While at work this morning the boss called in and informed me that he would be cutting my {already part time} hours {along with another employee’s} back to three days a week starting in January. He assured me that I will continue to receive my health insurance though, which is a relief because any woman in her baby-making years knows ~ it’s very expensive.
Two other employees have been cut all together but left with an “as needed” basis …most likely to work at art fairs. Or maybe he just threw them a bone.
I think we all had a feeling this was coming because business has been much slower since June of this year. The phones have not been ringing as often. The addition of new art to our web site and the other 10 or so sites we are a part of slowed because we were buying less. All art magazine ads have been cut. Compared to 2006 when I designed two different catalogues {Jim Dine, an artist we represent and a Photorealist catalogue}, ads for magazine placement, post cards for art fairs, not to mention doing almost every art fair that popped up rather than just the two that we were involved with in 2008, it seems as though business has almost come to a complete stop. This year we’ve even decided to send out a holiday email blast instead of our yearly card I get to design. And the above listed are only the creative/advertising department. My department.
This post is seemingly difficult to write because I have mixed emotions about the situation and my brain is scattered.
3 DAY WORK WEEK! Good. PAYCHECK CUT BY ALMOST 40%! Not so good.
While I am upset, it could be worse. Way worse. Luckily my husband and I paid off almost 30K in credit card debt {my debt} by the end of 2007. We don’t have a mortgage or any little mouths to feed other than the doggies. Needless to say, 2008 has been debt-free and we have been good little savers. Yes, we were saving for a house but with no end in sight to this recession, it would be dumb to buy a house right now {in Los Angeles anyway}.
I know this must be very hard for our employer. He treats us like family and to have to get rid of more than half of us right before the holidays must just be eating away at him. It’s a difficult situation to be in. And I guess if I had to choose, I’d rather be the one getting her hours cut than the one doing the cutting. Besides, now I’ll have even MORE time to blog.
Wep
Ugh, I’m so sorry hon. I think a lot of people are either dealing with this or dealing with the possibility. You have a great outlook on it though 🙂 Hang in there!
K.Line
While this must be really stressful, it sounds like you’ve got a terrific attitude. I’m sure your smart decisions of the last couple of years will really tide you over in this lean time.
The Lil Bee
Maegan, I’m really sorry. I’m sure it’s a total shock. I’m happy for you that you at least are there part-time though:) This recession sucks big ones.
Mrs.D
I am sorry your job was cut, but look on the bright side, maybe that free time you will have is meant for something bigger. Who knows?
I like to think that fate is around every corner and after something happens, we look back and think “aha!” and we see how it all fit in.
You’ve got a great outlook and the debt free part is wonderful, way to go!!
Miss Anne
Meg,
let me just say that i commend you for looking at it from both sides and taking the higher road by thinking of the good points…
I also commend you and the hubby for paying off debt, saving, and all the while staying so glamorous!
Way to have a good attitude about it!
xoxo
susan
I am so sorry to hear about your job- you do have an inspiring outlook though.
Maki
Aw I’m sorry honey… I think everybody is having tough time.
My bro-in-law had this awesome job that he loved and made ton of $$$ for the past four years, but last month he was laid off along with 10 others because they were the most paid employees. It sucks.
And being debt free saves a lot – me and JT are debt free since spring 2008, too!
Cheer up!!! It will be better year in 2009 for you and everybody! xoxo
~alison
Congrats to the three day work week! However, I COMPLETELY understand the reverse of that! At least you are debt free!
karina Manghi
So sorry about this news.
You have a great attitude,and I am sure you will do terrific things with this extra hours you have now.
Big hug
AsianCajuns
So sorry to hear about the cut- but I am so glad that you still keep your health insurance- your employer sounds like more than a decent fellow. I have to say I find blogs like yours more inspiring that the lovely fashionistas who can afford each new gucci. Keep up the saving and awesome blogging!
