I Lost My Job and Don't Know What to Do.

When you feel your weakest -- He is strong. Remember that. :) You are HIS child and when you're weak, rely on Him...

I have been on three sides of this situation -- as an employer, as an employee and as a third-party at a lawfirm representing the company.

As an employer - as much as you probably don't want to, put yourself in their shoes... continue to pay someone that isn't working? It's an inevitable loss for them they need to cut their losses and focus on their bottom line.

As an employee, same thing happened to me with being let go and then being without insurance - I wound up with walking pneumonia and was not able to work for 6 weeks -- my son had bronchitis... luckily, I'd had the same medical providers for a LONG time and they didn't charge me an office visit fee and gave me samples so I didn't have to buy expensive Rx. If you don't call and ask... you won't get anything for free. I talked to my doctor when I was in there to see i there was any way to make payments or something because I was recently laid off and my health insurance terminated the day I left. I WAS able, luckily, to have unemployment for a while -- the employer did not fight that. I would have MUCH rather had a job, however. I, too, had to pull my son out of daycare because I couldn't afford that and stay at home on less than half my income.

If you need medical attention - take the advice of previous posts - get you and your kids on Medicaid... it'll be a chore but at least you'll be covered in the interim. Parkland hospital -- while not fun and you'll e waiting forever -- is there for people without insurance.

Texas is an "at will" employment state. You can be terminated at any time with or without cause.

If you were covered by their insurance, you will be offered COBRA but it is OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive. Cobra was more expensive than what I was going to get from unemployment.

I can understand the depression -- been there done that but remember... there are lots of resources and agencies that will help you with christmas. Contact the local police deparmtne to find out if you can get on their community list for Christmas... go talk to your church... I know our church is doing a TON of stuff for the "widows/orphans" (single parent families) this season... there is a world of help out there but it's going to be up to you to go seek it out... it doesn't just land in your lap! :)

Chin up... I got through it.. you can too! :)

not going to be able to give my boys the Christmas that they deserve. I feel like my world is falling apart.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi M.,

First let me say, GOD is good and has wonderful plans for your life... and your children's lives. Be steadfast in your prayers and always, always thank HIM.

I can give you one suggestion to consider ... what I do working part-time from home. The company I work with does not offer insurance, but you can get a "health card" which you could check into. I think the price of the card is somewhere around $5/month. This may or may not be for you, but it would be something you could try while still looking for another job. Anyway, if you'd like me to tell you more about it, please email me.

Best wishes ~S.

I don't have any advice about the job/insurance situation because I do not know the law that well. But I can tell you that the best Christmas I remember is the one where my mom lost her job and could not buy us anything. The way we celebrated was by making hand-made ornaments for the tree. I was pretty young, but that is the one year that I remember the fondest. It's not about the gifts, its about the memories you make. Things will work out, they always do.