NEWS: A Job Was Just Created

[bpr]

Re: NEWS: A Job Was Just Created

Look friend, Don't take me wrong. I "prepared" for a prolonged period of unemployment by skipping restaurant meals and taking a second job on weekends for several years to have a cushion. I did another thing that in retrospect was a god send. I decided not to buy a house at the top of the bubble. As of right now I am unemployed ( the company I worked for folded ). Due to a chance event, I have enough money to hold me for a while, but even without that I had more than a year of savings in the bank before I was layed off. Oh, and by the way If you don't want my sympathy, I will be sure to keep my opinions to myself in future.

Wow, I didn't get that at all from your first post. No offense intended.

Yeah, I prepared for this period of unemployment, too, by forming my own LLC and generating a second line of income, and cutting costs.

Looking back, it seems that my post was no more than a gloat.

I'm sorry about that.

There are a lot of factors that kept me afloat. Websites like Itulip, Mish, and Minyanville (in reverse order, chronologically, but in that order of importance), were no small part of it.

I, too, was looking at real estate in 2004-2006. I would snuggle into bed with my girlfriend (now my wife) and we'd look at the lakefront cottages near where I worked... Then a month later we'd look at the same cottages in the same magazines and compare prices, watching them fall.

We put off getting married, having a family, a house, everything.

If we didn't prepare for my unemployment, I couldn't imagine how we'd have made it. You kind of had to see this coming somehow to have any kind of stability now.

In any case, I wish you the best and didn't mean to offend you. I did have a little bit of good come my way in the last week, and If I can deflect some your way, I will.

There is no place for ill will around here. God bless.

[bpr]

Re: NEWS: A Job Was Just Created

My deepest congrats, pal. Go 'tulips! When you're up to it, can you share a few unemployment insights others might find of use? Fill-in work, time management (morale management), etc.

Yeah, when I'm up to it.

It's worthwhile, but it exhausting.

Right now, I'm still getting acclimated to being employed full time. I have to say I've never been happier to put in a thirteen hour day.

EDIT: There are a few things on the tip of my mind when it comes to morale management:

1. Create work for yourself. Learn a new skill. The simplest is web/IT-related stuff, because all of the information is out there. You can pretty much get any certification you want for the cost of the test if you're willing to do the research.

2. Continue your life. I got engaged four months before losing my job, and I didn't let unemployment stop us from getting married. There were some uncomfortable moments where her family members asked me about what I do, but I stood my ground, as a "freelancer." A very expensive freelancer. Bottom line is, I got married while I was unemployed, and that process had a healing effect that makes our marital bond stronger.

3. Taking "fill-in" work: you have to be careful, if you're accepting unemployment benefits. You need to know your state's regulations, specifically their rules on denying work. If you accept work, you have to report it as income, which will count against your claim. There are times when it is worth it to accept a short-term gig and forego unemployment benefits. There are other times when what is being offered doesn't cover the cost of driving to the site. You have to know the difference, and be able to demonstrate it if the state comes after you.

[jpetr48]

Re: NEWS: A Job Was Just Created

bpr
Congratulations. I think the points you make are quite valid in that life must go on. Personally I have been and am in the Unemployed category. But that is how the system sees me. My colleagues see someone who is positive, taking initiative in writing articles for trade journal, starting a book proposal, going for executive education in strategy and doing consulting where feasible, and learning macroeconomics and investing from you and others.

I am not mentioning this to get the good guy badge. Rather I believe if anyone thinks their job is secure, you are in a for a surprise. I am not only preparing for the next position but the one after that.

Bottom line- make the most of your time-give learn and create a vision of the future.
One comment - "Jesus, I never thought it would end." Stuff like this does not happen by chance some call it destiny you correctly called out the one responsible.

[LargoWinch]

Re: NEWS: A Job Was Just Created

But I just got a job.

...

I apologize if I have imposed these darknesses upon you here at itulip.

I have certainly been in dark places.

Anger, frustration and fear: these are the building blocks of darkness.

Looking back, I'm sure that many of my posts here were motivated by that darkness, and I apologize for my occasional rancor.

I get angry when I read certain things.

It's instructive, I tell myself. I usually keep quiet, and hate myself a little bit more for it.

In any case, I say we all rejoice: a job was just created, and I got it.

But I know the darkness, and pray for the well being of the other applicants. I know their darkness all too well.

Congratulations bpr!

I find a astounding and shameless that iTulipers can be out of work for so long. That tells me that something is very wrong with our socio-political system.

But now is not a time for complaining, but a time for celebration! Thanks for sharing the great news and good luck in your new venture bpr!

[Penguin]

Re: NEWS: A Job Was Just Created

I agree LW, it is time for celebration.

Lots of good, solid people getting crushed by this economic situation. It is good to see someone pass through the fire.

Congrats bpr, you made my day. Which needed doing after some kamikaze HS school kid totalled my pickup last night. Alas my dear 4x4 seems destined for the chopping block. ~eek~

Good luck buddy,
Will