Thanks for sharing this personal story Jen. My husband lost his job many years ago now, literally day 2 back from my maternity leave with our 2nd child in 2 years. Your tips are spot on. Perspective is everything. Everything eventually gets better, especially if you are able to change your mind into seeing what truly matters and how much you can still be grateful for. I am glad you brought up that "resent" word😉, yeah that was my worst enemy! I wanted to be home, he wanted to be at work! Flash forward 11 years after all that...still married, everyone still alive!😁
thank you so much for this video. my husband was just let go a week ago and i was trying my best to support him while he looks for a new job but falling apart inside. you gave me hope. i will keep doing my best. ❤
You are absolutely right about how this won’t ever happen again once it happens once. I was a tween when this happened to my parents and it was awful. As a result we have always played it conservatively with money and with 3 kids, the youngest being just a few months old, our crisis happened a few years ago. It was very stressful, but I immediately worked out our worst case scenario. We were prepared for this to potentially happen so we were ok. My husband changed industries and we moved to AZ. It turns out to have been a great thing as now his previous company is really hurting. We aren’t out of the woods bc no one knows what will happen with the pandemic/recession, but we are as prepared as we can be for the worst. Oh, and I became a financial planner largely because of the ups and downs that my parents experienced in the boom and bust oil industry.
Amie that’s amazing! I love that you used what you saw your parents go through and figured out a career to help others - thank you for sharing that with me!
What a very personal, very big gift you gave. My job is considered essential and everyday I go to work I know how lucky I am. My co-workers and I discuss this when we get a little scared (we work in a doctor's office) because being unemployed is scarier than being sick (to us). Sending positive vibes to everyone out there. Be as safe and tell you're loved ones everyday that they are in your heart.
Truth “let go of resentment” especially about plans, dreams, etc. We went through a really rough time after my husband lost his job about 8 years ago prior to the entire company he worked for closing for good. The loss of salary we had prepared for in many ways, but the loss of work community which had become friends and his own identity of wanting to provide for our family was hard. Thank you for sharing your story. Hearing other’s stories helps when you feel stuck inside your own thoughts and feelings.
Sounds like you guys had a hard time of it too, Tami. Thank you for your comment. I can't quite say I'm grateful for that time, even now, although maybe with time? I mean it's been 20 years so we will see. Hope you're well and thanks for watching!
Thing is, when those of us that were paying attention to it when it was all the way in China still, would say it- we get told that we're fear-mongering.
Unemployment is terrible but temporary. This is the first time I have been unemployed since I was 13. Mom mother, father and step mother are laid off as well. I will be fine thank god my husband has a great job. And I’ll help my mom so she can survive it if and when she needs help.
Thank you, Teri! There is something to be said for living beneath your means and the peace it brings - there is little that I would want that would be worth trading that.
This is such a fantastic vlog. I'm sorry there aren't more views, because this would be so useful to so many people. "Stop doing most of it, keep one thing" - YESSS!! My one thing is Disney - I am trying to provide all the kids therapies at home (some with telehealth), so they don't regress and the one thing I'm holding on to for me is Disney. And yes, for those of us who were raised in poverty, or experienced a dramatic financial downturn, we vow to never be in that position again. Thank you as always for sharing your wisdom and genuine nature with all of us out here.
Thank you, Caitlin!! And hang in there - I can't imagine how hard you're working and I know what a great mom you are. You can do hard things! And this will be over eventually. Lord willing!
💛 Thank you!! Sometimes I feel like the only people who 'see' moms, are other moms who have been there. I find your channel so inspiring for so many reasons, and one in particular is that it is always positive . I love seeing a smart, independent woman who is pursuing her passion without tearing others down. Your channel is one of my happy places 💛
THK YOU! You helped me greatly! Esp the "normalcy" thing to gift yourself with! Don't be a martyr in everything because it makes you focus on negatives. "Count it all joy my brethren..." James 1
So much admiration for you right now - Thank you for sharing you’re story. I’ve seen you as someone who had great wealth and I couldn’t always relate. Shame on me for not seeing the big picture. Great tips. Have a great day
This is great, helpful advice, as a couple that has experienced $100,000+ job loss. Someone I work with introduced me to the one thing theory. It has reduced a great deal of stress and enabled me to keep a clear head and move forward reducing stress and what if thinking. All these points are excellent and very helpful. Needless to say we won’t be going to Disney for another couple years but your channel brings joy to me every day! I am so thankful for you and your channels.
Jen, I really needed to hear the part about letting go of timelines. We were getting positioned to start paying down the mortgage then my husband was furloughed from his restaurant job. Thanks for sharing!!!!
UGH that's so frustrating and I am in a similar situation so I get it. We were so excited to start making extra payments and now that's all on hold (because we may need that money to pay the actual mortgage!). Hang in there!
Thank you for sharing. Many of us have faced these obstacles & those who are facing these challenges now really appreciate you telling your story. My husband lost his job, not once but twice, during the last recession. Thank God that we were able to get through it all. So, again, thank you for sharing your story. I completely understand.
This was a great video! My husband 12 years ago became disabled and we lost everything we only in the last 5 years got back on our feet and now this !! Luckily he has a business online now so it doesn't affect us as much but I feel for others. I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT TIME IN MY LIFE! Great tips!
Thanks for sharing your story. Many years ago my husband got laid off the day after the closing on out very first condo. I was a stay at home mom at the time. We had little or no savings. I told him not to bother unpacking the boxes because we would probably couldn’t stay. Fortunately as you said, things did work out. Your story and tips will help many people get through this scary and crazy time. Thanks as always.
This was fantastic. We all have our stories and now we are all joined in a new one. I hope many many many people see this. I'm really glad you did this!