AndreaLeigh
I’m so sorry to hear this. I’ve been very worried about something similar, and it has been something I’ve been praying about daily. I don’t know what we would do if we lost my income, because we are not debt free. Congrats to you for paying off debt. Maybe you can pick up some freelance work? And woo hoo for more blogging time for you!
ash
I am so sorry to hear this. There is no worse feeling than knowing business is slow and watching friends be “let go or have hours cut. I was layed off earlier this year all together. Luckily my job hunt was short, but i still miss my old company and there are so many ppl out there still looking. I feel for you maegen, but i know you and your hubby with get through it!
Nicole Marie
uh so sorry! for a while i was only hearing about people getting laid off but now its weird that i know intelligent educated skilled people who are getting laid of. scary.
enjoy your time off!!
Little House on Green
So sorry to hear that, but your positive attitude will get you through! I hear you on the yay for part time, but boo on the smaller paycheck . . . sometimes (okay, everyday) I wish I could go part time.
shill
i’m so glad that you’re seeing the positive side of it!!!
Katy
Boo to that. Did you at least get a membership to jelly of the month club?
Holly
im so sorry 🙁 im anticipating that very same talk at my job, well not anticipating, but you know. 🙁
lets all hope things pick up with our new president!
bianca
I’m so sorry. But you’re looking at this with a terrific attitude. And I’m sure you’ll do amazing things with your time off.
Saskia
It’s the same here in the UK… not a nice time at all.
I hope things settle for you now.
Saskia x
Beka
I’m so sorry to hear that. It’s shocking that this has to happen to hard working people. Trust me. I’m the former product of a company that overspent last year, and is paying for it this year by letting go of employees. It’s hard.
Just make yourself a budget, and be very careful with your pennies. Who knows? Maybe in a few months or so, hours will pick up again!
Baking With Plath
I’m so sorry to hear about this! I’m glad that you at least have a job, still…but I know this can’t be easy and I am very sorry.
dayna
i’m so sorry to hear that but i definitely know how you feel. my parents are going throu the same thing. my dad has been working so hard as an engineer and if you know, the engineering companies are going throu hell. he’s actually a land surveyor which is the kind of engineer he is- useless info. but anyway, for the past year he hasn’t gotten any bonuses and just this month, they’re cutting his salary. he is a boss of a company and he does own part of a business which is good, but it isn’t helping at all right now because it’s all getting invested, etc. etc. the economy is doing so poorly right now and it’s killing everyone! i hate it. i want it to get better already!! 🙁 i was being selfish at first because i wanted more clothes, this and that. but now we have to cut back on everything. just buy the things we really need.
i hope everything will be okay. at least you get to work only 3 days now?! more relaxing! heh. really thou, hang in there. this “depression” will eventually come to an end. sooner or later, throu thick or thicker.
xoxo.
Rachel
I am so sorry to hear that and believe me I totally understand where you are coming from; I may not have a job after Christmas due to this crappy housing industry right now. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
What a great outlook and it’s awesome how you are thinking of your boss; I am sure it’s not easy to let people go or cut their hours knowing it will affect their income.
But you are debt free which is awesome; I am sure a lot of us would like to say this!
I wish you all the best!
~Trish~
Ugh that sucks! There is SO much of that going around right now, it’s so scary!!!
missy
Hang in there, and I hope you have a happy holiday anyways. I love art, and I envy that you work in that field… at least you are still with your passion.
Hopefully, the future will see better times:)
issa
awww sorry to hear about the job cutback.. my office let go several people a month ago.. the economy is so scary right now.. i really should be saving more!
Inspired Kara
Here’s to good perspective
La Belette Rouge
I am very sorry to hear this. You really do have an amazing attitude and it sounds like you might want to be preparing for something else. Yes? Hugs to you.
dmb5_libra
sorry to hear about that 🙁
times are tough and i’ve been holding onto my job like no tomorrow. i’m in the same boat as you though. i’ve been saving like a maniac for the past year, so i think i’ll be okay should my job get cut.
Milly
sorry about your job…its sucks…but atleast your debt free and still have a job….here at work…its scary too…sooo slow…most likely no bonus this year or nothing compared to the yrs before….and i’m scared to know that any day..i’ll be either laid off or my hrs will be cut as well….ugh!…but have to keep thinking positive!!
