[euge]

I just wanted to let you guys know about some things that have transpired in my life in the last several months.

You know about the death of my dear old Dad- an old Marine, a member of the Greatest Generation and my ultimate Hero.
 
What you don't know is:

Four days after his death I was laid off from my decently lucrative job of 6 years. Three weeks after that an Aunt passed away suddenly. A month after that an Uncle. The family pulls together. In the meantime there are slim pickings in my particular field of expertise. Basically no real jobs to be found in my area for a person of my qualifications. Mentally it got ugly. Thank god for xbox, beer and other things. A fellow laid-off is colleague calling me mirroring my mental state. We support each other. Meanwhile all is chaos and confusion. No responses to my carefully crafted resume and letters of recommendation. I begin to despair. Am I just another statistic of today's Economy?

A slew of part-time jobs appears. I apply for every single one of them. No responses.

Then my Mother passes away three months exactly shy of one hour of my Dad's death. I miss saying goodbye by 10 minutes. The family is devastated yet in no small way relieved since she suffered so. I am trying not to sink into a world of self-pity.

Two days later as we are making arrangements for a funeral a call is received and an Interview is scheduled! The day after the funeral another call comes in from my old organization. They want to interview me. After two interviews with the Director and my soon to be peers I am made an offer- albeit at a diminished compensation rate and part time hours. I quickly and gratefully accept. Will start in December.

Yesterday another recruiter calls me for a part time job and I set up an interview for this afternoon. Surprise! It's a peer interview with Supervisor/Manager present! Goes OK I think... Another one with the Director afterwards. Am told "We will be in touch by middle of next week one way or another..."

By the time I get home the recruiter is calling me with an offer. I take it. Now I have two part time jobs with competing organizations....

All is clear to me now. It has been tough, scary and uncertain. I still have no benefits. I am humbled and chastened. Probably not over yet. And I miss my parents.

[morticaixavier]

Wow euge, so much going on. so sorry to hear about all your loss. Glad the job hunt is starting to pan out. I remember, i was unemployerd for over 6 months and I though I might never get a job again.

Now to play them off each other!

[Slowbrew]

Holy cow!  That's a ton of rough stuff in a very short time frame.  I'm glad to hear things are beginning to look up again.

I think you handled it better than I ever could have.  Keep on chugging man.

Paul

[weazletoe]

Wow dude..... just...... wow. I'm thinking of ya.

[jamminbrew]

I was feeling pretty down on myself today, until I read this. Thanks, Euge, for showing me how petty my concerns can be, when someone else's stress is so much more than mine. Kinda puts it all in to perspective. I wish you all the best, and hope things continue to improve!

[thebigbaker]

Takes a strong person to get through all that you have.  Wish you the best and hope everything works out for you. 

[Pawtucket Patriot]

You've pulled through what I can only imagine was one of the most challenging times in your life.  So sorry to hear that things have been so tough, but we're here for ya man!  Stay positive and keep on brewing!

[jeffy]

Good luck, euge.  Loosing so many close family members in such a short time must be awful, but it sounds as if things are looking up.

[dimik]

My condolences on your losses, Euge.
I am glad to hear you're pulling through.

[Alewyfe]

Dear Euge....I'm so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing this with your forum family.
I will be sending a lot of positive and healing thoughts your way.

Glad to hear about the job opportunities.  Keep lookin' up.

[1vertical]

Man you know where to find me!  Feel free to call, text, chat whateva

[The Professor]

My condolences...Best wishes to you, euge.

Losing your folks is  tough one;  in some ways, the ultimate rite of passage that generally sneaks up on us later in life.  Despite the maturity that comes with the years, it doesn't make dealing with this any easier. 
But in truth, they are still with you, for as long as they're in your thoughts.

The key to helping me deal with the losses  of my Mom & Dad 18 & 20 years ago was the good memories I carried and continue to carry.  Hopefully, you'll be visited in your dreams...I experience that pleasant  mystery myself quite frequently, even now after all these years. 
And I never fail to wake up smiling when I'm blessed with such a visit.

Here's wishing you peace of mind at a difficult time.

[tygo]

That's a tough run Euge.  Sorry to hear about your folks.  Glad to hear things are starting to look up on the job front.

[phillamb168]

Good luck man. I can't imagine what you're going through. Our thoughts are with you.

[redbeerman]

Euge, you are the hero here.  Good luck to you man!  Way to keep your chin up when the chips are down.  Bless you.