Well, I always like the expression "never waste a hurt" - it was such a hard time for us but I learned a lot so I'm super happy to have an outlet to share it!
Great advice! I just joined this channel. I've been following your other channel for months, if not more than a year. This video came up as a suggested video.
The timing for this video is perfect. One of my close family members was furloughed today so I will be sharing with her. Thank you for your genuine perspective ❤️
What a fantastic post! Unemployment is such a scary thing and the panic it brings can be paralyzing. I have been a pipefitter for 22 years now and working in construction teaches you how to work the highs and lows of work availability. Your tips were all spot on. We have went from living paycheck to paycheck to having a few coins in the bank because one bad year of employment where we almost lost everything taught us a very valuable lesson. I know I have said it before, but thank you Jen for sharing your life with us. I truly appreciate your willingness to try and help people muddle through this thing we call life. I continue to look forward to watching what you will share next.
Im fortunately not dealing with unemployment but I was a child w/ parents going thru your situation. It’s incredibly hard. Their marriage didn’t make it. As an adult, my husband and i will always be prepared bc like you said once youve been thru it you’ll never be again. This video is what I needed simply bc of the anxiety and stress that we are all collectively experiencing. Be well.
This video really hit home for me. While I am not "unemployed", I am someone who has chosen to work for myself. I live in the Finger Lakes (NY wine country), which really thrives on tourism and, ultimately, so does my pottery business & AirBnB. There is so much uncertainty with everyone here as we are about to head into our "busy season" that sustains us. I am trying to be positive and your message at the end of the video really touched my heart. Thank you for another great video, Jen. P.S. I am a Disney fanatic and you are definitely one of my favorite creators on the topic! -Autumn
Autumn, thank you so much for your kind comment. I am hoping for all of us that the travel industry comes back stronger than ever! I wish you all the best in the meantime. Hang in there!
Grace and Kindness -- YES!!! I have relied on the "worst case scenario game" during hard stretches in my life, and it truly does relieve some of the burden so you can refocus on what you need to do to get through the day! Thanks, as always, for your candor, good humor, and creativity.
Such wise advice Jen, thank you for sharing. Can you believe 911 was almost 20 years ago?? It does help to go back in history and realize that, even though our world will be forever changed in some ways, we move forward. 💕
Thank you Jen for these reminders. My husband got the official call yesterday from AA CPO regarding his flying furlough starting in Oct. Although we have been preparing, it still stings to get official word. My toughest challenge is to not feel like we are being punished for being “greedy” by leaving the regional carrier we were with (very senior there) for the larger airline - just finished training early March. It sounds so silly when I write it, but the the negative thoughts just keep screaming at me right now. I’m working on letting those thoughts go as a balloon like you said. I know God has control and will give us wisdom to get through. I will be rewatching this encouraging video often and appreciate you making it.
Karen, my heart is just broken for you reading this. I remember what you're feeling all too well and just know I'm thinking of you. You will absolutely get through this!
Thank you so much for posting this video. This is everything I needed to hear this weekend. I got laid off on Thursday, and it is such a scary time. It’s nice to hear from someone who has come out the other side.
Thank you for being real and very honest. I've watched this video at least 3 times (I never do that) and have recommended it to several friends. I appreciate how you offered realistic expectations during such an unpredictable time.
Wow, that's such a nice comment, Emily, thank you for telling me that and for sharing it with others!! And yes, unpredictable is the perfect description. Hang in there!
I called all our creditors the day the state closed, though I have to call the mortgage company again to see if anything has changed there. This made me feel a lot better. We were just at the point where things were feeling comfortable and bam. Thank you for sharing, Jen.
Thank you- we were mid move to Hawaii, and now my husband and I are floating two households until we can make the move. I am stressed and have been resentful- but it’s time to let.it.go. One day at a time. Thank you for sharing your heart, wisdom, and your story. I needed this today.
And that alone will have been well worth the effort in sharing it. Hang in there, Amanda. The new timeline isn't what you imagined but it can still be amazing.
Hi Jen. This is awesome. As a single mom, I always treasure my job in healthcare even though it is tough working overnight raising two teenagers. I decided this week since I work every other week to self quarantine and take my next workweek which is next week off due to me losing spleen and losing both thyroids and close to 70 lymph nodes due to cancer. Due to immune compromise, I hope I made the right decision. Figure three weeks at home is good idea. Having said that, I am a single mother and always think about job stability. Your video is soooo timely. Thank you for such awesome and thoughtful videos. You rock girlfriend. Stay healthy and safe
Susan no not at all!! I think Melody was saying thank you for showing her how many are going through so much right now!!! It’s a beautiful comment and I hope and pray you stay protected during this time - thank you for what you’re doing!
Love this video 💖, and reminds me of everything we went through when the recession hit. I was in banking, my husband was in construction, and neither of those faired well in the economy. He was officially fired when I was pregnant with my youngest, and I had been out of work for two years after having my oldest daughter in 2008. It was very hard, and we struggled for several years, but we buckled down and made it work. As long as you continue to work at moving forward there will always be a brighter day.
You are 100% correct about it happening once and then you learn. Our lesson was back in 2014. My husband and I were just starting out after both being divorced, which is hard enough finacially. Then I was diagnosed with cancer. We learned so much in a really hard way=) Even now my best friend teases me about how frugal we are. If one income can't cover it we don't buy it because you never know what is going to happen next.
While we have not experienced a complete income loss like this, I can tell you every single tip applied to our situation when we had a child diagnosed with cancer. (That child is healthy today praise God). Especially the part about people who couldn't handle what we were going through! Thank you for making this video, so so practical.
