Has the Economic Crisis Affected You?

Rather than discussing all those who conspire against us, let's try something new. Let's talk about how we can help one another.

We all have a story, and we all know people who know people who know people... so how about coming together to help one another?

I'd like this thread to be a place where people who are in trouble can post their story and where others can come together to help that individual out.

So have you been affected by the economic crisis, or know anyone who has?

Tell us your/their story and tell us what needs you/they have - and let's show love for one another and care for one another and try to resurrect just some of what has been lost in this dying world.

(If you're not wanting to post for personal reasons, feel free to contact me via U2U.)

Uhh well, let's see. Dad is unemployed again, despite his PhD from Princeton. Mom's commute to NYC has become more and more expensive. And because my dad was employed last year for all of 9 months and made a bit of money, even though it was limited to 2008, I received no financial aid for college or any scholarships, even though dad was unemployed for 8 years before that and we haven't even paid off half our debt.

My parents took out a home equity loan but the value of our house has lost 200k since about 4 years ago. The bank might also take back the home equity loan and ask for the money right now since my dad got unemployed after they gave the loan. We can't use the loan for college and my parents can't access their retirement funds yet without having a ton of penalties. I'm facing $42k a year for college, no help at all, and I don't even know if I can get enough loans to make it through my first year, much less the other three. It is impossible for teens to get jobs around here because we're competing against adults for them. We might lose our house to the bank if my mom gets laid off, which is possible because they're trying to cut back employees and because the commute to the city is so expensive now.

So yes, I would say it has affected me. Didn't get a car when I turned 16 two years ago, can't afford a lot of the perks that many 18 year olds around here have (I live in a wealthy area).

I just want my dad to find a job. People don't want to hire him because he is in his mid 50s and it is cheaper to hire someone right out of school, even if my dad does have the knowledge and experience. He's a genius, but the chemical companies (he is a chemical engineer) just aren't hiring.

Hi ravenshadow13, I'm so sorry to hear of the struggles your family is encountering, and my prayers go out to you all.

These particular things I personally really have no way of helping with, but perhaps someone here on ATS will know of a company that is hiring, or might be able to share some advice on school loans etc. that they can pass on to you.

Meanwhile, keep your chin up and have faith. While it might seem like it sometimes, God hasn't forgotten you and is watching over you and yours. *hugs*

reply to post by ReginaAdonnaAaron


Aww thank you! *hugs* Yeah, it would be awesome if somebody knows of a company or something, especially since he can relocate pretty easily as I will be out of the house soon.

I work as an Assist GM in the Mall Industry. Retail has been hit so bad that last year in November my company cut from 8 down to 7 regions. My Regional Manager was the one cut and they gave him the GM position at my mall. The GM that was there then took my job and I was laid off for 'reasons not related to performance'. Luckily, 2 weeks later another AGM in my old region was fired for stealing from the mall and my old Boss gave me the job, although I had to move from Pittsburgh to Baltimore(not exactly a bad thing!). I landed at a much better property in a better job market so it worked out in the end...even got to keep my severence and they paid for the move for me. I was lucky....many, many others haven't been so lucky. If you lose your job, stick with it. Things we WILL recover from 8 years of Bush.

BTW. I read an article about job creation by Presidents. Only 3 million jobs were created in 8 years by Bush. By contrast, 23.1 million were created under Clinton's presidency...more than Bush Sr, Dumbya and Reagan combined. Something to consider next time you vote. Republicans simply cannot govern as well as Democrats and the facts over the last century back it up:

blogs.wsj.com...

[edit on 11-1-2009 by hawkeye1717]

My live-in boyfriend quit his job last month in the retail sector because his managers had gone completely berzerk trying to make more money and were pushing the nightshift crew beyond decent and respectable human limits.

He had been pushed so hard, and given such irrational instructions from his employers that after a year of cycling from complete depression and insomnia to actual physical and mental breakdown, he just walked off the job.

He's tending to his mental health as we speak, and we're running off what little money we've been able to save over the past four years....so far, so good.

I'm disabled, but looking madly for employment I can manage. Things are tough here in the area, stores and chains are closing left and right and there simply aren't any jobs open at the moment.

A good portion of the area is unemployed, but instead of ranting and raving over the situation, we took the time to go through our possessions and belongings and "clear out" for charity things we no longer need/use.

Blankets, clothes, old televisions, game consoles, computers and computer parts...all taken down to the local charities.

We're weighing our purchases with greater care, and even though we never had that much to begin with, tightening our belts is no big deal. We've both lived with little more than a backpack to our name in our twenties for several years, and we've hunkered down until this crisis is over.

We don't have much, but we have each other - and as long as we can continue to pay rent and eat at least one good meal a day - we'll be fine.



To everyone else out there in a similar position - this is a time to remember what matters most in life, turn off the television, and look for solutions as oppossed to wallowing in the constant reminders of the problem!

Everything will be ok! Stand strong!

Amen GENERAL EYES I commend you and those who live in your community for digging deep and paying it forward. And I sincerely hope and pray that you'll find work soon.

