My husband's job was just "eliminated." | Golden Skate

My husband's job was just "eliminated."

Arianne

On the Ice
Joined
Mar 26, 2004
Well, I got some bad news the other day. My husband's teaching job was eliminated. He had already signed his contract for the next year and its only 2 weeks until he is supposed to start again. He went to Maine (we live in Michigan) to work at a basketball camp for the summer and was planning to go back to his normal job soon.

I just don't get how this school (a "Christian" school, nonetheless!) can "eliminate" a persons job without giving them any notice. Now, there are no teaching positions available and we are stuck in a really bad place. If they had let him now at the beginning of summer or at least told them about this "elimination" possibility, we could have sent out some applications, and he wouldn't have gone to Maine for the summer.

So, I need some words of encouragement! I've started to send our some applications for him, and I really hope that something comes up. However, I'm really worried because we have no savings (he didn't make enough for us to save) and we have only a little time before we are depleted.

I'm hoping that we can get some help from Unemployment or welfare until he gets a job. I am doing student teaching this semester, so that really limits what I can do, however I teach about 30 piano lessons a week, so that helps!

Please send encouraging stories! What have your experiences been with filing for welfare, food stamps, or unemployment. I am new to this!

Arianne
 

Dee4707

Ice Is Slippery - Alexie Yagudin
Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 28, 2003
Country
United-States
I would think that unemployment would be an automatic due to the letting go!! The same thing kind of happened to me a few years ago. A bigger corporation bought the smaller company I worked for 9 years and closed the company. I got automatic unemployment.

Take care and I will keep you in my thoughts. Bigger and greater things may be in store for you.

Dee
 

ChelleC

Rinkside
Joined
Mar 6, 2004
I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm currently searching for a teaching job. So far, no luck. I'm definitely feeling discouraged.

I hope things work out for you and your hubby. And best of luck with your student teaching!
 

SeaniBu

Record Breaker
Joined
Mar 19, 2006
There certainly are no shortages of teaching the Developmentally disabled. I will likely be moving to Idaho to help them with their programs - now that Mom is getting better - they are making me great offers from my experience and reputation back in 2000. People are intimidated at first by these jobs, but it really is only difficult at first and mainly requires respect, consistency, patience, help them feel valued for what little they may be able to do, a firm mind and soft touch / heart.

I would rather help the Autistic, Mentally Retarded, etc... rather then a bunch of corporate goof offs that pretend to be stupid when they want your help and then turn around and act like they are the worlds greatest hot shot and give zero respect, credit or even a thanks. At least D.D have a physical / mental reason they might act like that.

If you do conceder it, I suggest don't read up on them, just start working with them as you read and learn. Some can be maniacal and even manipulative, but a hug or trust from someone in their situation can make every frustrating moment worth all the effort. When you get down to it, it is a very pure and rewarding career. I miss it.

Anyhoo, it might not be what some conceder, and I hope the very best for you and he in your search. KTF:agree:
 

Kwanford Wife

Record Breaker
Joined
Dec 29, 2004
That sucks... espcially if teaching jobs are scarce in your part of Michigan... Unemployment is pretty easy to get in Michigan... have your husband visit the MI unemployment website @ www.michiganworks.org it will list job opportunities as well information for filing for benefits. Your husband might also think about applying at an urban school system, since they are ALWAYS looking for experienced & qualified teachers ~ espcially as subs. The Edison education system (charter schools) is also a good place to work since it has great funding but the private school attitude.

Because Michigan has specific criteria for government assistance, I'm not sure if you will qualify because as a married couple, that is an issue... however, call your county government offices for information on emergency foodstamps and call the utility company to make a payment plan... I'd also call your mortgage company, car financier, etc. Its better to be up-front and tell them the situation before the bills start pouring in and your credit is affected. Plus, many companies have plans set up for families caught in this situation....

I hope this information is helpful and remember, this temporary and happens to everyone... take it one day at a time and stay strong.
 

RealtorGal

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 27, 2003
I don't really have any helpful suggestions, but I just wanted to say that whenever one door opens, another one opens--and it's usually better. I do think that waiting until the last minute to let him know was reprehensible, especially since they know that teaching positions fill prior to the school year.

Substitute teaching?
 
Joined
Mar 14, 2006
Arianne, So sorry this happened - what awful timing. I will keep you and your husband in my prayers. How fortunate that you're doing so well as a piano teacher!

Maybe it makes sense to take a different kind of job for this year and wait until it's time to reapply for teaching jobs.

There are tutoring firms in every state now that get federal money and would probably love to have a teacher. The State's Ed. Dept. should have a listing of all the agencies in the state who are contracted to provide the tutoring. (I saw NY's list.)

http://www.educationreport.org/pubs/mer/article.asp?ID=7734

Also some youth agencies would welcome people with teaching experience.

