How do you keep the "terror" in check?

[carold]

I didn't know how else to word that

Unemployment is scarey...we all know that. DH was laid off, and took almost a year to find a temp. That job was shut down within a couple of months. A while before another temp came along, that was shut down within weeks. A month later, he found a permanant job--a year later, laid off again, and here we are. This is a man that has had a job since he was 14 yo. We are fortunate in that I am still working. However, I work because we need my income, not just for fun money KWIM? We had just started building up savings again after the last job loss, and wham!

So....how do you deal with the scariness of the "what if's"? What if there is no work for months and months? What about Birthdays, Christmas, school fee's, sports fees, clothing for growing children? I couple of you said either utilites have been turned off or are close to that point

Here's what I do. I allow myself the "OMG, OMG, OMG"!!!! on the first half of the drive home. The 2nd half I give myself a pep talk, and pull in to the driveway with a decent attitude. I've also rediscovered something--laughter. Kind of like walking into the kitchen and find your 5 yo has poured milk--the whole gallon all over the floor. You can either go berzerk and yell or start laughing. The end result is the same...milk still spilled, but one reaction every one is miserable, and the other, everyone gets to help clean up the milk and life goes on.

[Kylie]

My way of coping is by not dwelling on our current status. I do have hope that within a few months I will graduate and get a job that will cover our expenses, so I look as far in the future as I can. I do have panic moments, that's for sure. Thankfully I don't stay in panic mode for long! Stress can kill you, I just keep remembering that!

[Greekmom]

It is tough, I think Kylie has the right attitude to try not to dwell on things. I guess we should all remember to enjoy today and leave our worries for tomorrow. Today was one of those days for me (terror, or worry), but we went to the neighbors for dinner and my attitude reajusted. Our neighbor was laid off in January, and he not only got his previous salary, but also a signing bonus, who gives those out anymore?

I know in the end, it will work out and more than likely for the better, it is just continually reminding myself of that.

[Kylie]

I also stop and think about how much worse things could be. My husband's cousin had an appendectomy surgery last month that had many complications and resulted in her death (she had heart problems that caused complications), while she was in a coma her husband lost his job. That puts our own situation in perspective. We have a lot to be thankful for, in spite of the financial hardship we're experiencing. My friends and family have been wonderful, the instructors at my college have been great too . It's nice to have people looking out for you and making sure you don't do without .

[m(or)]

Carol, the solar expo is in town this weekend. There are companies there(local) that are expanding. Have your dh check it out. Hugs, M

[Adrienne]

I've been feeeding a couple of extra people lately while one waits 6 weeks for his "emergency" food stamps.

Consider a food coop for better pricing on bulk foods.

Do not worry if you need to get govt assistance because we have all been paying into that system for years in order to help people out when they need it.

[dee32]

I also try to remain calm and think it can always be a lot worse. My sister in law was diagnosed this past fall with breast cancer so they are going thru treatments right now and her dh was laid off in January so they just lost his insurance and may lose their house so yes things can be much worse.