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Post by jonda1974 on Jul 4, 2014 2:47:30 GMT
As most of you know, I have been a part of the pod since roughly 2002. I participated mostly in the political threads, of which I was one of the more vocal, staunchly conservative/libertarian. I was accused many times of having no compassion or sympathy. Of not seeing the grey shades in life. I was against social safety nets, I touted unsympathetic charges throughout the recession that rocked our nation. Rightfully so, I garnered a lot of disdain from my opponents.
I was so certain that I was doing everything right. I had a savings account, emergency funds, a great job, a good car, a decent sized retirement, health insurance that was affordable. For me, I had come from nothing. My parents had risen out of poverty into middle class, allowing me to be the first in our family to attend college. My last two jobs which represented the bulk of my career, I was recruited for, and handed the silver platter in negotiation. I was truly living my American Dream.
But I forgot my roots. I forgot where I had come from. I had lost my humility, and I had put on the blinders to things and situations that didn't fit my view of where I was in life. And I am man enough to admit I was out of line a lot of times, and when we lose our humility, karma will bite, and when karma bites, it bites hard.
I haven't been able to post as much for many reasons, but in large part due to major life changes taking place that necessitated my focus be retooled onto things that were most important. See I through unforeseen circumstances and one of those who joined the jobless ranks. Now long term unemployed. My company division was summarily dismantled over the course of two years, and in one of the final rounds of layoffs before the closing of our division I was let go along with the entirety of my department, our jobs being transitioned into the home office. Due to my tenure, I received a respectable severance, which I put back into my emergency fund. I closed out my retirement account, I filed for unemployment, I took every consulting job possible while looking for full time work. Yet in spite of the best planning...it hasn't been enough, and I can honestly say that I have been truly humbled, and truly regret many of the harsh statements that I made in the past.
I don't say this for pity, because I'm not defeated. I'm staying positive and I am doing everything I can to return to work. No job to small. I was mid level management which has limited my ability to get jobs that I'm considered over qualified for, even though I am more than willing to scrub floors and wash dishes at this point, just to have something. See my full time job has become looking for a full time job. My field is very competitive, and I did not realize just how much. I have lost my insurance, and pray the wisdom tooth that is breaking will hold out long enough, because I am unemployed to the point where that would leave me choosing between the tooth and a roof. I have exhausted unemployment, I just finished my last contract job. I had to replace my car two months ago so I had a way to even get to interviews. I am humble enough to admit that I am two- three months from having lost everything, including my place to live. I have started selling things of value, eliminating as much as possible. Changed cell phone coverage, dropped cable. I retained the internet for job searching. Eventually unless things change, that will go as well.
So to anyone to whom my words offended, or affected. To anyone who has gone through this that I lacked compassion for. I am truly truly sorry. I am not a liberal (LucyG). But I like to think that I have had my eyes opened to what hardship can be truly like, and I hope to be a better person for it. You guys were right. You can plan for everything and still not have it be enough. Sometimes it takes karma biting us in the ass before we recognize that fact.
Like I said though. I'm not giving up, I'm not defeated, I'm not looking for sympathy or pity, because it isn't deserved. But Sarah's thread on job numbers and immigration got me to thinking that it was time to make amends online as I have in real life to those I've offended.
P.s. I still like a good political debate.
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trollie
Pearl Clutcher
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Jul 2, 2014 22:14:02 GMT
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Post by trollie on Jul 4, 2014 3:04:47 GMT
Jonda, when you know better, you do better. ~Ms. Maya Angelou Thank you for your post. I hope that things are looking up for you soon. Good to "see" you.
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marianne
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Jun 25, 2014 21:08:26 GMT
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Post by marianne on Jul 4, 2014 3:05:37 GMT
I don't participate in the political or controversial threads, so I don't really know your history that well. I just wanted to say I wish you well right now and hope you're able to overcome this difficult time in your life very soon. Take care, and the best of luck to you.
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Post by idahopea on Jul 4, 2014 3:12:56 GMT
I never read the political threads so you never offended me, but I realize it must have taken a lot of courage to write all that. I truly hope things will turn around for you and that there are people who are there to help you in the mean time. I am sure there will be many chances for you to help someone else in the future as well. Stay strong!
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Post by hop2 on Jul 4, 2014 3:17:38 GMT
I'm just glad to *see* you. Glad you are all right.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 4:23:03 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2014 3:18:47 GMT
You know, it's not karma. You didn't "deserve" this for your attitude. It's just the real world. And sometimes, bad things happen to people, even people who try to do everything right. You can plan and plan and plan and plan and still... sometimes the shit hits the fan. I'm sorry it was your fan this time.
I hope things turn around for you soon, jonda. And I really respect what you said here.
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Post by dulcemama on Jul 4, 2014 3:24:18 GMT
Jonda, it takes a great deal of courage to re-evaluate your life and beliefs and even more courage to admit it to others. I applaud you. I read, and sometimes participate in the political threads and it has been a pleasure to get to know you.
