Monday, January 12, 2009

Here We Go Again

My husband has had the wonderful privilege of working in the RV, (Recreational Vehicle), Industry in sales for almost 20 years. He especially enjoyed his fifteen years as a pop-up camper sales representative for the South and the Midwest.

We also benefited from the perks of that job and enjoyed our time camping in company demo units, and eventually purchasing a wonderful pop-up of our own. I loved camping in our pop-up and we created some wonderful family memories at our favorite Mississippi camp ground! I think, (actually, I know), that my time in the woods camping helped develop my love and appreciation for nature.


During those fifteen years, we traveled the world with that company on yearly incentive trips. We went to places that I would have never seen otherwise, because I hate to fly. We stayed in places that we never could have afforded on our own, like beautiful Atlantis in the Bahamas. It was a good life.

It was a very sad day for us when the company downsized and my husband was laid off.
Thankfully he had seen the "writing on the wall" and already had something in the works with another company when he lost his job. He was only without a job for a couple of months.

He worked for that company, basically as an independent contractor, for about three years when they also had cutbacks due to the economy. It was in June of 2008 that he was laid off from that job.

While it seemed like an eternity to us, he was only out of work for two months before he was hired on with a great company that he had been desiring to work with for several years. Knowing things were difficult with the economy the way it was, they still created a position for him and hired him. The timing of that new position was bad for both the company and my husband, because it is just a very difficult time to be selling anything non-essential right now. On Thursday last week we became another statistic of the bad economy, for the second time in seven months and the third time in less than four years.

In this industry, when the economy is good, things are very good and when it is bad, things are horrid. Well it is horrid right now for so many people. A lot of people, (many that my husband and I personally know), have and are still losing their jobs and their businesses. It is very sad and extremely stressful.

My husband desperately desires to be in an industry that isn't so dependent upon discretionary income. He had already been job searching and has had two phone interviews with a company and has a face-to-face interview scheduled on Wednesday. This job opportunity is in Medical Sales.

If you are inclined to pray for our family, we would love to have you pray that he finds favor with those who are interviewing him and that he gets a job quickly.

I know there are so many who, like our family, are struggling during these tough economic times. I have several neighbors and friends who are also without jobs right now, several are in the process of losing their homes. I can't imagine losing my home and the gardens I've worked so hard to establish, but I also know very well that it is a possibility if something doesn't happen quickly.

I'm trying to keep a stiff upper lip and be strong. I've been very busy for the last few days, so honestly, I've not had too much time to dwell on it. I'm just very thankful that he already has something in the works that gives us an optimistic outlook for the time being. We are prayerful that this time will be like the others, and he will have a job before too long.

Thank you all so much for your previous words of encouragement and for hanging in there with me through good times and bad.

44 comments:

Garden State Kate said...

You and your family are in our thoughts. Best of luck to your husband with his next job!
(hugs)

garden girl said...

Oh I'm sorry Robin! How stressful to be going through this again so soon.

You and your family are in my thoughts. I hope your husband finds something soon.

F Cameron said...

Robin -- Wishing you and your family all the best. It really sounds difficult and we're hearing it from so many of our friends and neighbors around here, too.

Take care of yourselves during these challenging times. I believe the economy will improve, but it may be slowly.

Hugs,
Cameron

tina said...

I am SO sorry! I will keep you in my thoughts that you all can find something soon-and something that will be around for a long time. Best wishes.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry Robin! What a rough time it has been for you and your family. All the best to your husband on his job search. May he find a more stable industry.

Diana said...

Robin - I'm so sorry to hear your news. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending good karma your way.

Diana said...

Robin - I'm so sorry to hear your news. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending good karma your way.

Sherri said...

Oh Robin you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! I hope your husband finds something really soon and your life can get back on track!

Anonymous said...

You know we're praying for you guys! Love the picture of the kids! What year was that?

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Cyndi, that was 2000 the Fall before we moved to Indiana.

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts and well wishes and especially the prayers, they mean so much!

The Wessex Reiver said...

