Unemployment is keeping me awake at night - how do others cope?
By Tinytoez
@Tinytoez (9)
December 30, 2010 2:03pm CST
Ive been unemployed for six months now, but things are just now getting bad , I know Im not the only one and Im not looking for sympathy or hand-holding, I just want to know how other people cope. Everyone keeps saying it will get better in the new year, but when you have 11p in your bank account all you can think about is how bad it is.
It not been good festive season as I couldnt afford to buy gifts, I made a blanket which took 2 weeks but thats all I did, so I felt bad about recieving gifts from others, but I had to hide it so I didnt spoil things for everyone else.
On 27th I started getting automated calls from my bank on my but they would cut off, I had about 7 over 4 days, until yesterday when I actually got a call from a person, I had already planned to go to the bank today with a budget form filled out that they sent me and got quite upset, the woman told me ok she would note this on my account, then a little while later I got another automated call which went through telling me that a loan payment hadnt been paid, when I spoke to the person I asked them to stop calling as the calls were worrying me and they kept being put down on me, I checked my bank account and in fact two payments had been taken out, even the one that I got the phone call about telling me it hadnt been paid.
So today I went to the bank and spoke to an adviser who helped me fill out my form even though he hadnt ever seen one before, then he called the loan people, I told the person on the phone that no one had told me about the extra payment and I understood why but I wasnt made aware, even though their notes say I was, but they also said I called asking what was going on, so how could they have told me anything??
The bank dont want to know really and the Citizens Advice Bureau are shut till the 4th January.
How do others cope with being unemployed as its really getting to me, and being awake till 5am worrying means something has to give!
1 person likes this
10 responses
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
30 Dec 10
I have not had a good night sleep now for almost a year. I was unemployed for the first time in my life last January and did not get unemployment benefits either. I tried to remain optimistic so I have scampered looking for work.
I lived off my savings, until they ran out and this was specifically to pay bills. I ran out of savings, lost my house, still no job and the bill collectors blowing up my phone.
I have 140k college loans that although I managed to defer them I still get the daily automated calls. So I know exactly what you are talking about. The only thing I can suggest is that you find a way to remain strong and try, again the next day.
Say to yourself that tomorrow you expect it to be better and if it does not you say it again the next day.
Good luck to you and I wish us both a Happy New Year filled with better days.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
31 Dec 10
Oh thank you icollier for your wonderful words of wisdom. Each night prior to sleep I pray for a great many people, and I include so many myLot members that I interact with who have difficulties. I will be including you also as a prayer for me a very positive approach to waking up the next day with more encouragement.
Thank you and Have a Blessed and prosperous new years day.
@icollier (89)
• United States
31 Dec 10
I am sorry to hear that you haven't had a good night sleep in almost a year. That must be hard. I hope you will find work soon. I will keep you in my prayers that this year will bring you work. I know things will get better for all of you. We are all going through hard times, but I do believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
@julialynne (85)
• United States
30 Dec 10
If I get to stressed over not having a job I sleep a lot and I worry. I don't know what everyone is going to do without jobs and some don't even have a place to live and I am worried we are headed for a depression and that is scary.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
30 Dec 10
julialynne I read your comment to notlistening above so I know how you feel and all we can do is continue trying.
Best of luck sweetie, I wish you the best.
@icollier (89)
• United States
31 Dec 10
I can relate to you when you say that when you get stressed out you sleep alot. I know that is how I am when something stresses me out. It seems when I am sleeping I don't have to cope with the situation. I will keep you in my prayers. I hope the best for you and your family. Don't give up there is light at the end of the tunnel.:)
@primeaque86 (8108)
• Philippines
31 Dec 10
Hi. I am working now, and i always tell my young colleagues to always value their work. We had work on december 28 to 30, but one officemate of mine was absent extending her christmas holidays, my boss had a short conversation with me and told me we must do our work as well as show dedication because when you loose a job, its is really real hard to find a new one. And oh this story doesnt included to offend you but this is important to consider. I was also jobless the first time i stop working at the department of social welfare. Yes it iS really hard, and i hardly cope with it. But i didnt let it caused me sleepless night, i was always thinking of alternatives. I even put up a Store for 30 to 40 philippine money. But it caused me headaches and moRE Sleepless nigt instead so i plan to stop it. I was jobless again, with the encouRagement i got from my B, i was able to find this job. Just believe you can fine a good job soon, do not loose hope, try to smile. I know that you can solve whatever problem you have now. Keep in pacing and trying! Happy new year!
