It's that time again! Special thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for creating and hosting the Insecure Writer's Support Group, a monthly forum for writers to share insecurities without fear of reprisal. Let's get insecure!
I will do my best to not let this be my most harrowing post yet. I wish I could share better news, but the title of this post gives it away: after almost ten years of working with the Utah State Hospital, my job will be dissolved at the end of the year. Reduction in Force, or something like that. Not exactly what anyone wants to hear before the holidays, but that's how it is sometimes.
On the up side, I have until January to find something new ...
All last week I've been looking up jobs and had meetings with HR and employment specialists, who I hope will assist me in finding a new situation soon. I'm not sure what will happen on the writing side of things for a while. A delay in Woven related writings, among others, is a given, for any time I spend away from finding a new job will have serious repercussions on me and my family. I can't take this lightly.
Rather than dwell on this here (I'm doing enough of that already), I will tell you the plans I have for the rest of the year. I will continue to blog. Promotion for The Undead Road is about to begin, and I could use your help. Anyone who would like to take part in a cover reveal and contest next week, please send me an email (find it here) and I will send you information for next Wednesday's post.
I'm headed to Idaho Falls this weekend for a Woven book signing. If you happen to be in the area or know someone who is, please spread the word. We would love to fill the store with awesome people. :)
There's also a signing event at the Orem Public Library, December 5th from 11 am to 1 pm. It's my local library, so this will rock the halls!
Beyond that, it's up to what the Universe and I can work out. I may not see it as I am in the thick of it, but this might be exactly the change I need. The trick is finding the right situation and not lose faith in myself. I'll be sure to update should my situation improve.
Please pardon this dark time. Thanks for your support, and hugs.
Have you ever faced unemployment? What tips would you share to someone who is looking for a job? Who's ready for zombies?
I'm David, and please, hide the leftover Halloween candy ...
I have been unemployed, so I know exactly what you're going through. At that time, we didn't have any kids, but we were very much dependent on my income. I'm so sorry for you! What exactly did you do at the hospital? If I know, I can see if any of my nurse/dr friends have heard of any openings. Keeping you in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteI did testing administrations to juvenile and psychiatric clients, and my background is in behavioral science / human services. Thank you, Tiana. :)
DeleteJust pray and do everything in your power. God is your source, not that job.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the cover!
My husband got laid off the week before Thanksgiving almost four years ago, with no warning at all. We had three kids. It was hard and we were pretty devastated. So, I searched and searched online and applied for a lot of jobs for him, while he went around and looked for some himself, doing little jobs for other people to make a bit of money. Through a friend's rec, he ended up getting a job about a month later and he's been there since and it's a MUCH better job than he had before. Trials are always hard, but we always seem to make it through, usually coming up better than before. Lots of fasting and prayer and temple visits help too. :) Prayers for you and your sweet family!
ReplyDeleteThis sucks. I do understand. It's very stressful.
ReplyDeleteDon't be afraid to tell people you are looking for work. You never know when a conversation might start and a connection might be made.
Keep moving forward. Things do get better.
Heather
I'm so sorry you're facing this and pray that you find something soon. You're doing the right thing for your family...the writing will be there when you're ready. Chin up!
ReplyDeleteHi David - that was a devastating bit of news for you and your family ... at least you have two months ... but it's never easy looking for a job. I certainly hope something turns up soon ... good luck with everything - all the best Hilary
ReplyDeleteThat sucks, man. I lost my travel blogging job almost exactly two years ago. It led me to try NaNo for the first time and to really work on my productivity. It ended up being a good thing because it really got me serious about indie publishing, which I had only dabbled in before then. I still miss that job, though. Best of luck in the job hunt!
ReplyDeleteHuge hugs and prayers coming your way!!! I hope and pray that this ending marks a brighter beginning - I know that sounds trite and cliched, but I really do hope that. And, I hope that the next job opportunity lands in your lap in the next week or two so your worry time is shortened!
ReplyDeleteIf I knew someone in Idaho Falls, I would definitely send them to your signing. Woven is a wonderful book!!!
Best wishes with the job search and with all of your writing and life!
That's awful, I really hope you find a new job soon. I guess in situations like this, the only thing you can do is look on the positive side - I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason - perhaps this was meant to happen so you could find your dream job? I'm sure something even better will come along soon :). Wishing you the very best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThat sucks! I went through that 4 times with my husband--3x right before Christmas. Suckier. But each time another--better--opportunity opened up. Hang in there. Sending you good thoughts that a great opportunity will come your way.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Diane IWSG #92
I've been the big bread winner and certainly know your trepidation. I wish the best for you. I have lost a job before and what followed was a better situation. I'm confident this will be true for you.
ReplyDeleteI went through the same thing back in September. I was fortunate to find another job eventually, but it sure was hard to write during the time of uncertainty. Good luck with finding another job.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with finding another job. That's never easy. I wish I could be there at your book signing to get my copy signed, but alas, it's just too far away from where I live. I hope plenty of people show up!
ReplyDeleteYou have to work on your dark side, David. I sensed a lot of optimism. Chances are you believe deep down that the next position you take will be better than even you imagined. That's my thoughts, and I'm sticking to them. Put it out there, David. The best job ever is on its way.
ReplyDeleteIts hard to be positive when facing the unknown. Be strong, and you'll do fine. See you when I see you. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Elements of Writing
Sorry you're in this situation. Wishing you all the best in your job search, and I hope things look up soon!
