Another Victim of the War Economy

My dad was laid off today.

So that makes me, dad, and thousands and thousands of others around the country out of work in this most inhospitable of job climates.

Forgive me but this is out of control. Myself I can handle. But Dad? Who's next? Bon Jovi? The pope? Is anyone safe anymore?

Unlike me, Dad wasn't given any notice. No, whereas my employer had the decency to give me two months' advance notice and a severance package, my father was just called into his boss's office, on a Friday, and told to pack his stuff. No warning. No package. No passing go. Just an awkward mumbled excuse and a "business is business."

So yes, I do consider myself very, very lucky.

I mean, me, I'm off to New York in five weeks, off to a new start, a new life in the quintessential American metropolis. I've applied for exciting positions at huge pillars of journalism and right now anything is possible. I am serious when I say that my situation, while unfortunate on the surface, has really been a boon, a great motivator to improve my life.

But what about Dad? (Or Pops, as he's known in certain circles.) What will he do? And how should that affect what I do? I know Mom is all devastated over my imminent Floridian exodus, and now this. I can't help but feel that I'm turning my back on my parents.

I've just got to go.

It's not as if I have a job lined up or anything. It's just something I have to do. I can't waste my days away, jobless, in the hot Florida sun, sweating and drinking my severance away.

Oh no. I need to go, to hit the mean streets of New York City at top speed.

There's not a minute to waste.

My end date at the Herald is August 18. By August 19 I want to be on a plane to New York.

So... Who's coming with me?

Comments

[vea]

My mom was laid off too. and a lot of people I know. and someone very close to me had her car re-possessed. I'm thinking before the year is out someone I know may lose their home.
This is awful.

but on the bright side, I'm going to nyc in august. I'll see you there!! seriously, jaks and I are headed there right around then.

[Alisha]

ME TOO!!!
I'll be in that car!

you're not abandoning anyone. I felt like that when I left Miami and still feel like that cuz it's hard times.
But you just gotta do what's gonna be good for you.
That's really all a family (unresentfully jewish) can ask for.

[Aunt Barb]

I'ld go if I could! After all, it's where this story all started. It's all good, my sweet nephew. Hey, you were really good in the video, who knew? Love, B

[Aisha]

You've gotta go, Bray, if that's where you think you should be. You are the hero of your own life's story, and you have to follow your bliss (Joseph Campbell's philosophy ... advisor to George Lucas). Lead with your heart and use your intuition (yes, men have it, too). It will be like someone is guiding you from one place to another ... follow it. That's what I have done in the last decade or so, and it has brought me incredible adventures. Good luck, kiddo. You are on your way!

[twinsis]

I'll be there, that is, as soon as I can book that free flight through My Faves!
It won't be the same around here, but we may even see eachother more! LOL.............
Hopefully we can hand out for the next 3 Weds.
Anybody want to buy a car that doubles as an accordian?

[twinsis]

My post finally gets through and it has a typo ! O boy,should have edited it!
That's hang-out!

[Birdy]

I'm excited for you! I live in England and visited NY last year. Boy what a great place. Your dad will be fine. I have a friend who is 59. She lost her job in a real estate office one day and got one in another the next. Be optimistic and go for it.