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Post by jonda1974 on Jul 4, 2014 3:25:21 GMT
Jonda, when you know better, you do better. ~Ms. Maya Angelou Thank you for your post. I hope that things are looking up for you soon. Good to "see" you. Thanks Trollie. Good to see you here too. Love that quote and loved Ms. Maya. I like to think that I am cleansing the slate and starting fresh.
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moodyblue
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Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Jul 4, 2014 3:25:41 GMT
I have a relative who had spent his entire career at Motorola, through all kinds of changes. Two years ago a major purge took his job and many others. He's still looking for work, so I know it has to be tough to get another job.
You are exactly right that you can plan all you want, and still not be prepared for what happens.
I wish you luck and hope you find something soon.
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Post by cropaholicnora on Jul 4, 2014 3:25:52 GMT
That post showed a lot of strength and courage. You're going to be just fine. I hope that your job situation is resolved positively soon. I know you didn't ask for suggestions, I'd like to recommend contacting your county health department and/or area dental school and finding out what alternatives you might have for getting that tooth fixed. I waited far to long to do that with my own broken tooth and regret that I didn't do it sooner. Best of luck to you!
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linda~lou
Pearl Clutcher
Keep calm and eat crumpets
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Jun 25, 2014 21:57:08 GMT
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Post by linda~lou on Jul 4, 2014 3:28:56 GMT
Hugs, jonda. I wish you well.
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Post by jonda1974 on Jul 4, 2014 3:28:56 GMT
I never read the political threads so you never offended me, but I realize it must have taken a lot of courage to write all that. I truly hope things will turn around for you and that there are people who are there to help you in the mean time. I am sure there will be many chances for you to help someone else in the future as well. Stay strong! Thanks! I am fortunate to have wonderful friends in my life. They keep me positive and make me laugh. One of my best friends took his vacation to help drive me around to look for a new vehicle. I know that in spite of being single (no chance for two incomes) things will work out, and even if everything has to go. I know I will always have a place to live, and that is worth more than gold.
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Post by jonda1974 on Jul 4, 2014 3:30:43 GMT
You know, it's not karma. You didn't "deserve" this for your attitude. It's just the real world. And sometimes, bad things happen to people, even people who try to do everything right. You can plan and plan and plan and plan and still... sometimes the shit hits the fan. I'm sorry it was your fan this time.
I hope things turn around for you soon, jonda. And I really respect what you said here. You are right. And thank you. It was out of my hands, but I do know either way, I needed the wake up. :-)
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Post by AussieMeg on Jul 4, 2014 3:31:31 GMT
Firstly, I hope things turn around for you and you find meaningful employment soon.
Secondly, I'm glad to see you here Jonda, there were several people asking after you and hoping you'd join here.
Thirdly, you and I are poles apart politically. However, I can't remember reading any threads where you were rude or dismissive. As far as I remember you were pretty much always respectful even while disagreeing vehemently with others. I remember people who are more liberal than you appreciating your point of view and enjoying your posts.
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Post by jonda1974 on Jul 4, 2014 3:36:20 GMT
I have a relative who had spent his entire career at Motorola, through all kinds of changes. Two years ago a major purge took his job and many others. He's still looking for work, so I know it has to be tough to get another job. You are exactly right that you can plan all you want, and still not be prepared for what happens. I wish you luck and hope you find something soon. Thanks, and yes, you are right. With my company it started slow, then every quarter to six months we just got used to it. The largest purge was the one I was in. More than 60% of the staff were gone in two hours. I wish your brother good luck as well. I know he has to be frustrated as well. The market is not friendly yet, and especially to those with too much experience. The jobs we are qualified for are highly sought and retained, yet the jobs we can do, but are considered over qualified for, they won't even look at our resume. It's a catch 22. I've considered creating a truthful but cliff notes version of my resume, just so it doesn't look as broad lol.
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Post by AN on Jul 4, 2014 3:37:39 GMT
I'm really sorry to hear about this, you certainly aren't the only one in that type of situation. I totally agree with busypea, and... imagine how much worse it would have been without the preparation you had. There are some crises that nothing will be enough, but I still do think it is ok to feel some level of satisfaction with what you were able to do. Some is better than none, but a good reminder never to get smug.
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Post by jonda1974 on Jul 4, 2014 3:38:18 GMT
That post showed a lot of strength and courage. You're going to be just fine. I hope that your job situation is resolved positively soon. I know you didn't ask for suggestions, I'd like to recommend contacting your county health department and/or area dental school and finding out what alternatives you might have for getting that tooth fixed. I waited far to long to do that with my own broken tooth and regret that I didn't do it sooner. Best of luck to you! I hadn't thought of that. Thank you, I will. I never considered a dental school. I have applied for assistance. But had to have my savings deplete to a point to be eligible.
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Post by Kelpea on Jul 4, 2014 3:38:28 GMT
Ugh. I'm so sorry Jonda for what you are going through.
