I love this print that is in my office.
It became my motto a few years ago when within one year Jim lost his job twice.
Well, it has become my motto once again.
Last Thursday my husband, Jim, was let go from his job.
As you can imagine, with two children in college, this is not good timing. Is it ever good timing to lose a job??
This is not an easy post to write.
In fact I considered not saying anything at all but if there is one thing I have learned in the 19 years of running a direct sales business, it is to Open Your Mouth and Just Ask!
The first time Jim lost his job we didn’t tell anyone for a long time. Jim was embarrassed. After 25 years of straight employment he didn’t have a job. This kind of thing didn’t happen to us – it only happened to other people.
We learned a lot during those two periods of unemployment – some of which I will share with you in the next few weeks or so – but the most important thing we learned is to “put it out there”. Let people know!
You may not be able to help Jim find a job but your positive thoughts and prayers can and do help!
Jim has been involved in some type of sales since he was in college when he went door to door in the summers selling religious books – and he was one of their top salesmen!
Since we have been married Jim has been involved in the financial industry which as you know has been very unstable and volatile the past few years. Jim loves sales and hopes to find another great opportunity in sales, not necessarily in the financial industry.
So, the purpose of this post, is to ask for your positive thoughts, your prayers and if you happen to know of someone looking for a great salesmen – let us know!
I so appreciate all of you who read my blog, who comment and who email me privately. Your love and support means so much to me. Thank you!
Leigh Anne – who is keeping calm and carrying on!!
We have been there too. All our thoughts and prayers and well wishes are for you right now. You bring me so much happiness on this darn blog; it must come back to you. We think so much of you and your family. We would joyfully be part of what you might need to lean on.
Love and care to you and all of yours.
I’ve been a lurker on your blog for quite a while now and just love it. When I read this post I knew it was time to de-lurk. While I don’t know of any jobs, I just want to wish your family the best and know I will say a prayer for you. Hopefully, a new and better job is just around the corner.
Much like Nancy from above, I recently found your blog and love it!! I also have this exact print in my home office in the exact color (thank you Etsy). It means a lot to me when I look at it daily. I have to remind myself I/We will get through this and it will pass. I’m in sales myself, and it is definitely a difficult profession for stability–always changing! I pray for you and your family and wish Jim the best of luck in finding a new job!!
Leigh Anne, I can so sympathize! After 12 years with a stable health system, my husband was let go along with 74 others in a restructure of the IT department. That was June 10th. He was knocked down by it, struggling with his sense of worth. Even though with his severance and our savings, I knew we could survive comfortably for a minimum of 6 months (maybe a year) without major changes in lifestyle. And I immediatley let it be known that we were looking for work, and willing to move for it. It took a few weeks and we started having interviews. At the beginning of August, the interviews turned into offers. We actually got to turn one down the day we accepted one!
It took my husband time to see what I saw when he was let go. He never would have looked at a different job – he doesn’t do leaps of faith very well. And now, he’s in a job with better opportunities to improve/advance with equal and better benefits.
And because we’re employed already, we are way better off financially and have been able to do things we wouldn’t have done if he had not lost his job. The best being he got to spend the summer with our daughters (he got laid off 1 week afters school got out and went back the week before school started) – he’ll probably never get to do that again.
Our prayers are with you to find the job where Heavenly Father wants Jim to be!
My motto has become “Come what may, and love it” – From one of Elder Joseph B Wirthlin’s last talks. This isn’t one of your brightest days, but there is reason for it. Remember that for the faithful, every tear of sorrow will be returned 100 fold of joyful tears.
You will be in my prayers, keep your faith in the Lord.
Unfortunately, we’re in the same boat as well, now, since January. We’ve pared down a lot and sucked in our belts, and are surviving. Bless your family, and I pray a new job opens for him soon.
I’m sorry to hear this news, but I admire you sharing and asking. I agree- you have to ask… or it will always go to the person who does. Prayers are coming your way from FL!
Sometimes, that is all you can do! Sending best wishes your way!
I know a little bit of what a stress unemployment can be as most of my childhood my dad was between jobs. As President Hinckley always said, “it will all work out”. Prayers and positive thoughts – on their way! Good luck.
Praying for you during this time of change in your lives. It is during the difficult times that God stretches our faith and we grow in our walk with Him! Blessings to you, Leigh Anne!