I'm so glad you felt that way, Tammy, and that's unimaginable to me but yes, I can definitely see the parallel. Any life event that takes you out at the knees right?? Thank you!
Really great and topical video. I was laid off from my job, which I actually really liked (perspective gives so much!). So, I'm filing for unemployment, getting things together, figuring out a budget for the next 6 months. I don't know if employers are going to be more open to remote work now or not. I'm in favor of it (I test websites for goodness sake, an office is extraneous). But I'm trying my hardest even though things feel very much like the year or so after 9/11 in the tech sector. Going to have to get the hubby to ask about payment delays on the mortgage.....
Good video to hear while dealing with this new uncertainty. I was on a Disney vacation with my family in the beginning of March and am grateful to have had that experience and time with family despite the financial costs that came with it.
Great video Jen! I was a career counsellor for a number of years and when a client lost their job I would say to them "remember you have been hired many times before and you will be hired again". Sometimes that was helpful to them.
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge it definately can. Especially when things happen like the company already knows who they are hiring but have to have interviews to make it look like a legitimate process. Then there are those companies who just randomly hold interviews to get new ideas from the public for free etc. However, the fact still stands, you have been hired before and you will again.
Thank you for putting yourself out there to help others. I have felt weirdly calm during this craziness, but I think it comes from getting sick last fall. It threw all my plans out the window so I’m already in the space where I’ve had to significantly adjust my expectations and plans for this year. In my mind this is just another thing I’m dealing with right now and everything you’ve said is true. You can only deal with what you’re given and you have to give yourself the grace to keep moving forward. We’ll all get through this together.
The "thing" we were in the middle of was finalizing a DVC resale contract. I don't think we would've been willing to do that had we known the opportunities we thought my husband would have to replenish that chunk of our savings will likely not happen. HOWEVER we do have perspective that this won't last forever and someday we will be grateful for our "investment" - even if all we can afford from a Disney perspective is to get to our resort and chill poolside for a few days. I know this is a privileged perspective and I don't want to lose sight of what others are going through. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Life is hard thanks for sharing your experiences with dealing with this difficult subject. We all need to hear someone's suggestions on how they handle it so we don't feel that we are all alone. Thanks for sharing
Thank you so much for making this video we just got told 2 days before we left for a Bahama vacation (all paid for without travel insuranc🤦♀️). My husband's factory was shutting down in 60 days. I am finding it hard to get past the unknown. What will happen and what has to happen in order for us to make it.
I'm so sorry and if your handle is reflective of your family makeup, my heart breaks for all of you. Been there and I know it seems impossible now, but you will survive this!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge People are in great need of encouragement, direction, control, and most of all...knowing there's hope. There's no greater contribution than posting experience and triumph. And this video does that. Your story is a long term value, not short term such as a monetary gift. Suggestion...start making videos related to finding Joy in the Uncertainty. Besides Clinque makeup, what else grounded you? What are Joyful things did you do while living on a restricted unpredictable budget...and got ok with those things? How did you keep yourself centered and maintain sanity with your family when being emotionally stretched? These are all rhetorical questions to help build video ideas. People really need someone to relate to and permission to still find Joy and Fun while going through financial hardship. As always, love your videos. I've watched you from the beginning and you are awesome!
Absolutely the BEST thing I've heard today and since this corona crap took over. Thank you, thx you for posting this! I took a Dave Ramsey course last year, got out of debt the beginning of this year and have savings. Still working but keeping my eyes on the horizon!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Currently, we aren't going through this, but we have before and everything is so uncertain, so you never know. Everything you said was spot on. Thank you for sharing some hope.
This was truly amazing. You opening up and sharing what & how you lived through 5 years of hard times will help numerous people. We were just having the conversations with our 'boys 17 & 21' on what it means to live within your means and you nailed it. I hope your hubby gets back to work ASAP, otherwise you'll have to put him to work and have him help you out here :) God Bless you and your family. Stay Safe.
thank you so much for your kind words! I really do hope what we went through can be put to some good. And great parenting but sadly most of us (myself included) have to live it to learn it. But they'll remember the words no matter what!
Thank you for sharing your story & these tips, Jen. I think these thoughts are good for everyone to hear right now with so much chaos & uncertainty, honestly. Thank you again!
Thank you for sharing all of this. Funny, we paused it to talk about what “self care” thing we wouldn’t give up. For me, it sounds silly maybe, but I am a name brand grocery person and my hubby looked at me and said “yours is that” lol - he’s prob right. He had to think hard and then we turned it on and you said “it may not be as hard for men” lol! These tips were great and you are a great calming friend talking someone down in a potentially crazy trying time. That is a great gift! 😊
This video was great and many need to hear it. I'm thankful that my husband and I can work from home right now. Our company has been laying people off prior to this so I've had this worry. You're spot on with what you're saying - I have a life and financial plan that I worry will change. So I'm preparing to adapt.
THANK YOU! This video was just what I needed. I plan on watching it again and again when I slide back into worry and frustration. Thank you for sharing your story. Great video--it really helped! Be safe and be well!
It was so nice to hear you talk about some of the same feelings I had when my husband lost his job in 2001. I had to go back to work instead of be the stay at home mom I wanted to be... my son was 7 months old. I never did get to be a stay at home Mom. I was in a place of resentment about that for way too long. Thank you for sharing!