Hi Robin, As with the other comments thoughts with you and your husband. Last year was a terrible year for me, not that I was made redundant myself but a close friend was and I saw the devastating effect of seeing one's life fall apart. Though thankfully now she's back in work.

I also see the awful effects while working in staff management in the Media industry which is downsizing rapidly here in the UK, and it's particularly hard when I see friends I work with are now no longer here. Quite hard to stay detached in those situations.

All I would say, and sometimes it's of no comfort, but remaining healthy, optimistic and open for a new challenge is a great tonic. A friend at work who had been made redundant was offered a job in TV in Dubai. We had a chat and I told him to go for it. And now he loves it, as he says without the redundancy he'd have stayed in the UK doing a job he didn't really enjoy just to make ends meet.

I do believe sometimes these bad things are sent to us for a reason, and that the future will often take us in a different direction because of this.

Best wishes and good luck for your husband

Gail said...

Dear Robin,

Oh my, I am sorry...I do hope that the medical sales job works out. It's a great industry and will give you all job security. Take care and know we're all here for you! gail

Anonymous said...

Sending positive thoughts your way, Robin. You stay positive, too. :)

Laurie said...

My prayers are with you and your family Robin, and with your husband that it all work out well for him.
Blessings,
Laurie

Tessa said...

Robin,

You and your family will be in our prayers- hang in there, He has a plan.

beckie said...

Robin, it doesn't seem fair for you to be going through this again so soon. But then there is not much that is fair right now. Hopefully the economy will start to turn around soon and we can all breathe a little easier.

In the mean time, you and your family will be in my thoughts.

TYRA Hallsénius Lindhe said...

Hi Robin, I am so sorry to hear your story.
It is certainly tough times we are going through. We have to pray and hope for a turning in the economy during 2009. My husband have never been out of work in his hole life and now since October 2008 he is out of work, it is sad and very demanding times for us all.

LOLove Tyra

Patricia said...

Oh, Robin! I am so sorry that you and your hubby are having to go through this yet again. I am praying even now that God will sustain you in ways beyond your imagaination and that His presence will be even more real in your lives in the days to come. (((Hugs)))

Anonymous said...

Oh my Robin, what a roller coaster of emotions with the job situation for your husband. Do keep that upper lip stiff and we will send every iota of good wishes your way. Medical sales seems like a good place, there will always be the need for those sorts of things and I am sure your husband is a wonderful saleman. My father was in that same line of work for over fifty years and earned a good living by keeping current with the technology. You are in our thoughts.
Frances

Ginger said...

Robin- I am so sorry to hear you all are having to go through this! You will definitely be in our prayers.

A New England Life said...

Hi Robin,

I do so wish your husband luck tomorrow in the interview. The stress must be daunting for your family.

Hopefully the new administration will help, but for many families it will be too late. My thoughts are with you.

Sharon

Rose said...

Robin, I am so sorry that this is happening again to your family.
While I was visiting my daughter in December, a third of their sales staff at her company were laid off. She wasn't, fortunately, but she, too, sees "the writing on the wall." These are indeed tough times. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers; I hope that you and your husband have good news soon.

Shirley said...

Hi there Robin :-)

Your present situation doesn't bare thinking about. We have been through this once and are fully aware it can always happen again.

What an awful place to be in again! Thinking of you all and sending my very best wishes :-)

Barbarapc said...

Sounds like your husband is an excellent provider - and unlike many other people who have been downsized - a real go-getter when it comes to finding a new position. I have great confidence that he'll find another career opportunity very soon - looking for a spot in a growing field is exceptionally wise. Sounds like your family 'makes its luck' - prayers and good wishes to you all.

Jan said...

You have been through a lot, Robin, and I send you my best as your husband interviews for this new position. Something will work out, I always believe that. It might not be what we expect, but there will always be a way. My dad was in sales and we moved many times as I was growing up. I hope you won't have to move, but if so, I know you will hang in there;) I hope things will be fine very soon:) Jan

Regina said...

I just prayed for your family. Blessings on you and your family.

Debbie said...

Robin, how difficult for you and your hubby. I sure will be praying for a quick hire for him in a job that is more secure.

