Becoming a Statistic

It occurred to me the other day that our family has become the oft-cited stereotype of this recession: My close-to-50 husband has lost his well-paid management job and his former very-part-time-job wife is working full-time (well, except for the benefits part; I am getting 5 days of sub work a week).

What this reinforces is that behind every stereotype is a very individual story; something we know, but we often forget.

I have to give my husband props for how upbeat he’s been and also for the fact that he knows I’m used to picking up a lot (constantly) when I’m home and that a clean house is important to me. I wouldn’t say he’s been keeping it exactly as I would, but I also realize I’m a bit of a clutter nazi and I could stand to chill a little. He does a really great job. He’s sure not a beer-drinking, belly-scratching sloth wasting his day in front of Jerry Springer!

I must say that if you find yourself thrust into full-time work you could do worse than subbing. Other than the occasional day from hell, spending the day with students leaves me pretty energized and I actually work the mythical 7+1/2 hour day people erroneously think teachers work (I’ve not ever met a decent teacher who can actually plan and grade during those hours). That leaves me plenty of time in the afternoon for a long walk with friends or a bike ride with my husband—and if I felt like cooking dinner I would totally have time to do it.

The part that is off-kilter though is the timing—all the signs in the economy have been so much better that I think most people who were just recently laid off (and we’ve talked to a few) naively thought they’d dodged the bullet.

I suppose there might be a lesson in there (don’t ever feel safe? it can happen to you?), but sometimes you’re just too busy trying to figure out your next move to take the time to figure it out.

Comments

[Busy Bee Suz]

There is always a lesson....in everything.
From this clutter nazi, I applaud Mr. Fix it for keeping things going at home.
I hope he finds a fulfilling job soon.

[Smalltown Mom]

I know things will look up. Meanwhile, maybe he can make dinner?

[allmycke]

Yes - there's a lesson in everything.
I've also become part of the statistics over the last few months - and am mustering courage to write about it.

[Manic Mommy]

I think the shock for us was/is how long it's lasted. Andy's been out since 11/30. We figured December was a given but that things would move along nicely in the new year. My lesson has been that snowstorms, Mid-East unrest, Japan and God knows what else all affect this fragile, global economy more than we care to admit.

Welcome to Q-2. Fasten your seatbelts!

[green girl in wisconsin]

It's never easy when the pendulum swings your way and smacks you off-kilter. Your attitude is so positive in the face of it.

[Jenrantsraves]

I would say that your husband ROCKS!
Glad you are getting a lot of sub work. That will help with the finances and you're getting lots of experience. So, do you know ahead of time which school, and what you'll be teaching? My mom used to sub, when I was younger, and it made her a nervous wreck, but maybe it is different now?

[K]

That's wonderful that your husband and you have both worked so hard to make it all work.

My MIL subbed once her children hit school age and seemed to really like it.

[Aunt Snow (g)]

Good for your husband. He is meeting a big challenge the right way.

And good for you - what a contribution you are making, both in the life of your family and that of your students.

[Slow Panic]

I think we are all getting the idea that things are safe now. Yet I know several people that have recently been laid off.

We do need to remember there are very real people behind all those statistics.

[JCK (Motherscribe)]

Thinking of you.