It took me a long time to let it go. But now, seeing the young men they’ve become, I realize that we did ok even if my raising them didn’t align with my original dreams.🥰
Gracious, forgiving, and kind. I needed to hear this for sure. That is a great philosophy to get us all through this current situation (and - fingers crossed - people could continue to live that way even afterwards...) Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks so much for sharing your story and tips Jen! I'm very lucky to still be able to work (at least for now) during this quarantine and am trying to prepare myself and stay aware that if this lasts a long time that it all might change. 💙
Just echoing what's already been said: exactly what I needed to hear. Not easy, but needed. For me the biggest struggle is the "let go" part, of that alternate timeline. If this drags on beyond a couple of months, our future is a big fat unknown (my husband is still working, but his small non-profit company has salary for two months; beyond that they may have to shutter for good). I'm only 10 days of not working now but already it's bugging me mentally. Working hard to find that little something to keep me going, knowing that realistically there will be good days and bummer days. We currently have a WDW trip planned for September; I'm quite optimistic that they'll be back open by then, but the longer I go not working, the harder it will be to save the money (we have a split stay at two DVC resorts, rented points, so difficult to impossible to just put off the trip...).
Amazing advice. I survived a lay-off from my company last week, and I have what some would call survivor’s guilt. I’m still trying to prepare my mindset for this possibility, and I just took the deepest breath I’ve taken in a while after watching. Thank you, Jen!
That means the world to me thank you for sharing that! And oh my goodness that’s a lot to deal with. Stay strong and hang in there!! You can handle whatever comes your way!
Very thoughtful of you to share your advice. When we bought our house in the mid 80’s, I was a mid-level engineer for an aerospace/defense company and my wife a manager in a city government. We lived relatively frugally. I sat down one day and figured out that our $120k loan would amount to $430K for a 30-year loan. I told myself that I would rather pay a little more income tax each year than to give that money to the bank. With savings from our combined income, I was able to, after much persuasion, convinced my wife to pay off the loan in the late 80’s. The main reason being volatility in the defense industry that was subject to each presidential election cycle. Our twin sons were born in 1990 and I got laid off in 1991. After 3 and half years I was finally able to get a job with the state government. Without a mortgage payment during that period and with my wife’s income alone, we never had to dip into our remaining saving. I supposed that is a rather extreme example of worst case planning but with the extra $300k we got the boys through state university without them having student loans.
So so so so so so good. Thank you, Jen! You always give the best advice. This is why I sometimes think of you as our RUclips Mom! 😂 But for real. Emergency savings are life savers.
Your 10 tips are awesome but I think one important thing was left out, make sure to save 6 months at least set aside for emergency fund because we all know crap happens and if you aren't prepared then panic will surely happen. If you aren't the main source of income in the family, I would be very embarrassed to spend the hard-earned money purchasing expensive bags, shoes, and stuff but then again that's just me. People can look good on the outside but actually broke and debts coming out of their eyeballs so set your priorities right people, that's just common sense.
Thanks for sharing this personal story Jen. My husband lost his job many years ago now, literally day 2 back from my maternity leave with our 2nd child in 2 years. Your tips are spot on. Perspective is everything. Everything eventually gets better, especially if you are able to change your mind into seeing what truly matters and how much you can still be grateful for. I am glad you brought up that "resent" word😉, yeah that was my worst enemy! I wanted to be home, he wanted to be at work! Flash forward 11 years after all that...still married, everyone still alive!😁
Yup. There were so many days when I doubted it, Kara, but we made it through!! Thank you!
thank you so much for this video. my husband was just let go a week ago and i was trying my best to support him while he looks for a new job but falling apart inside. you gave me hope. i will keep doing my best. ❤
You are absolutely right about how this won’t ever happen again once it happens once. I was a tween when this happened to my parents and it was awful. As a result we have always played it conservatively with money and with 3 kids, the youngest being just a few months old, our crisis happened a few years ago. It was very stressful, but I immediately worked out our worst case scenario. We were prepared for this to potentially happen so we were ok. My husband changed industries and we moved to AZ. It turns out to have been a great thing as now his previous company is really hurting. We aren’t out of the woods bc no one knows what will happen with the pandemic/recession, but we are as prepared as we can be for the worst. Oh, and I became a financial planner largely because of the ups and downs that my parents experienced in the boom and bust oil industry.
Amie that’s amazing! I love that you used what you saw your parents go through and figured out a career to help others - thank you for sharing that with me!
TFS just goes to show nothing lasts forever here on earth. Brilliant pointers. 👍blessings and much love from California🌴💕
What a very personal, very big gift you gave. My job is considered essential and everyday I go to work I know how lucky I am. My co-workers and I discuss this when we get a little scared (we work in a doctor's office) because being unemployed is scarier than being sick (to us). Sending positive vibes to everyone out there. Be as safe and tell you're loved ones everyday that they are in your heart.
Truth “let go of resentment” especially about plans, dreams, etc. We went through a really rough time after my husband lost his job about 8 years ago prior to the entire company he worked for closing for good. The loss of salary we had prepared for in many ways, but the loss of work community which had become friends and his own identity of wanting to provide for our family was hard. Thank you for sharing your story. Hearing other’s stories helps when you feel stuck inside your own thoughts and feelings.
Sounds like you guys had a hard time of it too, Tami. Thank you for your comment. I can't quite say I'm grateful for that time, even now, although maybe with time? I mean it's been 20 years so we will see. Hope you're well and thanks for watching!
I always say There is no light at the end of the tunnel, You are the light. Thanks for being a Light to us all!
This video is everything I needed to hear. Thank you 💛
I am SO GLAD. Hang in there!
Thing is, when those of us that were paying attention to it when it was all the way in China still, would say it- we get told that we're fear-mongering.
I'm so glad you shared your past situation. Great tips!
I hope they prove helpful! Wish I'd listened to them back then!