As much as I dislike that Brian travels so much, working for the military does have the benefit of being pretty stable.

Zach said...

I will definatily pray for you and your husband. Isn't wonderful, how big of a network you have, that care and love you. It truely is a blessing. May god bless you in this time of trial.

Off of this subject. I was wondering if it was possible to interview you for my blog. I have read you blog since Sept, and would really love to have you on it some time. Please let me know what you think about it. I plan on having a line of interviews maybee in Feb or March. Some time soon. Please let me know if you are available.
~Zach

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Robin,I am so sorry to hear of the difficulties in your life.Yes,I believe that God can and will work things out for you and your family.I will be praying to that end.May you find strength to go on.Our God is faithful.
Blessings,Ruth

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to read this Robin. It seems like only yesterday you and your family were in this same scary predictament. I will definitely add you to my prayers. I hope the medical sales job will pan out, it definitely seems more secure. You are so right about it being such a difficult time for so many people. I am hoping this year is better but it's too early to tell, isn't it? Hang in there, think positive thoughts and keep us posted. All the best..

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Hang in there Robin. You can be sure that you and your husband will be in my prayers. Good luck to your husband in his job search.

Unknown said...

Oh Robin. I'm so sorry. This is just so unfair, especially when you've been through it so many times. But your husband is obviously a skilled and capable guy, and as cliched as it sounds, when one door closes, another one opens. It always seems that way in my experience. I'll keep my thoughts on that happening sooner than later.

Anonymous said...

Robin, I'm sorry to hear it but trust that you and your family will find yourselves in a better place soon. My fingers are crossed for you!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Robin! You and your family will be in my thoughts & prayers. I wish your hubby nothing but good luck for his next career opportunity.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Robin! You and your family will be in my thoughts & prayers. I wish your hubby nothing but good luck for his next career opportunity.

Naturegirl said...

Robin your honesty to reach out and tell your story touches me deeply. My husband and I are retired with good pensions and I understand the fear of the unknown for you and many families who are seeking employment in this tough economic time.My son in AZ has seen many of his neighbors and friends lose jobs and their homes.
Each week he holds his breath as the list of lay offs is read out.
Keep the hope your husband sounds like he's very resoucefull..certainly I'll keep your husdand and your family in my prayers dear Robin.

Your sensitivity towards my sad occurance means a lot to me so I am giving you the comfort and the hug you so thoughtfully give me.
Mother now in Paliative care.
hugs aNNa xo

Unknown said...

I have always thought it would be fun to camp in a pop up camper. :) We always tent it.

That's horrible about your husband's job situation. I am scared weekly of my husband losing his job. I make jokes about us both just working at McDonald's but really it terrifies me!

Kerri said...

Robin, what a stressful situation to be going through, and so soon after the last time!
I do hope he lands one of the medical sales jobs he's interviewing for. Sounds like he's very good at what he does, and willing to adapt to change.
I'll certainly pray for your family.
I'm sure a door will open...you'll see. Keep the faith!

inadvertent farmer said...

You and your family will certainly be kept in my prayers. I hope your hubby finds a great new job. There are so many families in your position, it is very worrisome.

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Robin,
My parents didn't have much money when we were growing up, but we took vacations, mostly to relative's farms. We rented pop up campers a few times, and when I was in high school and not wanting to go, they bought one.

I just said a prayer for you and your family, and will pray again as led. I think of my blogging friends off and on, and when I do, I tend to pray for them.

Sue

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear about this Robin. So many job losses in so short a time must be extremely stressful. And to see friends and neighbors struggling too...I will be praying that your husband finds work quickly!

Yolanda Elizabet Heuzen said...

Not again! Oh Robin my dear, I am so sorry to hear this. I do wish with all my heart that your hubby finds a good job soon that he will enjoy for many, many years.

((HUGS))

Mary said...

Dear Robin,

I'm so late. And so sorry... These are such hard times and the truth is, we're ALL at rish of losing our jobs right now.

I wish you and your family the best of times, or at least, better times.

Hugs,
Mary