Meghan
I’m sorry to hear about your job cut backs, that sucks but it’s good you can see the boss’s perpective. You sound like you have finances figured out and if all else with the spare time you can work on blogging and baby making 😉
Kellie
Well that sucks. My sister lost her job a few weeks ago only to then have her employer recind their releases and ask them all to stay on permanently a week later. Pretty ridiculous (it ticked her off b/c she was stressing!). But she’s just grateful she still has a job. The times are tough. You’ve got a great outlook on it all though. So cheers to you! And more blog time is always good for us! 🙂
Lump
ugh. total bummer. It’s happening everywhere! even here at the law firm. such a bad time. 🙁 Hang in there lady and keep your head up! and props to you getting out of credit card debt.
stacy
something bigger is on the horizon for you.
perhaps it’s the blogging – move over dooce, here comes maegan!
Leigh
Hang in there Maegan. I am sorry, and yes we are all feeling it.
This year was my first debt free as well, I finally am a cash spender over credit, it feels good, so thankfully you are already on the right track. More time for that wonderful Etsy shop of yours as well:)
My best
xoxo
merc3069
I am so sorry:(
Still, the good news is, MORE BLOG time;-)
The Alleged Ringleader
Things are really tough right now with the economy and all. I’m so sorry to hear this news 🙁
Things will get better and I think you have a really positive outlook! It was so smart to pay off that debt, think how much more stressed you would be if you hadn’t!
Good luck pretty lady!
Couture Carrie
Oh M I am sorry!
xoxox,
CC
Missy
Huge bummer. But on the brighter side, it’s great you still have a job and insurance. Being unemployed right now absolutely stinks. My COBRA coverage alone costs $480 a month. Incredible.
Miss_Red
So sorry to hear about your job, it’s a touch situation for everyone in the current climate.
I’m sure your creative genius will get you through 🙂
Iheartfashion
What a bummer!
Good for you for paying off your debt and saving though. Here’s hoping you can make the most of your newfound free time!
Felicia
Same story different person, that fucking sucks!! But holy SHIT, that’s so awesome you got all that debt paid off!! That is my dream come true.
lookrichbitch
*hugs*
i know the feeling.
...love Maegan
MISSY: That’s about how much my health ins. is monthly as well {if not a bit more} I would not want to foot that bill. Thankful, yes.
Songy
Really sorry to hear this. Tragic. I’m sorry for all those who are losing jobs.
It’s crazy that the insurance costs that much in the States. I did hear that the cost of the war(s) would have paid the public health insurance for the entire populations…
We are heading into a difficult time.
On a happier note, it’s good to hear that you’re debt free! I know a lot of people still suffer..
rebecca
I am so sorry to hear this but perhaps something wonderful will fall in it’s place- you are so talented I am not too worried- if I was rich I would pay you to dress me sadly I am not. What a relief you have no debt- good for you..
Cristina
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Deborah
Term Life Insurance
Anonymous
Hey Maeg,
So sorry. But you know, you have enough creative energy cooking to find tons of productive things to do with the off time, so it’s probably for the best. Enjoy the Holiday! Peace!
TB0NE
Kelli
Maegan,
I am sorry to hear about how your week has gone. How exciting though to have a little more free time and a little less road rage too in 2009! Way to go on paying off debt… we are working on that same thing and I can’t wait til it is done!
Keep your head up, I am sure opportunities will come your way in the new year.
Kelli
Chris
All I can say is I completely understand your situation. I’m hanging on to my job with a death grip right now. They have told us we’re gone soon as the outsourcing people can competently do our job (they suck right now but they’ll get it soon enough). So I’m scared to death of losing a paycheck, but I get severence, and it will be a relief to not be here anymore, since it is really bad and makes my health horrible with all the stress from layoffs, evil management, and too much work.
Anyhow, hope things work out really well for you. It’s great your employer is someone like that and not a faceless entity like mine. I love small companies, and yours seems to be nice. Try to stay positive, which is hard, I know…
Anonymous
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