By its nature, Christmas (the holiday season) is supposed to be a joyous time of year. Life has been quite different since 2001, after the "terrorist" attacks on the USA. Looking back this was a major turning point in my life, as this was a final blow to my previous employer and started a big downturn of events. I did not have much choice, I remained employed by saw a 35% pay cut over the next 3 years. In 2005 I finally made the decision to leave and was hired by my current employer. This event turned my life around and things began looking up again.
The next few years were good, and then the housing bubble burst, the economy took a turn for the worse and many economic factors painted a very bleak picture of things to come. Thankfully I had a good and secure job, so this didn't worry me too much. Even now my family enjoys a modest lifestyle, nothing on the side of extravagant.
Last night the reality or severity of what's going on right now hit very close to home. I saw our next door neighbors at the market and she told me they were moving out. Another family hit by a mortgage they cannot sustain. This is the fourth house in my immediate area (2 across the street and the house one door down) that will now be vacant by the end of the month.
My wife worries more than I do. Sure I refinanced when I had equity in the house, but currently we are able to pay the mortgage and bills. I am not worried I will find myself in this position, but to have something like this happen to someone this close is scary. I have no doubts we will continue to make it though these tough times and see better days.
Hopefully 2010 is a good year and we see many things continue trending on toward the positive side Until that time this season I am thankfully for my health, family and that I am employed and not wondering where that next paycheck is coming from.
|
