Cheery bye for a bit.

I'm back and thanks for all the support guys particularly DL, I'm not wishing to feel a centre of attention unlike moody nuts Sean on Eastenders, I was just glad of the break from everything. Its amazing what just getting past the Christmas period can do when you feel low, seasonal celebrations really bring it home by way of stark contrast.
I have a meeting without boring you all with the details in the next two weeks which will determine my finances for the next few years. I have had legal threats from creditors which went from being understanding in tone, to nasty, then briefly back to nice again, then all legal and foreboding and final. They are trying to seize goods in the small window before the official hearing, which is darn right nasty since they know my position and are well aware of the timescale, they can't get my home as its worth 33% less than the mortgage. I'm not used to this as my payment records have been exemplary for the last 20 years, its only recently the train has come off the rails. So we'll see, whatever happens I have to just keep moving forwards. Works looking a tad bleak so thats another hurdle. I'm not writing this to solicit replies, just telling it like it is. I've always felt as Frank Spencer once said "A trouble shared is a trouble doubled"

Lets hope 2009 doesn't suck!

 

Lifes just been a bit **** for me recently, smeagol so I do sympathise.

For those rubbing alongthe bottom (like me) it IS a bit ****, no question about it.

I gather that marriage guidance services are getting abnormally high requests for help.

I hope stuff looks up for you soon.

 

I wish you the very best David, and that is really from the heart.
Its been a year from hell, no doubt about that.
My own relationship went pear shaped which I am very sorry about, the whole situation has just added to the wedge between us, the finances haven't helped things at all. I need space to face this, and cooped up in a one bed flat is less than ideal.

Never, Never, Never give up.

Winston Churchill.

 

yeah, i feel for you guys - the same may happen with me yet - possible redudancies by spring and the job market's bad too...just not sure what's around the corner...

 

"My own relationship went pear shaped which I am very sorry about"

I'm feeling distinctly sore myself as a matter of fact.

Thanks for your comments though.

Like I say I don't think this is doing anyone much good......unless you're on pretty good bucks

 

Welcome Back

Hi Chris


We have missed you . Welcome back.

Don't let them grind you down.

Regards D Louth 77

Sorry to hear things are a bit crap for you too David F

 

I took a wrong turn career-wise I'm in Graphic Design, highly proficient and creative but face the pitch and toss of economic forces just way way too much. Over 15 years 3 of the four agencies I have worked for have gone bust (no jokes!). If I'd gone into teaching, health, council work or the Police rather than graduating and following a job that is dictated so heavily by market forces I'd be far better placed, both in security, benefits, increments and pension. Theres the eternal struggle about turning my back on all that time served creative, but I may have to. I generally kick myself every day about this, so thats next on my hitlist. Our margins have been squeezed too much, sometimes against 5 other agencies all after the same job, the quality of creative comes second. Thanks for the pm David, I will get in touch, sorry about your home life too, days seem long I know.

 

“Money often costs too much.”
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment" . R.W Emerson.

and not to forget..you can put a light the darkness but not a darkness in the light.

Be well... !

 

...I might just hang in there, based on Mr Emersons quote - I like that!

(ps DL - I'm apparently grind-proof these days!)

 

Have No Fear and am *sure* you will...

 

If I'd gone into teaching, health, council work or the Police rather than graduating and following a job that is dictated so heavily by market forces I'd be far better placed, both in security, benefits, increments and pension.

So why didn't you?
Hindsight is a wonderful screwer of minds.
Teaching has been an all graduate profession for decades anyway.

 

chris, i know how you feel believe me, for all it's worth i nearly went ott when i lost my shop in the 90's my wife was running all over london looking for me ,she found me not in a very good state of mind, it was for her that i picked my self up, please do take time of but i think personally that is best to talk,
greatings nando, "TAKE CARE"

 

I'll live.

Thanks though.

 

Hi Bob...

Yes I know hindsight seems to be the problem here! I may just go out on a limb and try something different, even the agencies that place creatives are going bust! Its the investment of time so far that concerns me, however I could be letting life pass me by if I don't try something else. Lack of security doesnt make for a comfortable and happy lifestyle when the ice is this thin!. I've signed on before, and just about made it with a couple of insurances and credit cards for a few months but dug a big hole, but now I have nothing to fall back on, so I am looking at a new direction, my bosses seem to have had escape plans like a Bond Villain already in place!. I'm no financial whizzkid, and have steered clear of any position that would expose my liability. Thanks Nando, yes I did get everyone worried on Christmas Eve, and scared myself too when I spoke to friends the next day, apparently my mood was very dark. I haven't had another drink since then as the gremlins obviously come out when you are that low. The next month will be the big shift in everything, both finances and my girlfriend closing the door. I'm ready I think but like I say 2008 was a very bad year.

 

Hind Sight

Hi SmeAgo

Hindsights a wonderful thing that none of us really have. All you can do at the time is way up the options and make your decision,for better or good. I know what you mean when you talk about the investment of time and its value or not. "20 years in the trade ", don't seem to carry much value for me. When business have the wolf at the door and have no choice but to let valued staff go, in the hope they don't end up following. I know it seems like their owners/ Bosses are Teflon coated,but I don't think anyone will escape un-molested by the current situation. They might say they aren't but I can assure you they will have suffered some hurt too. Not as much as the little guys, like most of us here on ZG. I for one will not take any satisfaction if business owners go down. If I do have any axe to grind it is with the government and the banking industry. It is these guys who should be held to account and do time behind bars. For being completely crazy with our money,and making it way to easy for the weak to get into trouble and then washing their collective hands and not being prepared to be accountable, for their massive mistakes.

I did try teaching Art and Design for about 5 years but the cutbacks at the time saw me with less work and then finally none. So my Degree had little value then. It was more a case of who you knew that what qualifications you had. I was in with the college lecturers but when their work was under threat they had no choice. I often wonder what would have happened if I had not become a Saturday Boy and gone into the audio trade. But the past is the past and while we can learn from it none of us can change it.

So that was Yesterday lets move forward into tomorrow. But with care and lots of attention.

You will make it through, and if we can stick together and help each other when we can, then none of us need fall.

Regards to David F and Smeago and anyone else feeling the breath of the wolf on their neck.

D Louth 77

 

Having had a few bad times, like many posting here, and heading rapidly for some more I guess "be yourself, be safe" is what I'd say.
Finance is a real bast*** when things go wrong. An ex-ladyfriend of mine used to say "when money goes through the window, love walks out the door". Very cynical, but there's a grain of truth there; when you are trying to hold things together having that black dog on your shoulder is not condusive to improvement of the situation.

 

WB mate.

 

??? - I've lost my acronym hat.

 

WB = Welcome back

 

Thanks Guys

I've really taken your comments on board and its helped the demeanor no end!
Its very easy to feel isolated and insular when things feel so personal, when its actually obvious that you're not the only one out there having the tough times, and things no matter if they do seem on the face of it unique to your own situation - aren't. Cheers chaps!

I wish everyone on here that is in a similar boat to me the very best of everything this year.