… I have not been smart with my money and I couldn’t afford a week and a half, so…
I think the fact that you two have such confidence about it is a sign that good things will happen. So good luck! And you’re right, it’s likely a blessing in disguise, with bigger and better just around the corner.
July 19th, 2009 at 1:20 am
I’m so relieved to read that you both feel ok with this — that your immediate reactions were ones of peace and calmness. I’m sorry I didn’t read this and react closer to when it happened. I know the King will find something perfect for him and you guys. Enjoy the extra time with him!!
Love to you all.