Husband was laid off today...
We will be fine. He promised he would work on the house to make it beautiful (instead of hanging with his dudes?) and that he will liquidate and sell all the cars (6-7 I think, that I know about).
It was because his computer skills are low to nothing and his new job requires everything to be documented and videoed. He said he "tried really hard but it just wasnt something he was able to do".
The pay was fabulous, he had retirement accounts.
It is what it is. Will be looking at the bright side:
1. Between unemployment and liquidation, he will be able to keep his end of the financials for at least 4-5 months.
2. He can still do his sidework and work on the house all while getting his unemployment. The house really needs a lot of love and work. And he enjoys doing it. Hopefully he sticks to this promise.
3. Ive gotten our home costs pretty low. Precisely so we can weather this kind of storm. With the fires in southern california, I still feel very lucky.
4. My Auntie is booked to visit. That will take pressure off me to help my parents. Plus Husband is available also, to help with lifting and moving things.
5. I kept the cheap health club membership I bought him for a reason, and he said he would go, since its empty in the daytimes.
Im still in a bit of shock, although he tells me its not completely unexpected as hes been struggling a long time with this.
Maybe its for the best and something better is ahead for him. At least I know that he wont be able to funnel money to his Feral kid when she demands $$ because he abandoned her for me. But this will also mean he wont have a car for Princess powersulk either.
Oh well. Hard times happen.
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It will be ok, maybe better
You have a level head about it all. My DH had a sudden job loss back in the day, too. At the time, it seemed livable, I was working and we lived modestly. But, it was a shock. Going through it all and working through, brought us closer. And, like your situation, there was less to funnel to the then young adult SKs.
I respect my DH that he didn't just sit and complain. He took any work he could get. Flash forward and he landed a job in a totally different area (except management skills are needed everywhere). He retired from that job, which he loved, after about 15 years it was actually a blessing that he lost the original job.
It will all be ok, just a new normal. Life is a roller coaster and we are all on it.
Not Complaining
His good spirits make me feel a bit better. He can do mechanical work anywhere. And he was stressed and struggling.
Im hoping this brings change for the better for both of us.
Hold his feet to the fire
Hold his feet to the fire about selling all those cars!
Oh YESSSSSS
Sell the stinking cars already! Two in the garage taking up storage space that I would love to be able to use.
Would he be open to taking
Would he be open to taking computer classes? A shame to lose a good job because of this. Are other job prospects out there for him?
funny thing
He took networking classes several years ago.
Didnt like the work at all. Being a highly skilled mechanic having worked on BMW and Mercedes, he can work anywhere.
I am sorry to hear about DH's
I am sorry to hear about DH's lay off. been there myself more than once. Economic and industry shifts can be brutal. They are even harder on those who are approaching the end of their careers.
DW and I are in our version of where you and DH are just entereing. We are fine. DW is the primary career. I have been the primary for 26 of our 30 year marriage. I am still engaging on finding my next role though things are extremely limited in our location for what I do and the committment to keep DW's career the primary focus will likely put me back into a road warrior role.
The challenge in the auto mechanic space is that the age of the pure auto mechanic is long over.
All of the manufacturers use computer based diagnostic equipment, electronic control modules, etc.. in the cars, etc, etc, etc. There is a reason why the ASE certified probrams are also Associates Degree programs with heavy computer and technology components of the program.
Are there any engine or transmission remanufacturers in your area where he could specialize in bebuilding engines and transmissions that are then sold as short or long block replacements? That is pure mechanic work that does not require nearly as much computer and tech competency.
He may want to look at work as an industrial maintenance mechanic. There is a huge shortage in competent people in the field. If he can do auto mechanics work, he can do repairs and replacement of pumps, motors, valves, etc.... To garner top wages adding a welding certification to journeyman level mechanics skills will easily deliver a $6 figure income with solid benefits, 401K, even company funded pensions.
Ugh. So Sorry, Clove
As Rumple said, I'd hold his feet to the fire on selling those vehicles. I'd also get him enrolled in computer classes at your local library. There is no reason can't learn technology....I'm 63 and continue to keep myself educated and updated. So, video-ing and documenting everything digitally does not even phase me. I'm stunned that, in this day and age, when you have a great paying job, he did not do anything to get the training or education he needed. Seems like the company gave him plenty of opportunity.
Again, sorry this pressure has been added to your life. Sending you a virtual hug.
Hard to relate
But I have to stand by him while he figures it out. I went a whole year intending to be a tax preparer and worked parttime minimum wage jobs while taking the course, and never did that.
SO if he can liquidate and keep up with his side of things, we are ahead of the game.
There's always work for
There's always work for mechanics (and other jobs where people aren't afraid to get their hands dirty and fix things). Start writing a project list for him making it your dream house.