ReplyDeleteI have been blessed to have jobs when I wanted and needed them, but my husband was out of work when we first married. We actually delivered phone books to help pay the bills.
ReplyDeleteI have faith this will work itself out.
You know I'm here for you for promo. :)
IWSG #115 until Alex culls the list again
That's a scary place to be. I've been laid off twice and it's nerve-racking to have that pressure hanging over you while you look for a job. I hope it doesn't take you long and you don't miss a beat in paychecks.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that, David, and I wish you all the best in finding a new position, as well as in your book signings.
ReplyDeleteWe've all been there. At least you got a bit of warning, and as you mention it may lead to bigger and better things. You seem pretty responsible and together about it though, so keep your head up, keep plugging away and you will make good things happen. All the best.
ReplyDeleteIWSG November Post
Best of luck to you and your family during this difficult time. The best part of being a writer is, we can put those painful emotions and frustrations into a story.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best...
That sucks. I hope you find a new job soon (and can get back to working on Woven 2 for the readers ;). I'm glad to hear about the cover reveal and book signing. Keep up with the zombies!
ReplyDeleteI hope everything works out for you! I'm searching for a job right now as well. And good luck with the book signings!
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you to find a job AND that you'll make millions (or high thousands) off your writing. I KNOW that you'll find something soon. Trust me, I know these things.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in finding a new job David. My, ten years is a long time to be working somewhere only to go job hunting again.
ReplyDeleteGood luck again.
Yvonne.
Good luck with finding a new position. We went through that when hubs got laid off along with 4 other guys - they were downsizing office staff since work had been computerized. He came back in a different capacity (and at more pay) only because his co-workers told him about an opening. HR did nothing to help. Don't rely totally on them.
ReplyDeleteI know this is devastating news for you, Sir David. I think most of us have been there at some point. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, hoping you find an even better job that's worthy of your talent and experience.
ReplyDeleteConsider me there for your reveal! Love to you and the family. Eva
Really sorry to hear about your job loss. Do hang in there, and good luck with your job interviews. Don't put too much weight into how one interview goes...consider it practice for the next, and you'd probably feel more relaxed that way.
ReplyDeleteYou and the Universe will work it out! It'll be a needed change, a blessing in disguise, just like you said. Go rock it out! And yes, send me the deets on your cover reveal: alexiachamberlynn@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteYou will be on my prayer list until you get a job!
ReplyDeleteI've been job hunting for a year; hopefully it doesn't take you that long to find something else.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. But I'm sure that you're going to find something that's even better than the job you currently have. I'll keep you in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI will add you to my intentions...
ReplyDeleteIdaho Falls! That's my hometown. If you want a good burger I recommend Tom's Gyro's. If you'd like someplace nice to eat for dinner, White Water Grill down by the river is awesome and owned locally by some family friends. So sorry to hear about your job. I hope something better comes along very quick. You are a brave soul good sir.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could be at one of your signings. Good luck on the job hunt. You're one of many friends I have in the health care industry who are being 'reduced' out of their jobs.
ReplyDeleteOh my. Time seems to be flying. It's IWSG time again. :)
ReplyDeleteUnemployment single is one thing, but to have a family, too, can't help but be unsettling and unnerving. Your times are in the Father's Hand. Do all you can and know this situation will turn out to your good in some form or fashion. Touch all the people and agencies and resources you can think of. No easy answers here. There will be a light when you need it most -- I am praying for it to be there. Take care.
ReplyDeleteMy husband just faced a similar situation. He's the main bread winner in our family and it was a harrowing time in our household. I worried, wrung my hands, prayed a lot, and he didn't sweat it. He just kept saying he'd get a job. Low and behold he did. It came with a huge pay cut, but I feel blessed that he landed a job. The moral to the story is, in my experience, things tend to work out. Keep the faith. It sounds like you have a lot of valuable experience. I'm confident a job will come.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best during this tough time. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
These days nobody's job is secure. I saw literally hundreds of people laid off at my last job and finally had to jump ship just to get out of having that axe always hanging over my head. Now I am happier than ever at work, making more money than before (though I did take a pay cut in an interim job I took for a few months), and I thank my lucky stars I"m out of that old job every day. Things will get better. It's only a question of when. Keep the faith and if you end up with some "time off" use it to write and hang with your family as much as you can. You will get through this.
ReplyDeleteIt's never an easy time to go through this, but I hope you find a great new job that's even bigger and better. Take care and good luck!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear this and I wish you well. My last job ended at the beginning of 2009 and I haven't found anything since. I did start collecting social security, but I'd take a side job if the pay was worthwhile or the job was an extraordinary opportunity.
ReplyDeleteUnemployment sucks. Fortunately I've rarely had to face it for long in my life until I became "undesirable" due to ageism. That's where I am now I guess.
Let's hope for big things as a writer for you as that would be really the coolest thing of all.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Hey David, it's been a while since I've been last on the blogosphere, and I am so sorry to hear this news. You know...on the upside, sometimes they simply have to happen in order for us to face our new, most daring adventures yet. (Sorry if that's more optimism than you're looking for...that's my personality.) That's not to say it won't absolutely suck for the first couple of months, and that it's going to be a tough emotional transition, but I have faith that you'll find something amazing. Your personality, your energy, is one that has taken you far and will continue to do so. :)
ReplyDeleteWe'll blame Obama (and other corrupt politicians) and leave it there. I'm hoping you find an even better situation than the hospital. I don't know what your focus is, but one of my friends (on the east coast) owns a private, in-home-care company. I really think private is the way to go.
ReplyDelete