Coping with Change

[movinonup]

Our furloughs started in March, and require 3 days off a month without pay.  That's a 14% cut.  We've been told to expect these cuts to last until August of 2010.  We've been through 2 series of layoffs and are expecting another one in December.  We are picking up the slack from those who left the company, so are quite busy every day.

Last month my husband was laid off.  Although he had never gotten along with his boss, he had been in the same line of work for 30 years, so it is hitting him quite hard.  The company does not expect to hire him back, due to the economic downturn here in Michigan.  To top it off, the company is enforcing a non-compete agreement that he signed when he was employed 7 years ago.  (Even though they terminated him.)

To compensate I find I've been eating much more than I should, and have been craving carbs.  I've gained back some of the weight I took off in 2008 (30 pounds), and it's very depressing.  I am, however, starting to walk regularly again, which helps decrease my stress levels.  I've been diagnosed with atrial tachycardia (abnormal heart rhythym) and it's being controlled with medication.  I guess you could say I'm not coping all that well with all the worry.

There's a guy at work who's been causing a bit of grief lately.  I would define him as a bully.  I will be meeting with my boss Monday to discuss my most recent "adventure" with this jerk last Thursday.  I have asked that HR be present.  I have been stressing about that all weekend.

But I do have some great friends at work, and we've all been supporting each other through these troubling times.

[peaches2160]

Hubby's work is slowing up. 

I survived this round of cut backs.  Now must deal with the fact folks I have worked with and depended on for a while are now no longer there. 

Just thinking happy thoughts and trying to find my Happy Place.