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craftchickapowpow
Full Member
My Circus My Monkeys
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Jun 26, 2014 16:12:18 GMT
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Post by craftchickapowpow on Jul 4, 2014 3:38:46 GMT
I'm sure that was not an easy post to write but you are better for writing it and I am (hopefully) better for reading it. I needed to read it and I need to remember it. None of us can predict our future. Thank you for your post and i wish you the best of luck in your job search.
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Post by jonda1974 on Jul 4, 2014 3:41:06 GMT
Firstly, I hope things turn around for you and you find meaningful employment soon. Secondly, I'm glad to see you here Jonda, there were several people asking after you and hoping you'd join here. Thirdly, you and I are poles apart politically. However, I can't remember reading any threads where you were rude or dismissive. As far as I remember you were pretty much always respectful even while disagreeing vehemently with others. I remember people who are more liberal than you appreciating your point of view and enjoying your posts. Awww. That really means a lot. Thank you. I'm glad I caught the pmail telling me about the new board from Lucy. I know we all go head to head, but I really was going to miss the players in the political threads. They keep me on my toes.
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mochi
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Jun 26, 2014 1:45:16 GMT
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Post by mochi on Jul 4, 2014 3:42:11 GMT
I am so sorry for your job loss. My husband's company closed his location, I know what your going thru. We ended up moving cross country so he could find work and it's more hours, terrible health insurance, less pay - but it's a job. I will keep you in my thoughts and hope things turn around very soon. (((hugs)))
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scrappinghappy
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“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. No time to say “Hello.” Goodbye. I’m late...."
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Jun 26, 2014 19:30:06 GMT
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Post by scrappinghappy on Jul 4, 2014 3:45:09 GMT
That post took a lot of guts to write. I don't bother with political threads so don't know you or your stance but I am sorry you are suffering now. I have a couple of friends who are dentists and both work at dental clinics one day a week that provide free or reduced dental care. Do you have that as an option?
Good luck with finding a job soon.
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Pinky Zebra
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Jun 26, 2014 5:37:40 GMT
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Post by Pinky Zebra on Jul 4, 2014 3:48:00 GMT
Hugs, jonda. I'm sorry that hard times found you. I hope the wind shifts soon and you find that your talents are utilized and you have financial peace again.
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whirledpeas
Junior Member
Oceanside, California
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Jun 25, 2014 20:51:30 GMT
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Post by whirledpeas on Jul 4, 2014 3:48:49 GMT
So sorry for what you are going through Jonda! You are a good pea and it has always been obvious.
Don't beat yourself up because I am not sure that you were as harsh as you remember yourself being. I always found your posts refreshingly provocative even if they were at odds with my own opinions much of the time. You were always intelligent, savvy, and respectful in your arguments and positions and I, along with many others I'm sure, appreciated it.
Hugs to you...
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Post by jonda1974 on Jul 4, 2014 3:51:33 GMT
That post took a lot of guts to write. I don't bother with political threads so don't know you or your stance but I am sorry you are suffering now. I have a couple of friends who are dentists and both work at dental clinics one day a week that provide free or reduced dental care. Do you have that as an option? Good luck with finding a job soon. I'm going to check on that this next week. It had never crossed my mind. I know they will have to cut it out. Only a small part covering the root still above the gums. So that would be a huge relief if I can find one willing to help. Even at a reduced rate.
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georgiapea
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Jun 27, 2014 18:02:10 GMT
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Post by georgiapea on Jul 4, 2014 3:55:59 GMT
Jonda, I wish the very best for you. I've never been a political person so those threads were not read by me. But even if they had been, I take each thread as its own entity. My DH had his IT job sold to Mexico and spent 4 years unemployed. He changed careers. I was one of the 16,000 people who lost their jobs with zero warning a few years ago. We have recovered and life goes on. I so hope it will for you also.
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Post by jonda1974 on Jul 4, 2014 3:56:03 GMT
So sorry for what you are going through Jonda! You are a good pea and it has always been obvious. Don't beat yourself up because I am not sure that you were as harsh as you remember yourself being. I always found your posts refreshingly provocative even if they were at odds with my own opinions much of the time. You were always intelligent, savvy, and respectful in your arguments and positions and I, along with many others I'm sure, appreciated it. Hugs to you... Thanks. I appreciate that. I've been doing a lot of reevaluating, and trying to make amends where due. I hope that I was, but realize also that my position wasn't always the most compassionate.
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nettieinaz
Shy Member
Living in Kim's perfect world!!!
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Jun 26, 2014 3:36:39 GMT
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Post by nettieinaz on Jul 4, 2014 3:57:53 GMT
Very nice post. I hope you find a great job soon! I'm hoping and praying for you!
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jul 4, 2014 3:57:56 GMT
Big hugs and good thoughts going your way.
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georgiapea
Drama Llama
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Jun 27, 2014 18:02:10 GMT
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Post by georgiapea on Jul 4, 2014 3:58:23 GMT
Ah, dental schools, offer those gratis services.
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