Unemployment is terrible but temporary. This is the first time I have been unemployed since I was 13. Mom mother, father and step mother are laid off as well. I will be fine thank god my husband has a great job. And I’ll help my mom so she can survive it if and when she needs help.
Well said Jen! I pray we all learn from this, and are better prepared, should it happen again! I appreciate you! Thank you!
Thank you, Teri! There is something to be said for living beneath your means and the peace it brings - there is little that I would want that would be worth trading that.
This is such a fantastic vlog. I'm sorry there aren't more views, because this would be so useful to so many people. "Stop doing most of it, keep one thing" - YESSS!! My one thing is Disney - I am trying to provide all the kids therapies at home (some with telehealth), so they don't regress and the one thing I'm holding on to for me is Disney. And yes, for those of us who were raised in poverty, or experienced a dramatic financial downturn, we vow to never be in that position again. Thank you as always for sharing your wisdom and genuine nature with all of us out here.
Thank you, Caitlin!! And hang in there - I can't imagine how hard you're working and I know what a great mom you are. You can do hard things! And this will be over eventually. Lord willing!
💛 Thank you!! Sometimes I feel like the only people who 'see' moms, are other moms who have been there. I find your channel so inspiring for so many reasons, and one in particular is that it is always positive . I love seeing a smart, independent woman who is pursuing her passion without tearing others down. Your channel is one of my happy places 💛
THK YOU! You helped me greatly! Esp the "normalcy" thing to gift yourself with!
Don't be a martyr in everything because it makes you focus on negatives. "Count it all joy my brethren..." James 1
So much admiration for you right now - Thank you for sharing you’re story. I’ve seen you as someone who had great wealth and I couldn’t always relate. Shame on me for not seeing the big picture. Great tips. Have a great day
Thank you, Anna. You never really know somebody’s story I suppose? I appreciate you!
This is great, helpful advice, as a couple that has experienced $100,000+ job loss. Someone I work with introduced me to the one thing theory. It has reduced a great deal of stress and enabled me to keep a clear head and move forward reducing stress and what if thinking. All these points are excellent and very helpful. Needless to say we won’t be going to Disney for another couple years but your channel brings joy to me every day! I am so thankful for you and your channels.
Jen, I really needed to hear the part about letting go of timelines. We were getting positioned to start paying down the mortgage then my husband was furloughed from his restaurant job. Thanks for sharing!!!!
UGH that's so frustrating and I am in a similar situation so I get it. We were so excited to start making extra payments and now that's all on hold (because we may need that money to pay the actual mortgage!). Hang in there!
Shucks! You hang in there, too, and keep up the daily videos. They are not boring topics to those of us who like your content.
Thank you for always being so open and vulnerable with us. Such an important video right now!
Honestly, Ryan, I tried to make the video I wish I’d had 20 years ago. Thank you so much for that comment!
Jen you are a star 🥰 this will help (and I am sure has helped) many, many people 🥰xx
Thank you for sharing. Many of us have faced these obstacles & those who are facing these challenges now really appreciate you telling your story. My husband lost his job, not once but twice, during the last recession. Thank God that we were able to get through it all. So, again, thank you for sharing your story. I completely understand.
This was a great video! My husband 12 years ago became disabled and we lost everything we only in the last 5 years got back on our feet and now this !! Luckily he has a business online now so it doesn't affect us as much but I feel for others. I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT TIME IN MY LIFE! Great tips!
Thanks for sharing your story. Many years ago my husband got laid off the day after the closing on out very first condo. I was a stay at home mom at the time. We had little or no savings. I told him not to bother unpacking the boxes because we would probably couldn’t stay. Fortunately as you said, things did work out. Your story and tips will help many people get through this scary and crazy time. Thanks as always.
This was fantastic. We all have our stories and now we are all joined in a new one. I hope many many many people see this. I'm really glad you did this!
Super wise words Jen. So many need to hear this.
Well, I always like the expression "never waste a hurt" - it was such a hard time for us but I learned a lot so I'm super happy to have an outlet to share it!
Great advice! I just joined this channel. I've been following your other channel for months, if not more than a year. This video came up as a suggested video.
I'm so glad you found me here as well!! Thank you for watching!
I had to hear number 2 and just didn’t realize it. Thanks for this video Jen!
I'm so glad, Lauren. Best of luck to you, Friend. These are not easy times . . .
The timing for this video is perfect. One of my close family members was furloughed today so I will be sharing with her. Thank you for your genuine perspective ❤️
Absolutely my pleasure, Stephanie, and give them my best.🥰
What a fantastic post! Unemployment is such a scary thing and the panic it brings can be paralyzing. I have been a pipefitter for 22 years now and working in construction teaches you how to work the highs and lows of work availability. Your tips were all spot on. We have went from living paycheck to paycheck to having a few coins in the bank because one bad year of employment where we almost lost everything taught us a very valuable lesson. I know I have said it before, but thank you Jen for sharing your life with us. I truly appreciate your willingness to try and help people muddle through this thing we call life. I continue to look forward to watching what you will share next.
Well, since most of the things we've learned could have been done better, I'm very happy to be able to share my wisdom! thank you so much, Kasey!
Im fortunately not dealing with unemployment but I was a child w/ parents going thru your situation. It’s incredibly hard. Their marriage didn’t make it. As an adult, my husband and i will always be prepared bc like you said once youve been thru it you’ll never be again. This video is what I needed simply bc of the anxiety and stress that we are all collectively experiencing. Be well.
