How Many of You Have or Know Someone Who's Been Laid Off From Their Job?

I've been laid off since last November! I'm collecting unemployment but afraid that is running out soon! I turned 62 last Saturday and was forced to retire for my Social Security benefits just to live on! I didn't plan on retirement for 6 more years, this is a very bad situation for us! We are barely getting by and will be able to live off the $1270 I'get but that's going to be a struggle. I'm hoping when we recover I'll still be able to find something, but who wants to hire a 62 year old? tdemex

I have heard about many people getting laid of from work. I live near a processing zone. This is where a lot of factories are operating and most of the time I am invited by this companies to conduct safety training. Because of this, I get to know a lot of people and employees. Later on, I meet some of them along the road or in the mall, and usually some would say that they were laid of due to cost cutting measures while some even told me that their companies have shut down. I really feel sad for these events. I do hope that the economy will improve for the better soon. I am lucky that my job is not much affected by such economic problem.

I was one of the many people who were laid off from their jobs. I got the axe last January of 2009 and it really was a painful experience. I cried and was desperate at finding another job. Luckily, I received an offer for an online writing job at the start of February and things got better after that. I realized that indeed, when God closes a door He also opens a window. I have received a number of job offers after that, although I am still looking for a job which can really provide me with financial security.

My elder brother is having a difficult time finding a job. He got one 6 months back, but it was not a good company, the pay was low and the work was too much. He is earning online at the moment and giving tuition to school kids. I hope he gets a job soon.

I've been laid off since February, when my work place closed. I am lucky in a sense as I previously worked as an actor, thats my training, so I have that sort of 'self employed' mindset anyway, having done a job where you EXPECT to be unemployed half the time! So I am looking into creative ways of earning as well as 'normal' jobs. But still, at this point in my life I am in a different situation and I need a regular paycheck and so I am looking, and on unemployment right now.

I know several people who have been laid off including myself. It has been hard for me as well as for those that I know but I am keeping the faith that the economy will get better. I've had to change my way of living to just maintain paying bills. Others that I know have been on jobs for ever and thought that they would retire from those jobs but where unfortunatley laid off.

Hi kittenclaus, My husband lost his job last November, he was out of job till march this year, but luckily he got a job and though the pay is bit less, we are happy that at least he has a job.... not much regrets.... for now....

Hi: I had a fantastic job in the health field, but unfortunately the company I worked for went bankrupt. I've been unemployed for a year now and it's tough going. I looked everywhere for a job with no luck. People don't tend to hire folks over fourty so I don't know really what to do. I've been looking for a legitimate job I can do on the computer no luck there. Sometimes I get really scared and just pray, it makes me feel better. I really hope your situation turns around I'm sure there's plenty of people in the same shoes out there

Everybody knows somebody who got laid off.

Hello kittenclaus, I lost my job at the end of June this year. The company I worked for closed the doors of its call center abruptly. I am collecting unemployment but it's $275 per week less than what I was earning. My husband works full time for a trucking company, but his earnings don't seem to be what they should be either. I'm a pin keep artist which brings in a little-not nearly enough to really even help. I'm looking for work daily, but like so many others, there seems to be nothing out there for me. I'm 42, a military veteran, and have over 20 years experience in admin/clerical/customer service. I've worked for my court district's prosecuting attorney, different call centers, even been a waitress. I believe part of what's blocking me is a lack of formal education. But I don't qualify for federal financial aid due to a poor decision in my youth. I DID qualify for a little food stamp assistance. We're behind on every bill we have and I honestly don't know how we'll get caught up. I just keep praying this whole mess will turn around for all of us!