All our love and prayers are with you and your family! I will never forget the quote someone shared with me years ago, The Cream Always Rises to the Top. I believe that and know that you and your family are the Cream of the Crop! Much, much love.
Leigh Anne – I didn’t want this post to be for real – what a hard time for you and your family. You know I think the world of you; you have been such a wonderful blogging and internet friend to me (and so inspirational as a mother!). I am sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way AND I’m on my way to talk to my husband about potential with his company. You know I would LOVE to have you back in WI – the land of your roots!
Thanks Leigh Anne for the courage to share with all of us. You most definitely are in our thoughts, prayers, and our fast this weekend. I’m sorry not to have had more time during the phone call last evening. You and Jim are amazing and this will be another “learning opportunity” in your adventures of life. I’d be happy to come and teach you about surviving on very little (what I’ve done the last few years.) Please keep us posted.
Things are sure tough right now and you and your family will definitely be in our prayers.
Leigh Ann, I’m so sorry… I know this is so difficult, but what comfort we have knowing that God is in control. I too work in the financial industry, in sales, in a very volatile market. We went through a very rough 8 months recently. I’ll be praying for wisdom and for God to open the doors necessary to provide for your family. Hugs and love to you!!
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Best of luck in going on your next adventure. Take it one day at a time.
My prayers are with you & your family. My husband lost his job last week. I was angry when he wanted to tell people. Your post helped. Maybe it’s not a bad thing to let people know.
I wish your husband the clarity to see that this is not about him or his skills but about the times we are living in so that he may be able to keep his head up and find a new job with more opportunities. I will keep you and your whole family in my thoughts.
wow, as you can see you are not alone. and like so many above we are also in the same boat. in april of 2008 my husband was let go after 9 years at his current position. it was very scary with a 9 year old and a baby due in two months.
although it was not an ideal situation and he is still looking for full-time employment. we have been able to have many experiences that would not have come about if it were not for the job loss and moving nearer to family.
you have a great outlook right now and i will pray that you continue to stay positive and strong for your husband and family. also praying that something better comes along soon!
Very sorry to hear this. Your family is in my prayers. Thanks for being so honest with us, your internet friends. Take Care!
I’ve been turking on your blog for quite some time and do love all that you share. I’m Carol’s friend – you may remember her mentioning me.
My heart just sank for you. A hard time is before you, as you well know, but you will overcome and soar! Yes, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hang in there, chin up, and onward!
I was so sorry to read your news. Please know that reading your blog has been so uplifting for me. You always seem to have such a positive happy spirit.
I will definitely pray for you and your family that good news on the job front is just around the corner. My husband was also laid off last year, recently found the perfect position and we feel truly blessed. I pray the same for your Jim!
It is tough to swallow uncertainty. Of course we’ll pray.
There are so many people branching out and starting businesses right now, after months of job-searching. For many it has been a time of finally doing something that has been simmering in the back of their minds, but unemployment opened up the urgency and time to do it. Hopefully, that also means many new businesses looking for someone with your husbands work ethic, experience and integrity to partner with.
Leigh Anne-
Thank you for sharing your life with us….and not just the “good parts” I know our Heavenly Father’s plan is good and we can rest in knowing that He loves, cares and is providing for you. I will definitely be praying for your family as I know there isn’t anything that’s too big for our God to handle!
As a parent council member for a private university, I advise you to please contact BYU and let them know about your current situation. I know their main priority is to keep your kids in school and they are probably more than willing to work with you. Faith-based universities are definitely more compassionate and have more resources than state schools.
Keep your chin up!
I am so glad you are speaking the words and letting it out into the universe. There is so much healing that can happen when you express what you are thinking and feeling. Speaking the words changes everything. Remember both you and Jim need to pick yourselves up, dust yourselves off and start each day just like you did when Jim had a job. If you live like he is working then it WILL be so!!! He will find another job and will be much better off for it. He will find that it was a blessing in the end because there is something better ahead for him. Positive thoughts are being sent your way…
Totally know how this feels. I will pray for you guys!
Best of luck to you! I hope it isn’t a long road for you. Through the refiner’s fire we are becoming who the Lord knows and wants us to be.
