I'm freaking out!!!

[paddbear0000]

  Sorry, but I can't get a hold of anyone by phone, and I need to freak out to someone! So you all get to listen to me freak out!!!

Last week, my husband's company told everyone in a meeting that they were taking cost-saving measures so they wouldn't have to lay anyone off. These measures included no raises or bonuses this year, cutting the 401k matching in half and making it mandatory that employees buy an extra week of vacation. Now, today, they turn around and lay a bunch of people off!!! Thankfully, my husband dodged the bullet today. What upsets me is that, what's next? Or rather, who's next?! We thought his job was safe! He was told jobs would be safe, ONE week ago!! I am terrified now! If he loses his job, we will lose the house and I will lose my insurance. Type 1 diabetes without insurance was bad enough, but next time, I'll be a diabetic and in kidney failure without insurance. I'm so stressed right now! My best friend's husband also works there, but he's in Germany this week (for work), and he doesn't even know about this yet. So she's freaking out too. The two of us together stressing out is not a good thing!

[paul.karen]

Paddbear

I can see how this is VERY scary for you.  Or anyone in your position.  But it wont do anygood stressing out to bad over it.  It may never come (hopefully).  My advice which isnt much.  I would be very frugal for the next few months.  Try to put a little extra away if you can.  Worriyng is understandable but try not to stress over something that has an uncertain outcome.
I totlay understand your concerns.  I wish you both a very positive outcome.
P&K

[thegrammalady]

all i can do is 

[Joe Paul]

I hope your Husbands job is secure. Watch the stress level, it isn't going to do your health any good. Ill be praying for you and your Husband, please take care 

[2_DallasCowboys]

Hi

Plse try to stay as calm as you can.
I know it is hard but try

Sending you  

Anne

[kellyt]

I feel for you, Padd.  Although my husband and I are self-employed our clients consist of car lots.  And as we all know car lots are starting to close.  I pray every day that our clients are able to hold strong and in turn keep us in business.  I'm debating going back to work outside the house.  I don't want to, but feel I owe it to my husband who works so hard and is so stressed.

My thoughts are with you and your husband!  Stay strong!   

[Romona]

 

[lola]

Padd that soooo stinks, I worry everyday about that at Otto's job, we are in the same boat

[paddbear0000]

Thanks for the support everybody. When i first talked to him, I didn't get much info because he was on his way to a meeting about the layoffs. According to the company, they don't plan on laying off any more people. But, given what they just did, I don't believe them. I'm still worried, because he programs robots for industrial applications, half of which are automotive! As I'm typing this, I am being informed that the company said the layoffs were based on this year's projections, so given any drastic unforeseen circumstances, there will be no more layoffs. We'll see.

[thegrammalady]

will be keeping my fingers crossed.

[monrein]

I'll also keep my fingers crossed that all will be OK with his job.  You must try to not stress out too much with worry since that will change nothing except be detrimental to your health.  I also agree with Paul that saving what you can and cutting back on anything non-essential is a good move.   

[aharris2]

We have recently been through this. We talked to the social worker about what's out there and found out this regarding COBRA:

1. COBRA can be elected for any member of the family that was covered by the employee's policy - it doesn't have to be the same family policy.
2. The Kidney Fund will pay the dialysis patient's COBRA premium based on need - you have to apply but it is a very basic application. (kidney fund? aakp? one of those, we'll get exact info if anyone wants it.)

Should you be threatened with the loss of insurance, get the social worker involved! Don't wait, there are time constraints. If you are predialysis, perhaps going direct to the Kidney Fund(?) would do it. I don't know if their program is limited to dialysis patients or if it's for anyone on that road.

[G-Ma]

 

[paris]

Paddbear, my son found out yesterday that his position and 250 others were cut.  No warning.  He is 36, great job goes to Europe for meetings, etc.  The economy is ruining so many lives.  The company is cutting the higher paid positions.   Adam has a good attitude and is just looking forward. He has great qualifications--- use to work for AOL in their early days.   Hang in there.  Just take each day as it comes.  Make some good decision and plans but don't stress yourself out.  It won't help.   
'

[G-Ma]

Oh, I'm so sorry for anyone in this position...we were there years ago and it is very stressful which doesn't help anyone. My prayers go out to all.

[paddbear0000]

Man, I sure wish we had something to save and extra expenses to cut out! As it is now, we live paycheck to paycheck, never go out or get things for ourselves. It's been a long time since we've been able to do any of that. Since 05, when we lived in Maryland, in fact. 

Paris, I'm sorry to hear about your son's job! It sucks! I've been there twice in the last 4 years due to the economy.

Aharris, thanks for the info. I've got both of their websites bookmarked, so I'm sure I can find the info. if it comes to that.