Just Got Let Go - I'm Shocked

[Guest]

I had the perfect part-time job. Close to home, good hourly pay and a one-girl office. I'm a single widowed mom who has been thru hell - lost my husband right after my child was born, then lost two more family members, (remarried but had to divorce because relationship became abusive). I used to have a full-time job but it was so stressful and unpredictable I quit to work part-time. I also wanted to be more available to my son after school.

 

A year ago I found this part-time job and it has worked out perfect for me. For the first time in years I have been able to juggle being a single mom and still have cash flow coming in. This job was in a nice one-girl office and ten minutes from my house. Pay was really good for a part-time job as an executive assistant.

 

My boss was doing well until about a month ago when the phone stopped ringing and no one was accepting his RFP's. He came to me on Friday and said he couldn't afford to keep me.

 

I'm not destitute by no means. I get supplemental income from social security and I have a little bit in savings so I'm ok - but still, this was my extra income that helps buy groceries and clothes, etc.

 

What hurts the most is that I've been such an honest and loyal employee and have been there a year and I had to beg for a two-weeks notice (so I can get at least one more paycheck). Otherwise he was just going to let me go and that be it.

 

The harder I work and try to make it in life I always get the short end of the stick. I'm 44 years old and raising my son alone has been incredibly hard. I have no living family members left.

 

All I want is a decent secretarial job where I can go to work and get paid and not get screwed by people after I've busted my butt for them. Every job I've worked at ends up going down the tubes (either the company goes bust, managers above me get canned or suddenly they can't afford me anymore).

 

I stay positive with a smile on my face and keep pressing on but this is getting to me. I just feel sucker punched once again.

 

Feels like I'm continually having to start over and prove myself - only to get run over and flattened.

[Topper]

Sorry to hear you lost your job. Sounds to me that your boss didn't havea choice in the matter. In a small company when the phones stop ringing you need to start thinking about whats next. Most don't have the cash to keep paying someone when The cash flow stops.

I wouldn't burn any bridges. Keep in touch with your old boss who Knows. The situation could turn around and he will need your help again. Have him write a good letter of recomandation.

[amerikajin]

Definitely ditto what topper said. Sucks you got fired, but don't burn those bridges. It sounds like it was an economic decision, so that being the case, there's no reason for animosity. Maybe your boss can help you find a new job.

[JCD]

These small companies are very volatile as you found out. Try to get into a bigger company. There is better job security and benefits.

[Teddy and Jane]

Hello. I'm really sorry about what you are going through. Is there a temping agency in your town? You might try them and tell them what you're looking for and your skills.

[Teeky3]

Wow...sorry to hear about this. I can imagine it was shocking. As the previous poster mentioned, try a temp agency, take advantage of your computer and send jobs to www.careerbuilder.com or www.monster.com or www.hotjobs.com. All of those sites can be pretty useful but may require some energy and stamina. Sounds like you've got plenty of both.

 

Keep your resume circulating and remember....satan always steps in as we are getting closer to our break-through. Hold on my friend...it will be alright!

[KeysGirl07]

WOW - I read your post as I'm going thru the same thing. All the nice replies you got were just what I needed to hear myself! A bunch of nice people with good advice!

 

It's so hard when you've been let go - I totally agree with everyone. Work for a larger company - these little fly by night "consultants" and independent contractors are too volatile.

 

I was working for a roofer and his business died down and suddenly he couldn't pay me and said I'd have to take a pay cut. Then it was down to 4 days a week - then finally his lame excuse there's just no work because people weren't accepting his bids.

 

I'm going back to the corporate jungle - at least it's a little safer working for bigger guys plus you can get unemployment - for the little guy you don't get squat.