Great video so far my husband is still working he is in the restaurant industry in SF
This video really hit home for me. While I am not "unemployed", I am someone who has chosen to work for myself. I live in the Finger Lakes (NY wine country), which really thrives on tourism and, ultimately, so does my pottery business & AirBnB. There is so much uncertainty with everyone here as we are about to head into our "busy season" that sustains us. I am trying to be positive and your message at the end of the video really touched my heart. Thank you for another great video, Jen. P.S. I am a Disney fanatic and you are definitely one of my favorite creators on the topic! -Autumn
Autumn, thank you so much for your kind comment. I am hoping for all of us that the travel industry comes back stronger than ever! I wish you all the best in the meantime. Hang in there!
Grace and Kindness -- YES!!!
I have relied on the "worst case scenario game" during hard stretches in my life, and it truly does relieve some of the burden so you can refocus on what you need to do to get through the day! Thanks, as always, for your candor, good humor, and creativity.
It was taught to me by an amazing therapist and it’s been a game changer!!
My dear Jen, I have no words right now. I will write to you later. I sincerely give you thanks from the bottom of my heart. 🙏🏼 ❤️
My pleasure, Luz.
Such wise advice Jen, thank you for sharing. Can you believe 911 was almost 20 years ago?? It does help to go back in history and realize that, even though our world will be forever changed in some ways, we move forward. 💕
Boy was this good timing! Thank you for sharing your experience...it was really helpful and comforting! ❤️
I'm so glad, Diana.
Thank you Jen for these reminders. My husband got the official call yesterday from AA CPO regarding his flying furlough starting in Oct. Although we have been preparing, it still stings to get official word. My toughest challenge is to not feel like we are being punished for being “greedy” by leaving the regional carrier we were with (very senior there) for the larger airline - just finished training early March. It sounds so silly when I write it, but the the negative thoughts just keep screaming at me right now. I’m working on letting those thoughts go as a balloon like you said. I know God has control and will give us wisdom to get through. I will be rewatching this encouraging video often and appreciate you making it.
Karen, my heart is just broken for you reading this. I remember what you're feeling all too well and just know I'm thinking of you. You will absolutely get through this!
Thank you so much for posting this video. This is everything I needed to hear this weekend. I got laid off on Thursday, and it is such a scary time. It’s nice to hear from someone who has come out the other side.
Oh, Jessica, I'm so terribly sorry. Keep your chin up and remember to keep your head! Brighter days will come!
Thank you once again for letting us in. Just another reason why I love your channels!
Thank you for being real and very honest. I've watched this video at least 3 times (I never do that) and have recommended it to several friends. I appreciate how you offered realistic expectations during such an unpredictable time.
Wow, that's such a nice comment, Emily, thank you for telling me that and for sharing it with others!! And yes, unpredictable is the perfect description. Hang in there!
I called all our creditors the day the state closed, though I have to call the mortgage company again to see if anything has changed there. This made me feel a lot better. We were just at the point where things were feeling comfortable and bam. Thank you for sharing, Jen.
You’re being very smart about it, Dawn, and you will make it through!
Thank you- we were mid move to Hawaii, and now my husband and I are floating two households until we can make the move. I am stressed and have been resentful- but it’s time to let.it.go. One day at a time. Thank you for sharing your heart, wisdom, and your story. I needed this today.
And that alone will have been well worth the effort in sharing it. Hang in there, Amanda. The new timeline isn't what you imagined but it can still be amazing.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Everyone should watch this video! For themselves or for their community.
Thank you, Kari!! It's a tough season right now.
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge i’ve watched this video like 4 times... so helpful, and I really needed this list in 2008! Thank you.
Hi Jen. This is awesome. As a single mom, I always treasure my job in healthcare even though it is tough working overnight raising two teenagers. I decided this week since I work every other week to self quarantine and take my next workweek which is next week off due to me losing spleen and losing both thyroids and close to 70 lymph nodes due to cancer. Due to immune compromise, I hope I made the right decision. Figure three weeks at home is good idea. Having said that, I am a single mother and always think about job stability. Your video is soooo timely. Thank you for such awesome and thoughtful videos. You rock girlfriend. Stay healthy and safe
Thank you for posting, I was beginning to feel sorry for myself, now that I have applied a good swift kick to my own tush, I am seeing clearer.
Melody, why are you being so hard on yourself? Hope I didn’t offend anyone by my comment?
Susan no not at all!! I think Melody was saying thank you for showing her how many are going through so much right now!!! It’s a beautiful comment and I hope and pray you stay protected during this time - thank you for what you’re doing!
Love this video 💖, and reminds me of everything we went through when the recession hit. I was in banking, my husband was in construction, and neither of those faired well in the economy. He was officially fired when I was pregnant with my youngest, and I had been out of work for two years after having my oldest daughter in 2008. It was very hard, and we struggled for several years, but we buckled down and made it work. As long as you continue to work at moving forward there will always be a brighter day.
You are 100% correct about it happening once and then you learn. Our lesson was back in 2014. My husband and I were just starting out after both being divorced, which is hard enough finacially. Then I was diagnosed with cancer. We learned so much in a really hard way=) Even now my best friend teases me about how frugal we are. If one income can't cover it we don't buy it because you never know what is going to happen next.
Lena, that's EXACTLY how we proceeded once things were back to somewhat normal - lived off one income and saved the other one!
While we have not experienced a complete income loss like this, I can tell you every single tip applied to our situation when we had a child diagnosed with cancer. (That child is healthy today praise God). Especially the part about people who couldn't handle what we were going through! Thank you for making this video, so so practical.
I'm so glad you felt that way, Tammy, and that's unimaginable to me but yes, I can definitely see the parallel. Any life event that takes you out at the knees right?? Thank you!
