I'm very sorry to hear about this, gardenchick. But your positive, learning attitude is wonderful and can only result in good things for you.

Again thank you to each of you for sending over strength, ideas, and positivity!

Gosh, that's a startling buggrit!

I know from experience it's pretty hard to change spending habits. The brain does and doesn't register the change in situation. It's helpful to stay busy, tho. This is the time to do all the tasks that fall by the wayside when you're working. Like taking up those fallen hems and sewing buttons back on. A good time for a closet assessment, actually. A no-buy, stop and think time on the fashion front.

On the job side, it's a rough ride out there. I don't know how long you were in your last job or what your field is but I think, for example, it's not the time to be a hotshot... which I naturally am, personally.

Hang in there and know we are all rooting for you as you sort out what comes next. It isn't always those closest to us who rescue us from a bad situation and I hope that this experience eventually comes to feel like the creation of an opportunity, after you take your time to re-group.

Someone near and dear to our family was just laid off, without ceremony, after 14 years of excellent service. His daughter's take on it: they didn't deserve to have him. He is looking for the next step and certainly needs one, while hanging on to the hope that a new possibility could bring.

All the best as you get your bearings and move forward.

This may be your opportunity to make a really positive change, even if it was a shock to have it happen so abruptly. Good for you that you've been networking some already. Letting your shopping take a back seat for a while shouldn't be all that hard - you have a new career to look forward (once you find it) to and that's exciting enough. If I were to offer job searching advice at this time I'd say to clean up your social media (if you have it out there), consider doing a web page resume in addition to a printed one (but have a link to a printable .pdf version on the web page), and maybe include a good photo of yourself on your resume. It could give you an added edge as the "unknown" can be just as scary for potential employers as it is for potential employees.

I did a lot of hiring at one time and it was so tiring going through printed resumes trying to decipher "who" people were and what they would really be good at just based on their past experience - I think if you can put your career desires in plain English at the top of your resume or in a cover letter you are ahead of the game.

Thanks everyone for the lovely comments. Each one is appreciated!
A friend sent me this link which gave me some comfort that my decision was a good one. I was tempted to share it on Facebook but can't quite do that...however I can share with all of you!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/...../20/60cd5d

Yes, I've already had a number of good networking meetings and made some connections in less than 2 weeks of job hunting.I am feeling more hopeful about possibilities and that I will find a work environment that is more supportive and draws on my strengths and talents. And in the meantime, spending more time at my children s' school, cooking some good food, etc. There are some upsides to change!
About budgeting...it feels difficult to be so disciplined about tracking, etc. But, I'm mulling it over. Thanks for the support here.

Hi gardenchick, I just saw this. Count me with Michelle that this has been a nightmare scenario for me for many years. And I know for myself it can be hard not to take work things personally. Really hard. So glad you are resuming your self care. No advice, but I do care what is going on with you and I'm glad you told us about it.