Leigh Anne, my heart sank when I read that Jim lost his job. I am truely sorry to hear of it. What comes to mind in times like this (and for so many others without jobs right now) is that our Heavenly Father really does put us through tests and trials. It is a refiners fire that makes us stronger in the end. It keeps us humble and mindful of the many blessings we have in spite of the losses we are feeling at the time. I love your motto and know that is what we all must do…”carry on.” I will keep you and the family in my prayers and will have your names added to the Denver temple prayer roll. Hang in there and keep remembering to “keep calm and carry on.”
Sending love and hugs.
Leigh Ann…
I will be praying for you all. I know that you know — it will truly work out for the best and you will look back at this time as a season of growth, blessings and miracles. My love to you friend!
Will definitely be praying..
Leigh Ann,
Please have him go to http://www.localadlink.net/cherylliane and watch Video 1 (6 min) and Video 2 (6 minutes)…It is a revolutionary product he can start selling immediately with $0 investment. Commission is 50% and arrives the following week in the mail…It is legitimate and is about to get HUGE…
I just started this myself after losing my job for the first time ever in 23 years…
Prayers for you! God is in control.
Our love and prayers are with you and your family. My husband and I both got laid off on the same day, so I can definitely relate. Try to stay positive (which I know you will) and love the “Keep Calm and Carry On”!
Thank you for being willing to open up and share. You have my prayers, thoughts, positive energy, and faith flying your direction. The goodness you send out in the universe on a daily basis will be, in part, how you will be lifted at this time. “God does know us and our needs but it is usually through others that he meets those needs…” What you have given will come back to you how and as you need it. You are one of God’s truly valiant and He loves you! “The future is as bright as your faith”–your faith is preparing for a brilliant future! You’ll be in my heart!
Leigh Anne, With the economy as it is, more and more people are finding themselves in this position. One Sunday at church our priest talked about how he discovered that so many of our parishioners (especially men) had lost jobs, but no one really knew. He encouraged everyone to be more forthright and it has really helped by networking with many people. It also makes it so much easier to talk to families who are currently unemployed without it being some deep dark secret. I know you personally know so, so many good people and word will get out there and the right thing will come along. Several families I know said that this time was some of the best time they had spent with family. (They only wish they’d had assurance that it was a quick break!)
Fios inc. They are located in downtown portland on 10th and Washington. I think they are doing some hiring and they hire sales people. If you want a direct person to contact then email me and I can give you a name. but have your husband check out their website first and see if it’s even something that would be of interest.
Leigh Anne,
Just two short months ago my husband was let go from him job. Total shock. We did not see it coming. Our youngest son had finally sat down and committed to attending college. I don’t know how we have done it but things are working out and the bills are getting paid, somehow. What am I saying? Of course I know how, our Father in Heaven has a plan for us and he will see to it that all of our needs are met. I know that’s why I have not stressed out over this. Our faith will substain us through this difficult time.
Leigh Anne,
Thank you for the inspiring words! So sorry about your husbands job. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I just found your blog a few weeks ago and I love it!
I’m sending positive thoughts your way!
I’m so sorry to hear about this news, Leigh Anne. You all are such a lovely family, and it just doesn’t seem fair that you should have to shoulder a burden like this. Still, with all of the positive energy you all put out into the world, there is no doubt that it will come back to you ten-fold. Here’s hoping that this time of trial doesn’t last long. Love, prayers, and hugs to all of you.
A year ago my husband accepted the calling as Elders Quorum President and my father-in-law told us to expect challenges like we had never seen before. At first I did not believe him but many challenges have come our way but each time a new one comes a blessing always follows after. I have watched our savings, college and mission funds be depleted but each month we are taken care of. I know that your family will be ok too. Thanks for a great blog – I love the ideas and thoughts.
I am so sorry to hear this news. I also want to thank you for being open and sharing the “not so pretty.” I look forward to reading your blog, thank you for sharing. We will be thinking and praying for your family.
Just a thought, Do you have mediacom in your area? My honey is a sales tech and the pay/benefits are wonderful. They do train if you havn’t had cable experience.
Praying for you………..
Bless your hearts. You’re in our prayers
Just wanted to pass along this help from Kim Komando (a technical guru!): http://www.komando.com/newsletter/CSOTD_9-7-09.htm
I read it and thought of you all!
Hope your hubby finds a job really soon!!