Laid Off...now what do I do??

KinAZ
KinAZ Member Posts: 180
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

I was laid off Friday because the business was failing.  I worked in the travel industry and really enjoyed my job.  I rarely thought about the bc and felt like I still had a normal life.  Now what???  I have my last dose of A/C next week, then 2 months of Taxol, and then bi-lat mast.  Chemo days are an all day affair, and I usually miss 1 additional day.  The surgery will put me out for a while.  Hard to imagine anyone wanting to hire someone with that baggage.   I am so depressed at the thought of being at home alone day after day.   DH is very supportive and able to support us.  I know I should be grateful for that.  Dont get me wrong, I am grateful for all my blessings, but working made it easier to deal with this crap.  I feel like I just cant get a break.  How do the rest of you deal with the isolation and sense of doom? 

Hugs to all

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  • badboob67
    badboob67 Member Posts: 2,780
    edited June 2008

    KinAZ,

    I am so sorry! What bad timing, huh? Is it possible that there might be a volunteer opportunity for you that would be flexible enough to allow for the not-so-good days, but engaging enough to keep you busy?  Maybe this is an opportunity for you to explore other possibilities. Who knows, you might end up finding something you enjoy even more!

    ((((HUGS)))
    Diane

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  • Held
    Held Member Posts: 506
    edited June 2008

    Hugs honey.  That really sucks!  Dealing with doom and gloom?  I FINALLY listened to those around me (ladies here and family and friends) and started going to counceling.  Is there some sort of work you can do from home?

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  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 6,416
    edited June 2008

    HI !

    How about this....Volunteer at your local ANYTHING!

    If I had a woman come to me ( I own a Hair and Tanning Salon) and say.." Hi Laura.. I am going through some medical treatments right now and I am doing really well, but I would LOVE to get out of the house a few days a week to be around people.. could I come volunteer here a few days a week just to help out the stylists or greet customer..etc.." I would say... " Call me the morning you feel good and wanna come in and I will have stuff for you to do... for as long as you wanna hang with me and the girls and our fantastic clients...

    I know you can find places where you live like that!  If you do not need the money.. VOLUNTEER... it can be on your time that way and you can be with people and laugh and feel togetherness!

    Then.. when this is past you.. you can look for a paying full time job again!

    If you live in Missouri.. come to my place !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!         :)

    Laura

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  • tmac
    tmac Member Posts: 236
    edited June 2008

    Sorry to hear about your lay off.  This won't help with passing the time, but there is unemployment & temp. disability in terms of money.  I passed the time (I work @ 2 days a week, have a 4 & 6 y.o.) keeping busy w/my kids, projects around the house (getting new living rm. furniture this week!), yard work if I was up to it, and actually trying to relax and catch up on some fun reading.  It really wasn't hard for me bc my kids kept me busy the most.  You could always volunteer if you are up to it.  The library is a great, quiet and relaxing place. 

    I also tried to get my ducks in a row prior to my BM w/tissue expanders & SNB.  I cleaned out closets, children's room's, threw away a TON of stuff, made doc/dentists appts. for everyone, got haircuts, did some shopping for comfy shirts/tops, and bought some books & fun DVD's for my recovery.  When I could, I would grab lunch or coffee w/a friend.  My friends have been wonderful thru the entire process.  Oh, and I did a huge Costco run, stocking up on everything and then some, so hubby wouldn't need to run out for things after surgery, etc. 

    These all sound so simple, but it kept me busy.  Hope this helps.  Good luck w/everything. 

    Teresa     

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  • KinAZ
    KinAZ Member Posts: 180
    edited June 2008

    Thank you ladies for all you suggestion and encouragement.  I am not normally whiny.  I just felt like I was kicked in the teeth again!!!  I feel more optimistic today.  I know there are many other options out there.

    Estepp...if I lived near you, I would be in your shop right now!!!

    BadBoob...you are sooooo right, I may find something I like better.  By the way I must tell you a funny story.  Shortly after I was dx, I was in the shower and looked down at my breasts.  I began signing that song..Bad boy bad boy whatchya gonna do.......only I changed it to bad boob - bad boob, whatchya gonna do whatchya gonna do when they come for you!!!!   I laughed so loud my dh came in to see what was going on!

    Thanks again ladies, it helps knowing I can come here and be understood

    Hugs, Karen

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  • tmac
    tmac Member Posts: 236
    edited July 2008

    Hi Karen,

    I had another thought today after I posted last night.  I do some consulting in subsidized childcare centers.  They are always looking and gladly accept volunteers in their centers.  Just a thought if you enjoy children!

    Teresa

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  • badboob67
    badboob67 Member Posts: 2,780
    edited July 2008

    Karen,

    When I first registered for this site, I hadn't a clue what to call myself. Then, the "bad boys" song popped into my head and "badboob" naturally followed!  I'm glad I'm not the only one with a wonky sense of humor.

    Keep us posted about your career/volunteering or whatever you choose. I'll be thinking about you and praying that something good comes from this experience for you! 

    (((HUGS)))
    Diane

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  • dpbrown523
    dpbrown523 Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2008

    Sometimes things like this that happen are really a blessing in disguise.  You will see later why you were laid off.  There is always a reason that things turn out for the best, but we just dont always see it while we are going through it.

    I'm kind of going through something like this right now.  I'm back in school, doing internet college classes toward a degree, not working any more.  DH is supportive. 

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  • MissUniverse
    MissUniverse Member Posts: 75
    edited July 2008

    I totally agree with dpbrown523.  When I was diagnosed, I was up to work on a huge project that I had worked my tail off 3 years for.  They had to give it to someone else. At the time, it just gave me one more thing to curse about - like having bc isn't enough.  But daily I find the blessings in me staying where I'm at (I would have had to move  upstate for the project). I am working part-time at my same office.   I too am taking internet classes, I am studying to test for a special certification  and hope to take the test post-chemo in November. But I think what was best for me, is that my support network was here, not there and I discovered that I really, really needed that. 

    They are talking about a Phase 2 of the project which would run at the same time as Phase 1, it would start in January.  If all goes well with my treatment,I'll be done in mid-October,  I will be considered for that phase. God does too have a plan for us, sometimes we just have to be patient until he gets around to make it evident what it is!! The waiting sucks!!

    Thanks alot Badboob67 - now I can't get that song out of my head!!  

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