Well, many months of being 'underemployed' and stuck in a car lease I cannot afford or get out of has finally crossed my bottom line and has sent me into a downward spiral.
My home phone has finally been disconnected after months of me being able to pay only the minimum amount to keep on. This month I was finally forced to choose between the cell phone and home phone and didn't really have a choice since I have been using the cell for job hunting. Unfortunately, a job I interviewed for which I had a great opportunity to get (and was in my previous salary bracket - twice what I'm not surviving on now), was with a company which is potentially in a hiring freeze.
My driver's license will be suspended by March 25 due to a fine of $250 that I have been unable to pay--a fine which I received because I was unable to pay my $369 car registration on time.
Which may be fine anyway since I was only able to pay the January payment last week and the car is likely to be picked up (read: repo-ed) by Mitsubishi some time between now and the end of March, when the lease is finally up. I have no idea how I am going to pay the final balance on the lease or come up with a down payment on another car or even buy a junker. But no time to worry about that just yet cause,
If it doesn't already sound bad enough, my Mom has been helping me out quite a bit with the bare necesseties of life like groceries, gas, tampons (yes I have learned these are a bare necessity) but she was laid off last month so I've lost that additional support and hadn't even realized how much I had been depending on it to eat and get around.
Things I can't afford to do this week or even into the forseeable future: go to the grocery store, do laundry, get my period, keep my gas tank filled, or be too prideful to ask for assistance.
Once I am rid of the lease payment, my situation will improve dramatically, but until then I just have to keep myself from sliding even further into the hole keeping from getting new transportation and still be able to get back and forth to work.
If you have been inspired at all my this site or are otherwise inclined to help me out, please feel free to make a
Wow that sux somethin awful. I been there myself, and i'd tell you how i finally managed to get out of it all, but it'd only depress you.
Suffice it to say, it took years, and the grace of God, but honestly, and as hokey as i know it sounds, it WAS the best thing that ever happened to me.
Super Balls make the biggest bounces -- but ONLY after they hit rock bottom, and almost crack under the strain.
Pray for a miracle. Wait for it. It will be there, right under your nose, but only when you least expect it.
sure is funny how these things work...
(You are in my prayers tonight)
Posted by: Marty | March 01, 2004 at 07:09 PM
I was in that situation only fourteen years ago. I couldn't afford the lease payments on my Isuzu Impulse. I finally had to turn it in and buy an old car. The leasing company came after me for the unpaid balance, but I didn't have anything they could attach so they went away disappointed.
It took several years to get my finances back in order. After I recovered, I was more prudent about getting in debt and charging things. I paid cash for everything for many years after that.
You have to negotiate with your creditors and get some relief while you are getting your finances back in order. If they will not give you any slack, you may have to consider more drastic measures.
You will pull through this, but it will require changing how you do things. Stick to your guns and do what makes sense for you. Be brave and do not compromise your integrity.
Posted by: David | March 01, 2004 at 08:27 PM
My thoughts are with you. At the end of every tunnel there is light and it's not always that on-coming train. Easier said than believed, but this too will pass and what awaits you is way, way good.
Posted by: Melissa | March 02, 2004 at 06:50 AM
"Faith, hope, and charity; the greatest of these is hope". Don't give up hope, but at the same time, don't get so discouraged that you stop wishing for things. Most people "hope" bad things don't happen and "wish" for good things. Balance your hopes and your wishes, and you'll be all right.
Posted by: Joe Greenlight | March 02, 2004 at 11:01 AM
I am so sorry! I wish I knew what to say...
Posted by: Donna | March 02, 2004 at 05:11 PM
I know what it's like to be in that kind of situation. Just remember, this too shall pass.
Best wishes,
- Zonker
Posted by: Zonker | March 02, 2004 at 05:48 PM
I have pointed out your need for employment on my blog today. I also mentioned your abundant talents as a writer, who would be an asset to any company. I'm sorry I can't do more.
Posted by: Wayne Hurlbert | March 02, 2004 at 08:38 PM
Everyone has been so generous with their donations and their understanding and inspiring words.
I am reconnected and chipping away at that fine. I'm also incredibly inspired and really trying to reply to everyone personally.
I shall look forward to paying it back or forward when the need arises.
Posted by: tallglassofmilk | March 03, 2004 at 01:16 AM
..late to the blog, but looks like things are on the up! Having been through two redundancies in the last 3 years, there are lots of ups as well as downs. Set the goals, start the plan, and take it day by day.
Posted by: Michael | March 04, 2004 at 03:33 PM