The economy sucks, and us with it

by Karoli on November 10, 2008

Yep, it hits here, too. Not the job, thankfully. I’m grateful every day to have the job and to be able to do it reasonably well.

But for the last six months the business has not been good and isn’t going to get better any time soon. When other businesses are struggling to keep afloat there’s no way mine will thrive, and I’m sure you don’t need to imagine what someone in financial services feels like these days (BD’s profession).

We’re giving up our office space this month. I hate it. It feels like divorce. For the last 12 years BD and I have shared the same office space, had coffee at the same time every day, covered each others’ phones and faxes, and just generally had a nice go of it. Now he’s moving his office to his parents’ house and I’m moving mine home. Shutting down business phone lines ($500/month), the extra internet service ($40/month), getting rid of the office rent ($700/month).

You’d think it would feel good to get rid of the expense but it doesn’t. It sucks. I absolutely hate the idea of shoehorning office space into a house where I get no peace, where there are too many people, too many drumsets and too damn much stuff. I hate the idea of sorting through 12 years of paper to send stuff to shredding, storage and home. I hate the idea of cleaning my garage so I can pile more boxes of paper in it and I hate trying to figure out which furniture I can move or get rid of to shove my desk in our already-crowded living room.

Today I don’t see anything good about it. I see lost quality of life and no corresponding benefit, not even financial, because that money will probably go toward making up lost ground in other areas of finances.

We’re a family who owes on our mortgage. No credit cards, no car payments, no extravagant living, and yet, here we are.

It sucks. I’m pissed about it. I’m pissed that we’re suffering because…why? Why ARE we?

And we have it better than many, believe me, I know. And am grateful. But my 401k is down 35% from last year and I’m giving up the place that was mine, that represented my own personal success, that now represents my failure.

This economy sucks.

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Tagged as: Business, economy, finances

  • We all need a break. Let's hope it comes soon.
  • I'm right there with you, Karoli. The economy does suck. All the wealthy people that my cabinetmaker husband depends on for work are worried about the economy and so are pinching their wallets shut. He's had to take a $9.50/hour job at Walmart--which won't pay for anything but groceries--because no one is hiring here in New York. And I can't support four people on my income as a freelance editor, even though it's a good income. I'm so sorry that you're going through this mess too.
  • editormom,

    I thought of you while I was writing this post and almost didn't write it,
    given that you are in such deeper straits than I. I really hope something
    turns around soon, especially for your husband who makes the most beautiful
    cabinets I've seen, ever. It's an art and a craft, and it seems like a crime
    for him to not be able to earn a living from it.
  • Going backward instead of forward, or, at least it feels that way does suck.
    I have been pissed off for months now - especially when something I need is not attainable because there is not money it.
    I hear you on that one.

    I can not pretend to understand the frustration and all the emotions that would go with having to close the doors on the space your business called home for so long. Not to sound lame but- you have accomplished so much so remember it is the economy not you that is failing at this time.

    I am sure that a strong woman as yourself and your loving family will make it work!

    But yes, it is a sucko deal and being pissed is so understandable.
  • Thanks, Kmilyun. I'm sure I'll find something good about it...just not tonight. And you especially remind me to have gratitude for what is good, rather than focusing on the frustrating.
  • Thanks, everyone for the thoughts. Times are tough for all of us, and Mickeleh is right -- at least we have hope of it turning around sometime soon.

    Let's hope that sometime is sooner rather than later. I shouldn't pout. I have a roof over my head and a healthy family and food on the table. I'm just angry at whatever or whoever decided the economy should suck.

    I blame Bush. Because it's convenient. :)
  • So sorry to hear that. Wish you the best of luck. My husband is going to work from home as well so that way we won't have to pay $1400/mth in child care fees. Everybody is feeling it. And the rich? They're still getting richer. Or at least receiving a big bail out plan.
  • cmdln
    I sympathize utterly. I was let go right as the economy tanked. This is the longest I have ever had to spend searching for a job. The interviews I have had seem to be taking longer to schedule and to net a decision either way.

    We have a similarly responsible financial situation. In a better market my qualifications have more than enough.

    Why are we here indeed.
  • Mickeleh
    Sorry for the suckage. Suckage just sucks. There's a lot going around. Don't take it as your personal failure. There's a hard wind blowing, a bad moon rising, and the water is churning dark. It's a hard slog ahead, but at least we've managed to get the right team into the White House, Senate, and House. Hope and Change coming. If noise is an issue, you might think about investing in some sound canceling headphones. You can turn on the cancelling function even without listening to music. Sorting through paper... got no help or advice for you there. I'm hopeless at that.
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