You just got your furlough notice... Never fun, but you are not the first one, and unfortunately you won't be the last one either! Read-on for some advice from one of our pro99
“What a bummer. What I can
tell you is that I went through a whole emotional process. I
was angry and sad and then hopeless (cried about giving up flying)
then finally got my head straight and decided that it was temporary.
Maybe a few years temporary but still temporary.
Get
details on unemployment and enroll as soon as possible. You
paid into the system so use it. If you were based in another
state be sure to let the unemployment office know, you may have to
apply in both states. Also look into the Federal Workforce
Investment Act funds for potential training (sometimes type
ratings). Go to the local Career Center and use their
resources! I was trying to find a career in Solar Power field
and quickly learned that the industry was too new and entry level
positions just weren't there at the time. I then had just
registered for accounting classes at the local community college.
A friend of mine in HR for CBS said that accountants are always in
demand. I don't know if you have skills from a previous job or
not. I didn't, nothing current anyway. One of the most
valuable items to me was the Job resource center. They helped
me identify skills from aviation that transferred to other areas.
Task management for example and holding the big picture.
I
took a month off, Sept. to not worry about anything. I
gardened, spent time with my family and just thought about stuff.
Then a game plan started to materialize. I also laid the ground
work to get my instructor's cert reinstated. Part 141 schools
were still functioning at the time. Some good advice that I
got, was to keep flying somehow. Long gaps are a career
killer. My plan was to work at a regular job, and instruct
enough (or rent airplanes) to accrue 100+ hours a year.
Something is better than nothing. I also called my prior
company (Ameriflight) to see if they needed a relief work and luckily
they did during the peak season, so that was 3 weeks worth of full
time work.
Also when I finished my mental vacation I put a lot of
energy into job hunting. I contacted people I hadn't spoken to
for years just to let them know my situation. I looked at local
flight departments and made cold calls inquiring about contract
work. I did everything I could to find another flying job.
It did pay off, thankfully.
Remember, it's not personal! All
I can really say is for now be open to whatever emotions come up.
They are natural and need to be experienced, probably, so you can
move on. Being furloughed may have some silver linings. I
know my family is much better off since I was commuting to reserve
(which I'll NEVER do again) and this new job may be absolutely
perfect. We shall see.
Make sure you put your application in
at all the places that may be still hiring. Also update it once a
month.
Financially, here are a few things I did: forbearance on
student loans (interest still accrues but it's one less payment),
PG&E has a CARE program (10% off), called my Mastercard company
and asked for a lower interest and got it (!), reduced my cable
service. I also asked my Mom for a bit of help $150 a month
gift, which she was able to do. It made the difference between
making all my bills and not. I also asked for a small loan
until unemployment kicked in, which she was also able to do.
I'm fortunate that I had some help. My husbands job is secure,
thank goodness, so we are all on his healthcare now and probably
won't ever change again. If you are healthy, then health care
can be an expense to do with out for a while, using the city's family
planning and clinics maybe. That is a very personal choice and
I don't know your situation.
Please take it one day at a time for a
while and enjoy the time off. I'm sure it's been stressful at
work and leisure time is needed. Your union mayby of help to
you too. Not sure.
Good luck and please keep in touch.”
Wendy