About welfare and food stamps: I don't know what the offices are like in Michigan but in NYC it can be very demeaning to apply. It is often helpful to have an advocate. I think my first call (or second, after finding out how to apply) would be to Legal Aid or Legal Services in your area. Those lawyers tend to be very compassionate and knowledgeable... but also under-funded and over-worked... but if you can get one, they will probably give you good information. Be sure to apply for Expedited Food Stamps - a short-term supply that comes through while you are waiting for your application to go through. The benefits are not large, though.

Please let us know how you're doing. God be with you!.
 

Buzzz

Final Flight
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
(((((((((Adrianne)))))))))

I am sooooo sorry about your husband's job. That is a terrible thing to do to a person.

Something similar happened, or almost happened, to me about 2 months ago. I thought I had a secured job when I got full time about a year and a half ago. But what did you know, a couple months ago my employer informed me that 9 full time position were being down graded back to part time. Theyjust could not tell me any more details than that, not even WHEN! I could not afford this at all and was so sacred that I cancelled plans to take a vacation. I was sitting on pins and needles, and thinking for the first time in my life I might have to apply for employment insurance! Not an encouraging thought at all. At 35 where on earth could I go t find a welll paying full time blue collar job. :( But thank goodness I got it back. The way it happened was several employees left or retired over the years and the company was supposed to replace them but did not. So once our jobs was eliminated, they posted new full time positions to replace the folks who left, and I got my job back. If that sounds confusing, welcome to the club. I do not understand it myself. But I do not feel the same sense of security I had before and still think perhaps I should continue searching for a new job. :(
 

iluvtodd

Record Breaker
Joined
Mar 5, 2004
Country
United-States
Arianne, I'm so sorry to hear that your husband was treated this way. It seems such a callous, heartless way to notify a person of such news. I don't have any new suggestions to offer him, but I wish you all the best and hope that he'll be back on his feet as soon as possible. Take care!
 

dorispulaski

Wicked Yankee Girl
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
Country
United-States
Arianne, What a dreadful way for them to let him go. It does not sound very Christian to me.

This may work out for the better in the end. My husband was downsized back in 1992. He started his own consulting business. It was touch and go for about a year, but then things really took off. He was able to more than recoup everything we lost and was able to retire on schedule (his schedule of course :) ) at age 55 in 1998.

On unemployment-apply at once. There may be a delay in getting any money, so you want to get any waiting periods over with. I know that is true in NY.

Your town may have a food shelf. You may not need it, but know where it is.

I really hope all goes well.
 

Arianne

On the Ice
Joined
Mar 26, 2004
Thanks for all the encouragement and advice!!! You guys are great! I am going to go ahead and file for unemployment tommorrow. I even downloaded info about food stamps. What I'm really worried about is getting some form of health care. I'm not sure how long we can stay on the current health care from the school...They don't seem to give us any answers....Anyway, my husband has applied to numerous jobs (anything he can find!). I would really appreciate it if you would keep me in your thoughts and prayers as my husband is in Maine, and its hard to be apart, both of us going through it alone. I will keep you posted on what happens!
 

dorispulaski

Wicked Yankee Girl
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
Country
United-States
From the Blue Cross of Michigan website-even if the school didn't have Blue Cross, the Federal regulations on COBRA are what are the governing rules. Chances are, since this was a Christian school, they will probably claim the church exemption. But even if they don't, you have to file within 60 days of loss of coverage. You have to call the school to find out what they're doing-if they are setting up COBRA for you. Since they were so brutal about the termination, I would bet they will be brutal about this, too. Furthermore, they may or may not have more than 20 employees, and if they don't, that lets them out again.

In any case, with COBRA, you have to pay the premium, which will no doubt be high.

If you leave a group, there are two options for continuing coverage for you or your covered dependents:


COBRA
Under the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) you can extend your group coverage by paying your own premiums. Depending on your situation, coverage can be extended for 18 to 36 months. COBRA coverage is only available to someone who leaves a group of 20 or more employees. Groups with fewer than 20 employees, churches and federal government plans are exempt from COBRA.

You must apply through your group for COBRA continuation within 60 days of loss of coverage. Ask your group benefits representative for enrollment information.

Here's what the state of Michigan will do for the low income uninsured.

http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-2943_4860-35199--,00.html

Adult Benefits Waiver (ABW), a.k.a., Adult Medical Program (AMP) ABW/AMP provides basic medical care to low income childless adults who do not qualify for Medicaid. There are asset and income tests. ABW/AMP medical coverages are limited (e.g., inpatient coverage is not covered). However, pharmacy is included. Some counties have a county health plan that the person must be enrolled in to receive ABW/AMP benefits. Coverages do not have to be approved by the Michigan Department of Human Services specialist prior to receiving services, but some services may require prior authorization from the county health plan or state (if there is no health plan in the county of residence). Contact the local MDHS office in your county to apply for this program.

There is better coverage for children, and there is Medicaid.

Hope this helps.
 
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