Really great and topical video. I was laid off from my job, which I actually really liked (perspective gives so much!). So, I'm filing for unemployment, getting things together, figuring out a budget for the next 6 months. I don't know if employers are going to be more open to remote work now or not. I'm in favor of it (I test websites for goodness sake, an office is extraneous). But I'm trying my hardest even though things feel very much like the year or so after 9/11 in the tech sector. Going to have to get the hubby to ask about payment delays on the mortgage.....
God bless on this journey, Kimberly. I wish you all the best and I know brighter days are ahead for all of us!
So relevant. Husband was immediately laid off from Southwest. I'm working from home, so we are good, but it's scary.
Denise I’m so sorry. Hang in there!! Hopefully this will be over soon and we can start experiencing our new normal
Amazing video Jen and such helpful and comforting advice!
Thank you, Shelley!
Good video to hear while dealing with this new uncertainty. I was on a Disney vacation with my family in the beginning of March and am grateful to have had that experience and time with family despite the financial costs that came with it.
Great video Jen! I was a career counsellor for a number of years and when a client lost their job I would say to them "remember you have been hired many times before and you will be hired again". Sometimes that was helpful to them.
So helpful!! It can feel impossible, Darrell!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge it definately can. Especially when things happen like the company already knows who they are hiring but have to have interviews to make it look like a legitimate process. Then there are those companies who just randomly hold interviews to get new ideas from the public for free etc. However, the fact still stands, you have been hired before and you will again.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. It was very honest and helpful. Your words will bring comfort to so many.
That's my hope, Natalie! Never waste a wound, right? All of our stories have so much wisdom for others!
Thank you for putting yourself out there to help others.
I have felt weirdly calm during this craziness, but I think it comes from getting sick last fall. It threw all my plans out the window so I’m already in the space where I’ve had to significantly adjust my expectations and plans for this year. In my mind this is just another thing I’m dealing with right now and everything you’ve said is true. You can only deal with what you’re given and you have to give yourself the grace to keep moving forward. We’ll all get through this together.
YES! Now I want to do the choreography from High School Musical. Hang in there, Lindsay!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge 🤣 I've had 'Were all in this together' going through my head all morning
Thank you for sharing this, Jen! We have had some job losses, both of us, the last couple of years. I never handled it very well.
The "thing" we were in the middle of was finalizing a DVC resale contract. I don't think we would've been willing to do that had we known the opportunities we thought my husband would have to replenish that chunk of our savings will likely not happen. HOWEVER we do have perspective that this won't last forever and someday we will be grateful for our "investment" - even if all we can afford from a Disney perspective is to get to our resort and chill poolside for a few days. I know this is a privileged perspective and I don't want to lose sight of what others are going through. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Thank you for this. Future employment is uncertain currently and I appreciate your story.
Life is hard thanks for sharing your experiences with dealing with this difficult subject. We all need to hear someone's suggestions on how they handle it so we don't feel that we are all alone. Thanks for sharing
Absolutely my pleasure, Pamela.
Thank you so much for making this video we just got told 2 days before we left for a Bahama vacation (all paid for without travel insuranc🤦♀️). My husband's factory was shutting down in 60 days. I am finding it hard to get past the unknown. What will happen and what has to happen in order for us to make it.
I'm so sorry and if your handle is reflective of your family makeup, my heart breaks for all of you. Been there and I know it seems impossible now, but you will survive this!
Great insights Jen! What a great way to contribute to the community right now. Everyone needs this on so many levels. ❤️
I hadn’t thought of it that way but thank you, Barbara.❤️
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge People are in great need of encouragement, direction, control, and most of all...knowing there's hope. There's no greater contribution than posting experience and triumph. And this video does that. Your story is a long term value, not short term such as a monetary gift. Suggestion...start making videos related to finding Joy in the Uncertainty. Besides Clinque makeup, what else grounded you? What are Joyful things did you do while living on a restricted unpredictable budget...and got ok with those things? How did you keep yourself centered and maintain sanity with your family when being emotionally stretched? These are all rhetorical questions to help build video ideas. People really need someone to relate to and permission to still find Joy and Fun while going through financial hardship. As always, love your videos. I've watched you from the beginning and you are awesome!
Absolutely the BEST thing I've heard today and since this corona crap took over. Thank you, thx you for posting this! I took a Dave Ramsey course last year, got out of debt the beginning of this year and have savings. Still working but keeping my eyes on the horizon!!!!
Thank you for telling me that, Sylvia! That really means more to me than you know. And great job getting out of debt!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Currently, we aren't going through this, but we have before and everything is so uncertain, so you never know. Everything you said was spot on. Thank you for sharing some hope.
That was my goal, Heather! Thank you!
This was truly amazing. You opening up and sharing what & how you lived through 5 years of hard times will help numerous people. We were just having the conversations with our 'boys 17 & 21' on what it means to live within your means and you nailed it. I hope your hubby gets back to work ASAP, otherwise you'll have to put him to work and have him help you out here :)
God Bless you and your family. Stay Safe.
thank you so much for your kind words! I really do hope what we went through can be put to some good. And great parenting but sadly most of us (myself included) have to live it to learn it. But they'll remember the words no matter what!
Thanks so much for sharing Jen. It is such a scary and crazy time. Sharing stories can help people work through what is going on right now. 💜
Needed this so much today
Thank you for sharing your story & these tips, Jen. I think these thoughts are good for everyone to hear right now with so much chaos & uncertainty, honestly. Thank you again!
It's true, these really do apply to any "took me out at the knees when I wasn't paying attention" situation!
Thank you for sharing all of this. Funny, we paused it to talk about what “self care” thing we wouldn’t give up. For me, it sounds silly maybe, but I am a name brand grocery person and my hubby looked at me and said “yours is that” lol - he’s prob right. He had to think hard and then we turned it on and you said “it may not be as hard for men” lol!
