Freelance is the only way to fly . . . don't let the bastards grind you down!

@ Ed.. for sure man. its been sound advice from all around, public or by PM.

again, i cant thank you all enough.

my spirits are lifted.

Skullbrain is the BEST!

Tony, I’d like to join the chorus, here, too: I was fired from my job of nine years in early February; it was the first time I’ve been fired (at least, in my “adult life”).
I gave that place so much energy, did so much good work for them, and advanced the areas I was responsible for in many ways… but I had dead-ended (years earlier, actually), and was only staying for the money and benefits, afraid to take a leap into the shitty Vermont job market. Staying there was killing me… literally hurting my life & soul in so many ways. Getting fired is always humiliating, to some degree- everyone wants to leave on their own terms- but in my case, it was really the shove that I needed to get my life in better shape. I was able to have three months to hang with my son and gf, launch/finish several personal projects, walk around town, decompress from 9 years of corporate torture… it was invaluable. Granted, I got a nice severance (which I wouldn’t have gotten had I left on my own), but I also took an under-the table part-time handyman gig at a friend’s restaurant; you find ways to make ends meet and stay engaged w/ the world- sounds like the babysitting gig could be great for you.

I now find myself at a great new job in a much healthier, more friendly, humane work environment, with an 11-minute commute (as opposed to an hour (sometimes 2 in the winter) to the old place).
I hope things turn out just as well for you!
Hang in there, man!

You'll definitely be alright. I went through this myself as well in the past. Spend this time to put life into perspective, people view a job as means to material items that dont mean shit in the end. Of course you need money to survive but some how that always has a way of working itself out, you'll find jobs to get you by until you get something you actually like.

Not to sound cliche but there is definitely worse days, like losing someone close to you. People dedicate their entire life to a job without experiencing so much as a walk at night.

And Andy is right, if you are in a line of work that allows it do it. I did it for 6 years it was great! I rolled from my bed to my desk haha. But then again freelance can = ridiculous pay delays.

Awh Dude!! Im sorry to hear that. The only advice I have for you is to stay positive, make the most of your day's off and network with your friends. I would have to say that 90% of my jobs came from who I know.

BTW: what did you do?

Sorry to hear about you losing your job. It's never fun to have your life roughed up like that. But, in the end, I agree with Kirkland. It tends to work out for the best in the end. I was out of work for much longer than I would have liked. But ended up in a much better place after all was said and done.

Good luck and keep "upgrade" in-mind during your searches!

Not much i can add to previous comments.. But I wanted to wish you the best of luck. Stay strong, don't sell off, you the man!

i used to recruit RNs for per diem hospital work, long term and short term contracts, on a local or national scope.

so, in essence, its basically recruiting/sales.

i have some options im trying to investigate though. hopefully some will pan out.

i start babysitting monday, so that will be good. met lil Ethan yesterday and he was digging me, so i made a good impression.

tony at least you will have extra free time to come by the barber shop , come and get a free hair cut or something fun like that

I have a job interview today!

Its with the company that I was hoping would call me.

Knock on some wood around 3pm(EST) for me crew!! (yes, i believe in luck)

Well...there goes your short "vacation" time.
Good luck!! I'd knock on wood for you but everything around me is metal or plastic...even the laminate on the tables is plastic.

i feel like PMA can totally make a comeback now its had a good cooling off period in a lot of places...
As for the jobless situation my buddy Kyle got fired once and it was the best thing that happened to him. I always wanted to get fired when i worked at the bank so i could go on unemp and write a novel uninterrupted.

i think the interview went well. i was a little nervous and like a moron, declined the water/coffee they offered me at the start. (felt it would be rude to sip during the int..)

then i got dry mouth a little from being nervous.

it felt like i answered their questions correctly and that felt good.

i should hear something soon. if i dont get it, i am ok with that. its been 9 yrs since i've had to interview so the rust has been removed per se.

my two former co workers that work there, met me for a smoke and told me its incredibly easy work and i wont believe it once im in there.

the bldg is mere feet away from the Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse too!

Good Luck man.

$*&$*($ING GREAT....

Im being audited by the VA Emp Commission because the IDIOT who filled out my paperwork marked down that i was "Discharged.." as my reason for being let go.

I was told, in person, by the VP and Director that i was being laid off for work force reduction and that i would be able to collect unemployment.

I now, have a hearing on the phone at 930am June 16th. I went by the VEC office and they said because of what was put down I wont get any $$$$ until, after the hearing. It looks like i was fired per the term discharge. The person i spoke to at my former job, said that was the only verbage that wouldnt exclude me from receiving these needed benefits that my working 15 + years has PAID TAXES TOWARDS!!!

This apparently has happened to 5-6 previous employees that were laid off. One person had to wait 4 weeks, another 6 and others 8 weeks before getting their first check.

Im so mad right now, I cant believe this.

Theyre going to make it right, it just really sucks waiting for money.

The bills arent going to wait...