Just a 47-year-old mom of 2 in Northern California. My kids are Monkey Monkey(MM) and Drama Llama (DL). I am married to Monkey Hubby (MH). We did end up eating lunch at the culinary school.
$30 for all that (salmon, shrimp, and steak sandwich), plus dessert.
I was surprised they were open (so early in the semester). Any other time we've gone is just like any restaurant. But it was so obviously their first day for this group of students. They all looked like deer in headlights. The second appetizer we tried to order was burned so they couldn't serve it. It added some layer of fun/amusement to the whole thing, but the food was still GREAT! We were the only ones there. Ha! I would absolutely go back on their first day, though it's all a little more smooth after that. (In the past it's been hard to get reservations; it does fill up).
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Well, it's time for me to figure out the next phase. Things at work aren't good and the writing is on the wall. My employer is *amazing* but I always knew this day would come because is a small employer of retirement age.
While I am planning for the worst case, I did initially feel like I may have some more months of job security. MH and I had decided to take our time and to be choosy. We will both be looking for work. In an ideal world, we would have had one more year! Until MM(14) is driving and the kids are more independent. (At that point MH was going to look for full-time work anyway). But I honestly never expected to have this job for so long. I am thankful that I did have it for this long, because this was really the ideal job as to raising kids. I was paid a full-time/high level salary to really work what is considered more part-time hours in my industry. At this point my kids are mostly grown. (At the least, daycare is no longer a concern at all).
I initially thought I would have more time and we decided to take this time to be choosy. Was expecting some measure of job stability through April. As of Friday, feeling more turmoil about the whole thing. I am hoping to have more clarity soon. But I have already reached out to a recruiter and identified a "dream job" of sorts that I doubt will pay very well but otherwise fits all my bullet points. I like the idea of interviewing for such an exciting job opportunity while I am in a strong negotiating position. It would be more of a stepping stone. I think we both kind of have nowhere to go but up. For MH in particular. But for me, if I step down a bit, it would be thinking to more long-term opportunities and growth.
The local economy has been pretty horrible most the years we have lived here. I am happy to say I have NEVER seen so many jobs. It's completely absurd. So though I feel some amount of post traumatic stress from MH's last layoff (2001) and MH's long-term unemployment, I do recognize that this is a completely different situation. The job outlook is good for both of us.
Financially I feel surprisingly *shrugs* about this. I suppose this is our WHY. We don't live below our means just because we like to feel deprived or whatever. 
The way we dealt with MH's unemployment was absolutely priceless. We did not sweat at all the first 3+ years. We *shrugged* and ended up being some of the best times of our life. MH was home with me during my maternity leaves; those are some of my fondest memories. We are in a similar position now, except with substantially more assets. Money worries aren't on my mind whatsoever at this moment in time.
The only non-negotiable I have is that I want to get DL(12) through high school here (5.5 more years). That's it. His school is phenomenal. While the economy was down, I always knew I could mega commute to the Bay Area (more jobs with higher pay). Or we could sell our home and live off the proceeds for several years. Neither of these options were ideal, but it helped me to sleep well at night. I guess having my pick of jobs that may pay slightly less sounds kind of like a dream in comparison. & I am not set on that route. I am open to anything. Just to be clear. I may push myself to secure a higher paying/higher stress job with the idea that I only need to do this until MH gets some better career footing.
Financially I am *shrugs* but emotionally I am a bit of a wreck. I am mourning the loss of my job. It's been such a big part of my life for so long. Most the employees have been there longer than I have. Plus, what else in my life have I ever done for 16 years?? Holy cow! I am actually somewhat excited about the next phase and future opportunities, but I just notice it feels like dealing with a death. I am sure that part will take some time to work through.
Current plan:
This weekend I am getting a haircut (is overdue), do our taxes (while I have access to work software), updating my resume, etc.
We turned off MH's 401k contributions and will be hoarding cash like crazy.
If I go MIA for a bit, my work is CRAZED and I have a list of chores a mile long re: job searching.
The Next Phase
January 27th, 2018 at 08:43 pm
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January 28th, 2018 at 07:06 pm 1517166368
Change is always scary but it sounds as though you are doing a good job of balancing the risk versus opportunity aspects of it.
Can't wait to hear what's next for you!
January 28th, 2018 at 08:57 pm 1517173052
Although right now the economy seems to be going gangbusters (dated myself with that word choice, didn't I?) it isn't where I live. There are some jobs available, but what is available is part time and minimum wage. Not exactly career building for sure. Sure hope you find something and don't have to continue to hoard money and cut back on stuff.
January 29th, 2018 at 03:04 pm 1517238276
Someone else may take over, but I don't think the odds would ever be in favor of me staying. I have always known this. If the jobs out there aren't interesting and abundant I can hang tight and see what happens, but I feel that decision would be more out of desperation or fear. Though maybe that's okay for another 18 months. I am am almost having more stress about what if MH finds a job right now. He has two solid FT opportunities. I am hoping the one he can work 7-4 so that is not too much turmoil for our kids. I know working parents do it all the time but I have no idea HOW! I know we are completely spoiled. We both have really flexible jobs right now.
January 31st, 2018 at 07:11 am 1517382669