I've made mention that DH was laid off back in June. He still isn't working. He is drawing unemployment and I returned to work myself. I expect him to be working by the end of the month but truthfully, when this all first happened we never expected him to be unemployed this long. I've done our bills vs. income and we're still in the black but barely and I'm nervous! We had an emergency savings but it wasn't huge and it is dwindling. We have gas in our cars and food all throughout the house. In the meanwhile, I am cursing just about every purchase we have made in about the last five years -- there are some stupid ones. I keep thinking we will get through this -- and I'm sure we will but, dang, I'd like to just say, "OK, lessoned learned! Can we move on!!"

Anyway, I am just venting. Feeling sorry for myself and everything that I have done wrong in my life.

That's a really quick unemployment period, in all honesty. I worked with a guy - masters in engineering, speaks fluent German - tons of project management experience. Let go last July (a year ago). He worked w/ agencies and headhunters - averaged 3 interviews a week. He didn't find a job until FEBRUARY. And guess what? He just got laid off again. His wife works w/ me at EDS, and we just had a big downsize last week, with another set coming 8/15 and maybe again on 8/29. Rumors have it as up to 30000 being let go. Then, we will merge with HP. Who knows how many more might be let go then. I know folks w/ masters in engineering do expect to work more than 5 months out of the year, but it's not looking good folks....

__________________

Sorry mel! I hope things pick up soon!! Just stay on a budget and don't make those unecessary purchases. Do NOT beat yourself up about it, about the past! You will be just fine!!
Mari, tell your engineering friend to move to texas, he's bound to find a job in less than a week. This area of the country hasn't seen the economy problems you guys have. Hell, you and mel can come too!!! I have a spare room, a comfy couch, and a neighbor who's selling her house for $109,900, so I bet if you offer $85,000, you'll get it!
Chin up ladies, it'll all be alright, and the offer is on the table!!

__________________
Chopey

What's past, is past! Does you no good to worry about that. Concentrate on the present and the future! I think you are doing fabulous!!! Hang in there.

__________________
~Happiness is a large family~

I know how you feel. I could make a list of the things I wish we didn't buy. We can't dwell on that.

I'm sorry and I certainly hope he gets back to work soon.

I agree with happymom. Don't beat yourself up about what you spent money on before this happened. What is important is what you are doing NOW and you are being very proactive. You have taken a job, you are watching every penny, and the light at the end of the tunnel is almost within your grasp. You should be proud of how y'all have handled this bump in the road.

Chopey, sheesh, now I want to move to Texas!!! $100,000 won't buy you a single thing around here.

Another vote for don't beat yourself up for things you did years ago. I know easier said than done. I see things I bought or collected and wonder why did I spend money on that as well but am getting better.

I know it is hard to be out of work but that isn't that long to be out of work - DH was laid off in 2001 right before 9/11 and it was tough but he found a job - still working there and he likes his current job much better. It took many months and he ended up with a few temporary jobs before he landed his current job.

I am curious what part of Texas has houses for under 100K in So Cal you can't even get a condo in a bad neighborhood for that and that is after the huge drop in the market.

Hang in there and I hope that your DH gets a job very soon.

Hang in there! These are the trials of your life that you will look back on later in life and be so glad you went through. It is hard to see it that way now-but things happen for a reason.

Stay strong and keep doing what your doing. There is light at the end of your tunnel!

Thanks for the offer, but Texas is probably one of the last states I'd move to. I'm NOT a warm weather gal!

__________________

You vent all you want to!!! You have a right to! Just remember to be thankful for all of the wonderful things in your life as well! I do hope he finds a job soon!