In regards to meals, perhaps I can help with that by sharing some information. I became aware of a website that can help with that. It's www.angelfoodministries.com

What they do is through a co-op of sorts, sell food at drastically reduced prices. There's a monthly Menu and the cost is $30.00. It's enough food to feed four people for a week (you can order more than one box at a time) and there's also special add-ons you can get. You must place an order beforehand and then pick it up at a local church which serves as a "host site". You can search by zip code and area.

I figure if we're able to save money on food, the money saved can go towards rent, utilities, gas etc. so I hope it helps!

[edit on 11-1-2009 by ReginaAdonnaAaron]

reply to post by ReginaAdonnaAaron


You're an absolute angel!

We're pretty well stocked on cans, staples and frozen right now, but if I run into anyone in need, I'll definitely forward that link to them!

Thanks a million!

Lived very poor until my mom went to college and finally got a well-paying job a couple years ago. Then gas prices were taking a toll on her so we had to move closer to her place of work(now we have city water, yuck). Now she is struggling to afford the house payments and bills, using my savings to cover it(which really was never a lot to begin with) and I won't be able to go to college next year either. I also don't have a car or license making it even more difficult since I can't get a job without one.

Hi cancerian42, I'm sorry to hear that your mom is struggling but commend you for helping her out! She's very lucky to have a child who loves her and cares for her. I will add you both to my prayers.

If it will help, our ministry has a site called Arks of Safe Haven, in which those in need can register and receive information on who to contact in regards to various organizations in their area that can help with food, clothing, rent, utilities etc. Perhaps you could give her the link and encourage her to register.

Here's the link: Arks of Safe Haven

In regards to the job situation, be sure to check Craigslist.com. A lot of companies these days are unable to afford traditional advertising for hired help via newspapers, monster.com etc. and are listing job openings there because it's free.

[edit on 11-1-2009 by ReginaAdonnaAaron]

reply to post by ReginaAdonnaAaron


Thanks. We don't need it yet, but if things get any worse we might. I just need a car and then I can probably get a job. Maybe I will be able to get one this summer? Unless there is a way for me to work from home, I can't get one until I get a car, because my mom is on a tight shift working nights so she couldn't pick me up very easily. I have found a few inventive ways of making money in the meantime.

As a selfemployed designer/craftsman,flyfishing guide & outfitter; both those businesses are facing chapter 13. Both those businesses prospered for over 20 years but now are in the financial dumpster. Folks just don't have the disposable income they once had to buy my products or avail themselves of my services. Thanks "W"

But I still have the ambition and knowledge to either start a new business, become a freelance consultant or as a last resort, get a job.

Thank God and Gov. Bill for the movie/TV industry here in NM. That is how I'm making a living now. Could be worse.





[edit on 11-1-2009 by whaaa]

Sorry to go off topic but I just want to remind everyone that, whether or not this wonderful persons effort succeeds in helping anyone in the physical sense, let us not forget the most important attribute it provides is the effort itself. Those, such as the OP, know that selfless service is not only successful in societies progression, but also very rewarding to the server itself. This near forgotten method of selfless consideration has doltishly been neglected in favor of a more egocentric minded ideology. We have been led down the wrong fork in the road of life, together we can build a bridge back to the right one. Thanks to the OP for bringing it out in the light!


I have a thread, [www.abovetopsecret.com...], that I was trying to get some discussion going about what specifically led us to this. It expresses some of what affected me personally and some others as well.

Please let me know if you object to this and I'll remove it immediately? I have know intention to hi-jack your thread. Just thought it may contribute?

*Star & Flag*

Well lets see.. I will say yes and no.

g/f I live with got a job offer across the country for a huge pay increase.. paid for the move and all. Great.

I quit my job to move (not a big loss to me) but the new job market out here which WAS awesome is er.. not working out like we hoped. Cost of living isn't as high as we anticipated, but I def cannot go back to school like planned (tuition is outrageous anymore) so.. I will work on pet projects, make a little money here and there, but for the time being, it doesn't look like there are many jobs available to me (much more competition out here in OR as well).

Such is life, we get by so I am not complaining, it's more like stagnation which over time may drive me insane.

reply to post by Zerbst



Hi Zerbst, No, your comments are perfectly acceptable.

In my service to our heavenly Father and in being a footstep follower of Christ Jesus (who stumbles daily), I have found and experienced great rewards - but I do want to point out that for me personally, it's more about allowing Father's light to shine through me...and encouraging others to do the same.

For me, the feeling of happiness and accomplishment that comes from being able to serve others, who are our brothers and sisters, comes from knowing that you have in some small way pleased Father, followed Christ's example, and extended Father's love to the person or persons in need.

While sometimes we aren't able to provide the level of help that that person or persons are in need of, for many, simply knowing that someone cares and wants to help makes all the difference in their lives and gives them the hope to move forward in faith and love.

My husband was a truck driver for several years and made better than decent wages. His income alone was enough to carry our expenses, but I worked to bring in extra money for kid's college funds and to pay off some old debts.

It was always a struggle for me to balance family and career and when the middle of our 3 kids was struggling with medical issues it was too much and we made the decision for me to quit my dental job and stay home. My 'plan' was to take a year or two off to get through the many specialists appts and the testing our son was going through.