@wongchoiyee (7413)
• Malaysia
31 Dec 10
I am on off employment all this time for 8 years already. When I am off employment I relax and think of better days ahead as I could not do anything I was depressed and a lump in my cervic causing me pain. I took meds everyday and I always read newspaper and internet searching for freelance jobs to work at home. Although the payment is not high, but it do help in my everyday expenses until I find a right job in next or two months. Hope that you will find a job soon!
@sender621 (14893)
• United States
31 Dec 10
Unemployment should give many of us a sleepless night. too many people are struggling with unemployment issues in so mamy countries. i have a family member who is going through the crisis right now. there has to be hope for all those struggling with unemployment. here's hoping the new year will let all see the light at the end of the tunnel.
@onlinetraveller (473)
• India
31 Dec 10
dont be idle
keep on working on some thing so that you will be busy
@Celanith (2327)
• United States
31 Dec 10
I was listening to the news today On Postive Life Radio. They said that the government employment office etc. Said things were improving as there have been fewer applications for unemployment and a lot fewer claims made since July. In July Congress voted not to extend to many older workers and some others. They tried to say there were less applications because people who were on unemployment and now off had finally found jobs. This is a lie. My brother and my son in law are both unemployed and their extentsions etc all ran out and no more for them. They still have not got a job. My brother literally became homeless and camped the rest of the summer. In October he moved in with my husband and I and helps around here with things to pay for his keep. He cannot find work other than piddly odd one or two days or a week or two of work. He is 57. My son in law has 5 children and cannot find work either. They are struggling to find money. My daughter works at things here and there and works off half their rent each month cleaning and maintance for her landlord other units from where they rent. I know several not working who have had benefits run out. So the reports that because the unemployment claims are less because people found work is hype and false. It is a smoke screen. The fact is many are moving in with relatives and doing odd jobs, just to pay the basics.
@mahto1000 (51)
• India
31 Dec 10
ya being unemployed is a very bad feeling. I am too unemployed. Every now and then i apply for jobs and i get rejected. It really makes me angry. But we don't have any other choice, we just need to keep on applying for new jobs. Also the government must do something to decrease the unemployment rate. Happy New Year.
@icollier (89)
• United States
30 Dec 10
I am sorry to hear what you are going through. I know that this is a tough time for alot of people. My son-n-law just lost his job and my daughter doesn't work. My son-n-law decided he will go back to school for a degree this spring. My daughter has been looking for work, but it is so hard for her to find a job. Because so many people are unemployed it makes it harder to find work because of the competion. My son-n-law hasn't received a unempolyment check yet. It has been very hard on them.. My heart goes out to anyone who is unemployed and are trying to make ends meat. Things will get better, there is light at the end of the tunnel.. :)
@bryansgirl (51)
• United States
31 Dec 10
I know how you feel. I have been unemployed since June of this year. But, I have managed to keep my bills up to date until October. I have applied for government assistance and it sucks. I have two children with no help from my kids' father. My bills are all past due and my phone and internet are getting cut off this week. It's making me crazy, as well. I don't really know where people get their money from to maintain balance when unemployed. But, I am jealous of everyone who has a job because I job hunt 8hours a day and get interviews. But, none of the employers call me back. It is so frustrating to me! I think I offically have depression. All I can say to you is try to keep your head up and I will do the same!
