Uncertain Christmas

[Eve]

I've been laid off from work less than a week before Christmas and once my head stops spinning am going to have to make some serious readjustments as I'm financially self supporting.

Is anyone else facing an uncertain financial Christmas?

[zimzam]

Oh Jenna I am so sorry to hear this. Same happened to me in 2004. By mid 2005 I was still unable to get work and lost my home. So after 25 years as a home owner I slept in my car (with 2 dogs for 3 months) until I was able to rent somewhere. All my finances went to pot and I discovered that no matter how good my years of regular repayments had been, just because I was unemployed all I received were summonses for full repayment. Right now I am holding my own but I think it despicable for any employer to choose this time of the year to trim their staff levels. no time of the year is good to lose a job but at Christmas I think any employer who decides some staff should leave shows malice aforethought.

[Eve]

Thank you both :) It just came completely out of the blue and, even worse, by e.mail!!!

Just a month or so ago at my review I was being assured my future with the firm was secure, it's even down in writing!!!

I've hardly slept since and my head is spinning.

I saw my dad and brother for the first time in a year and two years respectively yesterday and met brother's girlfriend for the first time and it just put the dampner on what should have been a lovely day.

[claireyfairy]

u don't work in leeds by any chance do you? there is a firm not far from where i work that has just done that to all it's staff, one couple both work there so they're stuffed!

Awful thing to happen at the best of times but just b4 xmas is just pure vindictiveness on the part of your bosses really.

My sympathies sweetie. Register with an agency who are likely to get you some work pretty quick for the near future.

[Surreygirl30]

oh god ~hug~ i really feel for you. I was made redundant once and i know that sick to the pit of the stomach feeling. The words i feel for your employers really can�t be expressed on here. All i can say is for me i ended up getting the job i really wanted after i was made redundant. However, I have been told this week in my appraisal that my future is uncertain as they are considering outsourcing what i do etc etc...

I so hope you will be ok and everything works out for the best for you. Just take a few days to let it all sink in and as hard as it really is - stay positive. x

[zimzam]

By email??? At least I (and 50 others had one hours warning by internal post) but by email? just how low and cowardly is that??? Jenna, I think this misfortune will be a blessing in disguise. Think "to hell with them" and you go and enjoy your Christmas out of spite as I have a gut feeling you will walk into a far better job (financially and to your personal satisfacion) come early in the New Year. Hey - your leaving will be ultimately your firms loss and not yours. You can and will do better!

[China Doll]

Hey Jenna,

Sorry to hear this. Complete nightmare.

Last year was in much the same situation, just broken up with someone, uncertain future, job about to come to an end (fixed term contract), no idea what to do.

Only thing I can say is pick yourself up, chin out and start looking through the papers now. You're a bright girl and you've got your nomadic tendencies to fall back on. Also, don't be scared to take on something rubbish til something else comes up.

I'm a great believer in things happening for a reason. Sometimes those reasons are a little obscure or take time to reveal themselves but there is a reason there.

So once your head stops spinning, stand up again and punch back. Do not sit back and do not use it as an excuse to fall back in to bad habits.

Look after yourself Tiddler. You'll be ok. xx

[WendyS]

I really feel for you. This is awful and a despicable way of handling things, especially at Christmas. . Those of those who have also experienced this will know how you are feeling. But don't despair. Make yourself a large cup of coffee and sit down quietly to let your mind try and calm down. Then give yourself something practical to do in the form of making a list of every single economy you think you can make and the people you will have to contact like your landlord, Benefits Agency, bank , etc. If you can avoid it, don't put any penny on your credit card. Could you get a temporary lodger to help out with the rent or mortgage? Contact the Benefits Agency as soon as you can and also employment agencies so ring up now and check their Christmas opening hours so that you know what you can plan to do in the days ahead. . Try to do something positive every day and don't give up. Good luck. Hope yuou find another job soon.

[rom]

awww, i hope you're ok Jenna, thats terrible right before Xmas, try and stay positive though, and i am sure it will all come good. in these situations people (and i am sure i would) tend to panic, but if you try and stay calm and think rationally it should all be ok, easy for me to say i know

take care xx

[larkin]

Jenna - just read this and can't believe it . I am so sorry.
Hey, you know that we are two intelligent people and I am going to have to seek work after Xmas because of my nightmare experiences recently.
What shall we do ? Don't think any nutritionist advice is worth thinking about for either of us !! LOL

[matty1]

Sorry to hear Jenna, but be positive apply for everything something will come along. Ive also been made reduandant back in October although I havent got a job yet ive got an interview to go to college in the new year.

[Eve]

Thank you all :) I'm going back to my parents to get some rest and get my head together over Christmas as not really eating or sleeping at the moment so it'll be a nice break.

I do feel bad though as my family have told me not to get them any presents so as to save my money, this was meant to be my first christmas qualified when i could really treat everyone. Thanks goodness i'd got some bits in already.

One thing that struck me earlier is that despite having been assured my future at the firm was secure, after admitted i'd suffered from an eating disorder i'm out of a job.

[johnizere]

Aww Jenna.........some people really do make me feel like giving them a good kicking! I was once made redundant the day after Boxing day, at least I was able to enjoy my turkey dinner!
You are only on the first steps of your way to the top of your career (and you WILL get to the top), ...maybe this will be a fresh start to better things, it was in my case anyway. So a big hug from me and all your friends on here, go and enjoy your Christmas, don't worry too much....you wait and see!

[joby1]

Chin up chick, I'm sure you will have a very merry christmas, no thanks to them shower of sh1ts!! XX

[noxlumos]

If you have your assurance of a future in writing and as you say are now out of a job after explaining about your eating disorder, as a solicitor can you see a way to connect the two in a way that might be financially benefical to you?
Sorry you're having such a naff time lovely.

[BBWCHATT]

Just to make myself feel better I would send a Reply to his email - being VERY nice and wishing him a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - and also wishing him all the best in the future and thanking him for the opportunity of having worked with him. It will make him wonder what you are up to - waaaayyyyy more than if you sent him a nasty one like you probably feel like doing:) Remember that old saying: Never let them see you sweat:)

[lynda44]

hey Jenna
I am really sorry that things are going so bad. Here is the best thing for you to remember. Christmas is just a day in the year. There is nothing that you have to give or expect from that day. I f things are rough for you then they are and nobody should expect you to be super happy about it. this day will pass and next year will be different. I have real issues with people putting so much pressure on the holidays. I myself have always have bad christmas's. In fact the one coming up will not be so hot either. But that is a long story. So to survive it I am going to be with the peole I love, not anyone else. Christmas day i am spending alone and watching lots of great movies. It is just one day in the year and i will make myself happy. I promise you things will get better but if they are not right now you do what ever you need to to be happy.
The firm that let you go was stupid to do that and rather mean before christmas. So you hang in there the next job will be your dream job.

[BBWCHATT]

Jenna - just a thought - are there any discrimination laws against what they did to you?