When he started school it became apparent that he was going to need even more help and I decided to start a home daycare so I could still bring in money but be home at the same time (turns out this was a HUGE mistake in hindsight). In the beginning (4 yrs ago) business was booming...I was turning kids away because my daycare was full. The money coming in was more than we'd ever been used to as I no longer had to pay for the daycare of my own 3 kids. Of course with the great money we splurged in areas we hadn't in the past. Purchased our first non-beater vehicle, an RV, and then a second vehicle for my husband to use for work.

About a year ago we started noticing my husband's runs were being cut. His boss kept assuring him that there were always ups and downs in the industry - my husband hauled steel - but these were not the norms that we'd seen over the years. He'd have up to a week off every month and we started falling behind on a few things and cut back on a few luxuries. Then 7 months ago we'd had enough. His paychecks were sometimes only a few hundred dollars and we couldn't budget on an unstable income. He made a career change but took a big paycut...we figured better to have a stable income we could budget than having to hold money over for months on end 'just in case'.

6 months ago, after he'd taken the new job, one of my daycare children left my area and subsequently my care. The agency I work for tried for months to refill that spot with no luck. Still ok, just tightened the belt a little more....then 2 more kids left when their mom lost their job. Now it was panic time. I was left with only 2 kids in care and only about 1/2 of the pay I'd been used to. This past Monday I was informed that the parent of those last two kids was laid off and they would not be coming to care anymore either.....I'm now unemployed.

It's nobodies fault...the other parents have lost their jobs too. The agency is struggling to find kids to fill daycare spots. Not only have 1/3 of their families left the agency due to either layoffs or hours cutback...but a HUGE part of their income was from families that recieved daycare subsidy from the government. The govt that has put a freeze on any new applications for daycare subsidy....so, basically all 75 providers with this agency are walking on eggshells waiting for their phone call.

I've been desperately trying to find a job since about October. Unfortunately, having been out of the workforce for almost 5 years noone is interested at all. Out of the 100s of resumes I've sent, only 3 have shown interest. Two booked interviews but ultimately hired someone else and I'm waiting on the 3rd. I have a college degree in computer programming...but that's now over 12 years old and pretty much worthless. I have several years experience working as a dental coordinator at a very large dental office....but that's now over 5 years old. I've dropped all standards and am now applying for factory packaging jobs for just over min. wage. If I don't find something soon...the you know what is going to hit the fan. We still have it better than a lot of people though so we're just trying to stay positive and get through this.

It's very frustrating....I can't find work because my education and experience is too old...so I need to upgrade my education..which takes money...which I need a job for...which I can't get because I don't have recent experience or education....ARRRRRRGH

Michelle

reply to post by Michelle129


Hi Michelle, I can certainly understand your frustration. I have several friends who are stay-at-home Mom's and we've often discussed what would happen should their husbands get laid off, or for some other unforseen reason they should have to return to work. In fact one did return to work as a veterinary assistant to help contribute to the household income so they didn't lose their home. It's quite the catch 22. I wish more employers understood the amount of work, discipline, organization and myriad of other skills it takes to be a stay-at-home Mom and how these skills can certainly be a benefit to employers.

The trucking industry also has taken quite a hit... :-/

You've probably already contemplated this, but with your childcare experience, have you thought about working outside of the home at a school, after school program or childcare facility?

Continue moving forward in faith and endurance. You'll certainly be in my prayers!

[edit on 11-1-2009 by ReginaAdonnaAaron]

Um, yes I have been effected. My husband for the first time since we were kids got laid off before Christmas. We have been together 19 years, have made a good living, built our dream home, have two new vehicles paid for and owe for nothing but our home. We have been blessed so I am not complianing. I have NEVER been scared about our financial future until now. If my husband cannot find work then no one can. I say that because he knows so many people in our area that own businesses and he has an excellent work history. He has only worked for three companys in his life. He even retired from one at 31. I have always been able to make pretty good money also. We are both out of work, drawing unemployment, getting food stamps, and have NO insurance. Folks we have never recieved government assistance. I am kinda embarrased by the whole thing but grateful at the same time. My husbands parents are in bad shape and they havent hurt for money since they first married like 50 years ago. My dad always made big money and guess what he is 60, lost his job due to the economy, has no insurance and gets foodstamps. we used to live in a house that had 5 (FIVE) bathrooms. My mom works for the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services and with the state budget cuts she is very worried about her future. My three nephews have inlisted in the service because there is no work to be found and at least in the military you get a check, insurance, housing ect... So yes everything in our part of the world has pretty much went to hell in a hand basket too, and for the first time I am scared. Also worth mentioning, I have noticed something wierd at the grocery store , they seem to be running out of everyday items and not restocking them and I've noticed this over several weeks not just lately. Like spaggetti pasta I now have to buy angel hair pasta because they no longer have spagetti pasta. I have no idea if this is significant but I have never seen anything like it before. We went shopping Friday and the store was packed and everyone was going up and down the isles complaining about not being able to find certain items?