Sandy_C
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There is no such thing as a stupid question.
Posts: 3371
Jamestown, NC
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I lost my job of over 20 years on 12/31/09 at the age of 63. I was in a niche market because I designed and sold parking lot lighting to commercial properties like shopping centers, car dealerships, colleges, etc.
At 63, too young to retire (I would lose over $600/month in SS), which I don't want to do anyway. But I'm too old and not in physical shape to dig ditches either. I applied for multiple jobs and was either too old (which the employer is NOT allowed to say), "overqualified" (which the employer loves to say), or "not qualified" (secretarial jobs - I don't have a degree or I don't know excel or QuickBooks) for any of the job openings in my area, including WalMart, who has no openings!
I filed for unemployment compensation, and got just enough benefits to keep my head above water.
But this was not for me. I decided to go it on my own, doing the same thing I had done for 20+ years.
I opened CLS Cullen Lighting Solutions, registered it with the state, working out of a small bedroom in my home. I contacted every single developer, car dealer, general contractor, electrical contractor, architect that I could find throughout the southeast, targeting those whom I had done designs for through my employer, from VA to GA announcing my business. I found a lighting manufacturer who would take me on as their rep - commission only basis. I notified the state unemployment commission of this, and my benefits cease. My benefits ran from week ending 1/10 through 3/28.
Know what? This is fine with me. I love what I'm doing, I'm busily designing and quoting projects (just quoted one for over $272,000.00 - that won't happen for at least 6 to 8 months minimum) and I'm living frugally, on a strict budget, making a little commission here and there on smaller projects.
Am I taking a big risk? You betcha! Did I mention I LOVE IT!!!!! It won't be easy and I very well could run into times where I just don't have enough cash to pay all the bills, but I'll take that as it comes and borrow from the cash value in my life insurance policy if I have to, sell the house at a loss if I have to, whatever it takes. I WILL succeed - I'm determined!
So, yes, unemployment compensation is a Godsend for those who need it as it was for me initially but for a transition period until they can find some or any type of employment. It is not meant to be the end all, be all income that anyone is "entitled" to forever. We have to be prepared to take an income hit - big time and reduce our standard of living and quit expecting that perfect job to materialize out there paying us at least as much as we earned before we lost the old one. It ain't out there!
So - find something else. We all have skills - put them to use.
Sandy
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