Friday, December 18, 2009

394 Days

I wish these were the number of days until some exciting new event. It is the number of days that my husband has been unemployed. I never post about very personal things but it is really stressing us these days. Going from a VP position to nothing … well it more than sucks. If he hears your “over qualified” or “hang in there” one more time we are going to lose it. How he searches day after day amazes me. We are sick to death of thinking about it and we know are closest friends are tired of hearing about it.

Over a one year period he has had two guy friends take him out for a beer. You have no idea how much this act of kindness lifts his spirits. Sure others say we need to get together but they have been empty promises. It is sad to realize that we have become victim to the convenience of an email, text, or facebook. I am guilty of this as well. Some days a simple call has been enough to get Scott through the day or week.

Even as I type this I am tempted to erase the entire post……the backspace key is staring at me… but I am not going to do it. This is our life. This is right where we are at. Today is just one of those days that seems heavier than others.

If you know of anyone having difficult times reach out to them. Your act of kindness will be a gift.

Robin

19 comments:

Shannon said...

Not gonna say any of those "feel good" terms. It does suck! I was just telling someone the other day that after my dad died EVERYONE came to my side. But the weeks following his death not one person called, they moved on with their own lives. I understand we all do this, but I wanted to scream "MY DAD JUST DIED~WHY IS EVERYONE ACTING NORMAL!"

Hope.....

Anonymous said...

Hang in there. Matt was unemployed for 2 full years, so I know exactly what you are going through. Luckily, he finally found a job, it isn't a dream job, but at least some income is flowing. Keep staying postive, something will fall.

Wes said...

You know, I feel for Scott, but I really ADMIRE the way that you both have pulled together to get through this, and especially the way you have stepped up to the plate Robin. Let's face it. VP positions don't grow on trees, and it takes time. Scott is a great person and a company will be lucky to have him.

The next time I am passing through Greenville, I am stopping for a beer.

(p.s. Send me your cold weather riding tips too!)

Dave said...

I came across you blog via Shannon's. Your tag line "Ultrarunner turned Cyclist caught my eye. I am the former...more than the later. Here in Texas, know you all have been prayed for.

jen said...

I'm glad you posted this instead of deleting. As you know I was unemployed for not quite a year and it reeeeeeally sucked. I can't imagine how frustrated you guys are. A lot of us have been there though, and a lot of people are still right there with you. I know things will change eventually so be strong and try to stay positive. You are not alone! Lots of love.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

Glad you posted and didn't delete the post either! I'm so sorry Robin... can't be easy, but I admire how strong you are. Through it all, you remain positive, encouraging and friendly, most would not. You're so right about the little things meaning so much, and falling victim to the easy way.... so very true. Great post, but sadly, about something that SUCKS!

Marlene said...

I wish I knew what to say. I hope things turn around for you guys soon!

Judi said...

girl, hang in there. times are weighing heavy on you now, but it'll pass. soon, i hope. so sorry you are having a rough time of it. :(

Velma said...

I lurk on your blog and have been reading for over a year. Even though I can't do anything for your husband, I will try to pay it forward by helping someone in my area.

Grey Beard said...

May '08 was the last draw my consulting firm paid, and the unemployment checks, while greatly appreciated, are just a slow financial death. I hope I get confirmation of another extension, but have decided to start my own business by writing some great software.

I have also gotten in the best shape I've been in for almost 20 yrs this year, so am using this time well to improve my health as well as my skills.

You find out who your real friends are in these circumstances. An old and good friend just bought a competition pistol and a lot of unused ammo from me. He doesn't really need another gun, and doesn't seem to care if he ever gets delivery, but he cared a lot that it allowed me to take care of an unexpected dental bill, and then some.

Thank you Robin for helping me get out the door on a few days, and for the wonderful LiveStrong gift. Scott, you have a lot of company. I've got a resume many would kill for, and I can't get an interview. Take pride in your attitude, your moral execution, and keep on plugging. If I'm out that way for an interview I'll buy you a cold one myself.

Cheers!

Runner Mom said...

Sending both of you hugs and continued prayers! I love y'all!

Anonymous said...
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teacherwoman said...

I am sorry to hear that your hubby is still unemployed. Hang in there.

Sarah said...

Blog lurker for months. You have touched me and reminded me to look beyond my own difficulties. Thank you for posting.

Stuart said...

No consolation at this moment in time but they say you get what you can handle! The storm is gonna break and there will be a silver lining!

Also add me to the IOU X boys night out + beer tally!

surfie999@gmail.com said...

It is tough in many places around the world, but the US is among the worst it seems. Little consolotation I know......BUT, heard a story from a US colleague about an ag machinery company in the mid west getting back to full production in early 2010, after a 75% loss of jobs in early 2009. that is a big turnaround....a sign of hope rising?
Hang in there!

Felice Devine said...

That is so tough.
I can only imagine what it must be like. My husband had a year job search way back when the economy was good and he felt so despondent. Being unemployed was so hard for him.

I hope that your husband finds something early in the new year and that it turns out to be a great job!

Denise said...

Wow, I'm so sorry to hear about this unfortunate situation. I was out of work for 6 months and it was really rough. Depression set in and it was so hard waking up every day just to look for work. I really hope things turn around for your husband...and you. Hang in there.

Lily on the Road said...

Robin, thanks for always staying "real".

Best wishes for 2010, you never know what is around the corner.