Just wanted to post an update, since I've been off the forum for so long and so many here were so supportive when I was laid off. Turns out starting a new business is a pretty much 24/7 job. And it shows in my overgrown yard, I'm afraid.

But I'm up and running, and I've learned a lot. Getting laid off wasn't the worst thing that ever happened to me, as heartbreaking as it was. In fact, it may be a good thing, in the end.

A part of me will always miss a job I believed in and cared about deeply. And I may always grieve for the industry that I grew up in, the one that my parents dedicated their careers to, the one where I spent nearly two decades, and most of all, the one that I believed performed an important service in our democracy.

I was proud to be a journalist, and I still am part-time (I have a few clients I'm freelancing for, including one lifesaver that has me on retainer _ a little bit of stability in my new small business life on the edge.)

But I'm moving on. And I'm good.

My yard is not. Part of my disappearing act was due to the fact that I knew it would be pretty easy to spend my unemployment on here, and in my yard, when I needed to hustle. The hustle isn't over, but I'm at least set up and bringing some money in. And now I'm eager to catch up with everyone as I avoid the heat of the day on the forum and catch up with my yard in the mornings and evenings. But just on weekends. I may be able to work in my pajamas now, but work I must.

I've also learned a few things about setting up a corporation, mortgage modifications, dealing with unemployment, etc. If anyone is in need of advice, I've gotten a lot and owe some good karma in that respect. email me off the forum at writeme (at) susannahnesmith.com (a new address to better reflect my new biz. the old one still works too.)

Glad to be back.

Susannah

The Making Homes Affordable program is truly awesome, whether you've been laid off or have a mortgage that's adjusting. More than anything, it just seems so smart. Banks make lower profits for a few years on the guarantee that they won't lose money, I stay in a home that I love and work hard to take care of, my neighbors don't deal with a foreclosure next door. It's just win-win, as far as I can tell. It's been a life-saver for us.

There's probably no good time to lose your job, but I feel lucky that I did at a time when there was a lot of support out there.

And I'm very glad to be back. :)

I've been wondering where you were. Glad things are looking up. What kind of business did you go into? How is your puppy? Isn't it nice to work in pajamas :-) I roll out of bed and start work :-)

I'm writing web content for a variety of folks, and setting up entire web sites for a few clients. I'm teamed up with a great designer, a really skilled developer and a Spanish copy-editor (we also set up mirror sites in Spanish.)

Initially, my main market was lawyers, but I've broadened that a little because so many small businesses need web sites.

It's a daily hustle, but it is a hustle in my pajamas! :)

now... back to work. this place is too tempting.