New Life Phase??

[sara1998]

So, in a sense I lost my job yesterday. I'm still employed with the same company, but they're doing "restructuring". No lay offs thank God. But this is the second time in 2 years my job has been impacted due to their restructuring. Every time they do this, it makes it harder and harder for us without a degree to keep our jobs. I am guaranteed a job with the company, but they can't guarantee I'll be kept on day shift, which is essential since I have a little one here. They're offering a handsome severence package to those who voluntarily accept it. I've been with the company for over 8 years, and it's a wonderful place to work that really goes as far as they can to take care of their employees, but I can't stand this uncertanty anymore. So, I'm thinking about taking the severence, applying for my full social security benefits (because I'm widowed) and trying to make it for a few years unemployed and attending school full time. It's a stretch considering I have mouths to feed and a mortgage to keep up with, but I think with some budgeting it could be done. I need opinions, please! It's stressing me out!!

[Sarah]

hey girl, sorry to hear about that.

i say go for it. any time someone can work out a way to go back to school... that's a chance that a lot of people will never get. it would be a lot of hard work, but after a few short years you could wind up with a super sweet job because of your shiny new degree.

[jannieC]

You know how I'm going to respond, don't you?

GO FOR IT! You have already started back at school, now maybe you can go to classes full-time and get the degree sooner. I am so porud of you for how hard you've worked and the wonderful job you do raising your daughters. Call me anytime you want to talk, Maria. xoxoxo

[skcin]

Maria - here's your chance to go back to school full time to get back into the work force & do what you really love.

[dnightshade]

I'm sorry to hear this but it doesn't sound like things are too stable where you are. I agree w the others who say Go For It. As they say, everything happens for a reason. This is probably gonna turn out to be a much better situation for you. Good Luck.

[Steviefan49]

Originally Posted by dnightshade

I'm sorry to hear this but it doesn't sound like things are too stable where you are. I agree w the others who say Go For It. As they say, everything happens for a reason. This is probably gonna turn out to be a much better situation for you. Good Luck.

I gotta say "ditto" to everyone else, and of course Ruth here.. I also say "Go For it" as it doesn't sound like that stable of a situation at your company, and anytime they "re-structure" you may have to worry, from the sounds of it, and to me, there is NO money on the planet that is worth that.. so, go for it Maria, and lots of good luck!!

[SuzeQuze]

Yes totally, go for it! You won't regret it. It's time to do something for you. Keep us posted. A friend of mine lost his job in the dotcom bust. He then went to school full-time at 30. It was really difficult and at times he didn't think he could do it but he did and graduated with honors.

[jannieC]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

Yes totally, go for it! You won't regret it. It's time to do something for you. Keep us posted. A friend of mine lost his job in the dotcom bust. He then went to school full-time at 30. It was really difficult and at times he didn't think he could do it but he did and graduated with honors.

Same here. I went back at 28 (undergrad) and next month- two days after my 40th birthday, I am getting my masters degree! It's never too late.

[dnightshade]

Originally Posted by jannieC

Same here. I went back at 28 (undergrad) and next month- two days after my 40th birthday, I am getting my masters degree! It's never too late.

That's AWESOME! Congratulations!!!

[sara1998]

I'm just scared. I have a little money in the bank I can liquidate and live off of for a couple years if I budget well, and Social Security will be here for me to live from. We won't have health insurance and that's scary. I'm looking into refinancing my home and taking my brand new car back for an older, smaller model. That breaks my heart, because I love my new car! But, I have mouths to feed and bodies to clothe, and I really don't want to lose my house. Right now I work for a major pharmaceutical company, and it pays very well, and I always thought I would be safe, but I guess not. I guess it's just hard to break away from your comfort zone and do something completly off the wall, but in this case, I think I have no choice.

[jannieC]

Originally Posted by sara1998

We won't have health insurance and that's scary.

You can get student insurance for you and your kids- not the best insurance around, but better than nothing.

[Ghost_Tracker]

Originally Posted by sara1998

. So, I'm thinking about taking the severence, applying for my full social security benefits (because I'm widowed) and trying to make it for a few years unemployed and attending school full time. It's a stretch considering I have mouths to feed and a mortgage to keep up with, but I think with some budgeting it could be done. I need opinions, please! It's stressing me out!!

Kids learn by example. So maybe if you ask yourself this -
"Would I be setting a GOOD example, or a BAD example, for my kids, if I do this?" Do you want your "take-home message" to be that taking a chance and investing your time, money and energy can pay off in the long run? Or do you want it to be that being cautious can be wise, and it's a good idea to keep a "steady job" in order to ensure a reliable income, despite any distractions which may come up along the way?

Doesn't make it any easier, I know - but maybe phrasing things that way can help. I guess I'm mostly trying to focus on how you can use this as a way to teach your kids about life choices. Which is maybe just as important as the other stuff, at the least.

[darklinensuit]

Maria, I think you should win the Lotto & give me half. But returning to sch0ol sounds like a good back-up as well.

- Jake