The Axiom Of Responsibility
Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Taking Responsibility
For Themselves And Their Children

"The U.S. Labor Department said [today] that the nation lost 240,000 jobs in October, worse than what Wall Street economists were expecting." ("Employers Shed 240,000 Jobs In October, Unemployment Rate Hits 6.5%") August and September job losses were also revised, "adding an additional loss of 179,000 jobs in those two months. In all, the U.S. economy has now lost 1.2 million jobs in the first 10 months of 2008."

This is scary news for many of us, but based on my past experience with unemployment, we must not lose hope. Unemployment hit our family back in 1983, and while it was extremely stressful and required much sacrifice, we got through it and were able to fully recover. Here are a few things I learned along the way that may be of some help to you and your family:

First, if you still have your job, but think unemployment is a real possibility in your future, start preparing now. According to Magna Sententia, you are responsible for your financial well-being (i.e. living within your means), so put your family on a tight budget. Only purchase what are in fact needs, or essentials for living: food (scaled back to only what is necessary, no fast food, no restaurants), shelter and related costs (conserve electricity and water, no home improvement projects), and transportation to and from work (no extra trips or outings). During this time, do not spend any money on movies, concerts, extra television/cable channels, or other entertainment. Go through your expenses, and remove everything that is not critical to your survival. Additionally, if you are certain that you will lose your job, take steps now to reduce your housing costs.

This sounds depressing, but if you have the right attitude, you can have a lot of fun at home with your family, without spending money: Play games, watch DVDs that you already own, prepare meals together, and turn "chores" into family activities. As we say in our book, "The attitude people have when confronting their problems determines whether or not they are happy despite their problems." Your success is dependent on the way you approach this challenge.

If you are already unemployed, remember that "this too shall pass." My husband and I were in a very undesirable position when we were faced with this trial, and I know how worried you feel: My husband was working for an oil and gas company during the industry downturn of the early 1980s, and I was not employed at the time because I had chosen to stay at home with our four-month-old child. We had to sell our home at a loss and move into a much smaller one. I started working nights at a hotel, and my husband searched for employment all day, every day. He did not find employment for eleven months, and we were down to under $2,000 when he finally received a job offer.

We ate cornbread and pancakes for dinner, never went out in the evening, never purchased new clothes, made homemade gifts for the holidays, and learned to truly lean on one another. Looking back on that time, we wonder how we did it and, surprisingly, also realize that even though it was extremely difficult, we would not trade it for all of the money we've earned since. It permanently changed our marriage for the better: During that time, we became genuine partners.

Use your time of unemployment to come together with those you love while doing what it takes to survive. Remember, what is truly important is your marriage and family, and how you deal with strife: Keep your wits about you, grow as a person, and appreciate the good that comes your way. As they say on Battlestar Galactica, "All of this has happened before, and all of this will happen again." Even in this economic crisis, our country is still the best in the history of the world, and even on our most difficult days, we can be thankful that we live in America.

Anna Sherise
Co-Creator of The Magna Sententia Weblog
Co-Author of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Disclaimer
Anna Sherise and Ellie Sherise are not licensed or trained healthcare professionals, counselors, or financial advisors. This article is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to take the place of the care and advice given to you by your physician, counselor, other healthcare professional, or financial advisor. Sherise Media LLC, its members and representatives, specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this article and/or website.