News at Home: COVID Quarantine Week 6
Well week 6 was most definitely my worst COVID Quarantine week thus far. To summarize: My husband and I had probably the worst fight of our 15 year marriage Sunday, I was super depressed and cried most the day Monday, We made up Monday evening, Tuesday was better until I took a CBD gummy that made me very sick to my stomach, Wednesday was okay, Thursday I found out that in 60 days my department will be dissolved and I am laid off – so I have 60 days to find a job, but they have a job ear marked for me (I just have to apply and interview), Friday I found out that job hasn’t been officially created yet and they can’t guarantee it will be before June 23rd – my last day employed in this position, so I spent Friday (which was mine and Kiko’s 15th anniversary) updating my resume and I have applied to 6 internal positions. I have not told my husband and don’t know how to, because (1) I am the bread winner; (2) I am our health insurance; and (3) how did I manage to get laid off from the one place not laying off right now?! Let me tell you…
My department is grant funded. A year ago they applied for renewal and did not get the money. We just finished our reapplication, but our grant money runs out at the end of the month. However, we have university funds that have been allocated to us – enough to operate until the end of the fiscal year, when we would have (hopefully) gotten our grant renewal. So we had been told not to worry, we could use our funds until the end of the fiscal year and if we weren’t renewed, that would give us plenty of time to be transferred. Well, now COVID has cost the Hospital/University tons of money. Yes, they’re better off than a lot of places, but they’ve lost their big money makers (i.e., elective surgeries). So they’re looking for money. And they’re very proud to say they aren’t doing any COVID related layoffs. Instead, they’re closing down departments like mine, that before COVID would have been just fine. They not only don’t have us to support, but they can immediately take our operating funds and reallocate them. So yay, I’m getting laid off, but not technically because of COVID.
I have a lot of people pushing for me to get transferred, so I do have hope. The University’s chief epidemiologist, when I told him, said “I am sick that your job is in jeopardy. You have done an amazing job supporting my course, the best support I have ever gotten. If I can put in a word for you, let me know.” I’ve had similar responses from a few people and on Monday my plan is to email them the list of positions I’ve applied to and ask them to put in a word for me if they know anyone that might have any sway.
I’ve been killing myself, waking up at 4:45 a.m. so I can work from 5 until Dante wakes up (6:30 or so usually), working his naps, supporting courses whether he’s asleep or awake, and working weekends, making sure to do an honest 40 hours of work. My manger, who is also out of a job (my whole department is laid off) told us all, “do what you have to for the bare minimum to get done, I’m doing your evaluations right now – they will be the best you’ve ever gotten – and focus on getting a job. If that means your 40 hours are spent 35 on job searching, interviewing, and resume updating, fine. This is shit and you deserve better.” So at least there’s that.
So yeah. I’m incredibly down. As I told one of my friends this week – I feel like my life has been one fight after the other and every FUCKING time I think I get to just be happy, the rug gets pulled out from under me. I loved this job. They were going to promote me and I was finally going to make a really great income. Now I’m just desperate to be employed. Please cross your fingers for me, pray to whomever/whatever you believe in, I need major luck. This is probably the worst time for this to happen because not a lot of opportunities for finding new jobs right now.
Blog News
Until Friday, I was actually getting some good blogging in this week. When Dante’s awake I try to visit blogs and write some posts. I do hope to keep that up some this week, but my main focus will be getting a job. Saturday I kind of participated in Dewey’s 24 hour readathon – didn’t finish a book, but did more reading than I’ve done during the day in a while. I also took a nap. I needed it – physically and emotionally.
Today we have our first COYER book club chat and I’m super excited to see everyone on Zoom. If you’re in our FB group and haven’t seen the invite, be sure to look and get the zoom info!
I am so sorry!! That just sucks! Sending prayers and positive thoughts for you and your family.
Oh no, what a truly horrible week. I’m sorry about the fight… that’s never fun… but at least things got ironed out (at least it sounds like they did). The job situation just sucks. But it seems like you have a fantastic manager who really has your back and will do what he can for you. I really hope something internal pops up fast. I’ll be thinking good thoughts for you. You deserve something good to happen.
BERLS!!! I have no words other than I’m so sorry this is happening to you. You are an amazing human, hard worker, wonderful mom and wife and teacher… I am sending out positive vibes and prayers. So many heart-felt prayers. *HUGS*
I’ve been laid off MANY, MANY TIMES so it INFURIATES me when I hear that someone like you is laid off. I know what it’s like to work hard and do everything “right” and still get laid off for some STUPID reason that has nothing to do with you or the quality of your work. IT SUCKS and you don’t deserve it.
I hope and pray with everything I have that you are swept into another position quickly. One you love even more than your current one.
Hang in there!!!!!!
I’m so very sorry about your job, Berls. I’ll be praying and sending you lots of luck on finding an even better job.
Good luck with the job hunt! I know how stressful that can be but it sounds like you have some contacts who will hopefully come through. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Definitely sounds like it’s time to relax on the work front for a bit – especially with what you’re hearing from your boss. That’s wonderful they’re so supportive even though it’s such a sucky situation. I hope this week is better for you.
Good luck Berls! I’m so sorry that’s happening, that sucks. Pulling for you to find something even better and that your stress is minimal. Hang in there my friend!
Take care and be safe this week!!
I am so very sorry! That just absolutely is being used by a company when they full well know what they are planning on doing. It’s disgusting. I hope you are able to get another job quickly.
The Zoom Book Club meeting was a ton of fun! I’m looking forward to the next one! I’m really hoping this week is better for you.
Hugs my friend. I am glad you made up with hubby and have a career support network . This is crazy. While my husband’s job is safe, his company furloughed employees on Friday. They will still receive medical coverage though. Do what you need to do. I will keep you and yours in my thoughts. Elbow HUGs!
Ah man, I am so sorry this is happening to you! I know how much you loved this job and you have been so happy. I hope they can rally around and get you that job!! *hugs*
Stay safe and happy reading!
Stormi ox
oh Berls! This was such a great position for you! I hope the other positions work out for you! This is why I HATE health insurance being tied to your job. With me, they cut my hours so I didn’t qualify. And if you get laid off, you can get COBRA but who can afford it?
I did some DEWEY about 13 hours but I had a headache since not sleeping well. I hope to get more reading done. I feel great today though so yay. I did not do this book club, maybe next month. Will there be a post up with options or plans? I am so moody the only sure reads are mysteries and UF.
I will be wishing for the best for you. Stay safe and be well!
Sounds like your had a horrible week, with all the bad news in one week. Not only gettign laid off, but losing your home as well and that big fight with your husband. I hope you can get a new job soon and that is encouraging so many people at your job say you did well and want to support you, let’s hope that helps with getting a new job. It’s even worse when you love your job and then lose it :(. I really hope you can find a new job soon, being unemployed is the worst and in these times even worse, it’s stressful. I hope next week is a better one for you!