Fun for the Holidays

Usually the fourth quarter is my favorite time. It begins with my birthday, continues through Halloween and Thanksgiving, then peaks at Christmas and New Year's Eve. This year, however, has sucked.

I celebrated my birthday by learning that I would be losing my job. Thanks, boss! All I really wanted was to be taken out to lunch. The week following my birthday was basically one long panic attack, since my employment status was up in the air. When was the ax was going to fall... the end of the month? The end of next month? The end of the year?

Word came down mid-November that my position would be eliminated at the end of the year. Thanksgiving was celebrated with interrogations from my mother.

Mom: Are you looking for a job?
Me: Yes, Mom. I've posted my resume on Monster and CareerBuilder, I'm searching the company site for openings within my field, and I've given my resume to several job placement agencies in the city.

Mom: What about the classified ads?
Me: I don't get the paper, Mom, but the paper's site is linked to CareerBuilder.

Mom: Don't rule out entry level positions.
Me: I'm not there yet, Mom.

Mom: What does that mean?
Me: It means I'm trying to find something within my field first.

Mom: Beggars can't be choosers.
Me: I know, Mom.

Mom: What are you going to do about health insurance? You've got a pre-existing condition.
Me: I'm looking into options, Mom.

Mom: You need insurance.
Me: I know, Mom.

Mom: How many glasses of wine have you had?
Me: Not nearly enough, Mom.

Christmas followed pretty much the same pattern as Thanksgiving, although with more alcohol on my part.

Mom: Are you still looking for a job?
Me: Yes, Mom. I've had several phone interviews and an in-person interview in BHM.

Mom: Have you been offered a position?
Me: Not yet, Mom.

Mom: Have you applied for any retail positions?
Me: Not yet, Mom. I still have a full-time job until the end of the year.

Mom: Don't wait until the last minute.
Me: I won't, Mom.

Mom: What about your health insurance?
Me: I'll get information about COBRA with my separation agreement.

Mom: You need the coverage for your prescriptions.
Me: I know, Mom.

Dad: Need another glass of wine, Jenn?
Mom: Isn't it a little early to be drinking? It's not even noon yet.
Me: Another glass would be great, Dad.

New Year's Eve will be celebrated by toasting the official end of my employment. At least I won't be expected to visit the family for that occassion. I don't think there's enough alcohol in the state. Happy New Year, my ass.