These tips were great and you are a great calming friend talking someone down in a potentially crazy trying time. That is a great gift! 😊
This video was great and many need to hear it. I'm thankful that my husband and I can work from home right now. Our company has been laying people off prior to this so I've had this worry. You're spot on with what you're saying - I have a life and financial plan that I worry will change. So I'm preparing to adapt.
THANK YOU! This video was just what I needed. I plan on watching it again and again when I slide back into worry and frustration. Thank you for sharing your story. Great video--it really helped! Be safe and be well!
It was so nice to hear you talk about some of the same feelings I had when my husband lost his job in 2001. I had to go back to work instead of be the stay at home mom I wanted to be... my son was 7 months old. I never did get to be a stay at home Mom. I was in a place of resentment about that for way too long. Thank you for sharing!
It took me a long time to let it go. But now, seeing the young men they’ve become, I realize that we did ok even if my raising them didn’t align with my original dreams.🥰
Joyful Living with Jen Lefforge Same 🙂
Gracious, forgiving, and kind. I needed to hear this for sure. That is a great philosophy to get us all through this current situation (and - fingers crossed - people could continue to live that way even afterwards...) Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks, Charles! It’s a hard story for me to revisit, even all these years later, so I’m glad it’s resonated with people!!🥰
What a wonderful video. Thank you. Great tips. These are very useful. I appreciate you sharing such a personal story so honestly.
Thank you Jen, I needed this video today, just got word that I was furloughed today. 😞
I am truly so sorry, Miguel. I’m glad this helped and hang in there!!!!
Thanks so much for sharing your story and tips Jen! I'm very lucky to still be able to work (at least for now) during this quarantine and am trying to prepare myself and stay aware that if this lasts a long time that it all might change. 💙
All we can do is take this one day at a time!! Thanks for watching, Mandy!
Just echoing what's already been said: exactly what I needed to hear. Not easy, but needed. For me the biggest struggle is the "let go" part, of that alternate timeline. If this drags on beyond a couple of months, our future is a big fat unknown (my husband is still working, but his small non-profit company has salary for two months; beyond that they may have to shutter for good). I'm only 10 days of not working now but already it's bugging me mentally. Working hard to find that little something to keep me going, knowing that realistically there will be good days and bummer days. We currently have a WDW trip planned for September; I'm quite optimistic that they'll be back open by then, but the longer I go not working, the harder it will be to save the money (we have a split stay at two DVC resorts, rented points, so difficult to impossible to just put off the trip...).
Amazing advice. I survived a lay-off from my company last week, and I have what some would call survivor’s guilt. I’m still trying to prepare my mindset for this possibility, and I just took the deepest breath I’ve taken in a while after watching. Thank you, Jen!
That means the world to me thank you for sharing that! And oh my goodness that’s a lot to deal with. Stay strong and hang in there!! You can handle whatever comes your way!
Hoping I don’t need this advice but boy am I glad it’s here 🥰🥰🥰
Great video. Thank you for taking the time to make it and share your experiences.
Common sense and sanity thankyou ❤️
Something we all need to reminded of right now, Norma!
Such great tips! You put things into perspective for me ! Thank you!
Thank you so much!
I know this is helpful for a lot of people so thank you!
Thank you for sharing this very real story. 💖
Been there done that! Life in the Railroad family is the same!
Is it really? I didn't know that! Crazy!
This is you at your best! Excellent job.
Amazing. Insightful. Vulnerable. Timely.
Thanks so much, Kristina!
Very thoughtful of you to share your advice.
When we bought our house in the mid 80’s, I was a mid-level engineer for an aerospace/defense company and my wife a manager in a city government. We lived relatively frugally. I sat down one day and figured out that our $120k loan would amount to $430K for a 30-year loan. I told myself that I would rather pay a little more income tax each year than to give that money to the bank. With savings from our combined income, I was able to, after much persuasion, convinced my wife to pay off the loan in the late 80’s. The main reason being volatility in the defense industry that was subject to each presidential election cycle. Our twin sons were born in 1990 and I got laid off in 1991. After 3 and half years I was finally able to get a job with the state government. Without a mortgage payment during that period and with my wife’s income alone, we never had to dip into our remaining saving.
I supposed that is a rather extreme example of worst case planning but with the extra $300k we got the boys through state university without them having student loans.
That was some serious great planning on your part! You were very lucky that was an option and it’s a great example for others!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge The operative verb being "frugally". I know this is no the norm.
So so so so so so good. Thank you, Jen! You always give the best advice. This is why I sometimes think of you as our RUclips Mom! 😂 But for real. Emergency savings are life savers.
I gladly take on that title, Kayla!! Love to you both - hope you're doing really well.
Great video for people going thru these scary uncertain times! 🙏🙏🙏
This is a very encouraging video Jen. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing. Excellent points.
This is a great video for so many reasons, thank you!
This video is so good. Very good recommendations
I hope it's helpful!
Jen thank you for this video!❤❤
Excellent advice once again!
I really, really needed this today. Thank you💕
I'm so glad you found it encouraging, Dawn. Hang in there.
Your 10 tips are awesome but I think one important thing was left out, make sure to save 6 months at least set aside for emergency fund because we all know crap happens and if you aren't prepared then panic will surely happen. If you aren't the main source of income in the family, I would be very embarrassed to spend the hard-earned money purchasing expensive bags, shoes, and stuff but then again that's just me. People can look good on the outside but actually broke and debts coming out of their eyeballs so set your priorities right people, that's just common sense.
I loved the British accent 🇬🇧!
Great share Jen! ❤️
Thank you for sharing this ♥️♥️