my boss is closing the office for health reasons and gave me three weeks notice today. I've been working with him for over 10 years. Wow, right at Xmas, in this economy. I am so in shock and upset.

I'm so sorry!!

Remember to get contact info so you can use as references on your resume.

I am sorry to hear that ... losing a job is always a tough time. Just try to remember that when a door closes another one always opens. And the economy is getting better so *fingers crossed* that you can find work ASAP.

Wow! I am so sorry. Just reading the words gave me an icky feeling. Hang in there! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

It's scary, but you're not alone! The company I worked for went under in September, and I've been looking for jobs since before that (knowing that the company was on its last legs). Depending on your job preferences and skill set, you could get picked up right away.

It's tough, and support from friends and family are essential. It's especially conflicting because it's not as though you were at fault- you're not fired, you didn't quit, the job just isn't there any more.

I hear (though have not yet experienced) that a lot of companies will start hiring in the new year. Good luck!

So sorry to hear that! I was laid off in July. Make sure you sign up for unemployment ASAP so you can start collecting after you receive your last paycheck.

I hope you find something soon! Is there any way he can help you out with some contacts of his to possibly give you some leads?

*hugs* I'm so sorry. You are definitely not alone. Sending lots of good luck your way.

Oh no, I'm so sorry! What a blow at any time of the year, but worse at Christmas. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you find something very soon!

What type of business is it? Did he have clients that can now become your clients? If health reasons were the only reason it closed, is it something you can take over? Is there any way at all you can turn it into YOUR business?

thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the kind words, and my kind words to all of you facing the same situation!!

I've checked out the unemployment situation, I can apply a week after my last day of being paid.

I'm a paralegal for an attorney, I am going to start making lists of people to approach, and have already asked one lawyer I work with to be my reference.

what makes the whole thing even more emotional is that boss is extremely ill. I'm upset (of course!!) about that as well. Don't mean to be totally self focused, it's a lot to process.

So, so sorry to hear that.

Perhaps he can give you a general letter of recommendation that you can take with you to prospective employers. When my daughter was laid off about 18 months ago (along with a bunch of other staff members) the owner of the practice did that for her, giving her multiple copies to bring with her. I think it made a big difference as she got a good job about 4 weeks later.

Also, don't hesitate to network - contact everyone you know, both through this job as well as any other previous employment. This is another thing my daughter did and sure enough, one of her former co-workers from another job (who had left that company around the same time she did) was working for a company who was in the process of hiring for a new position. She got the interview, got the second interview, and then got the job. She's still there and says it's the best job she's had since she's been out of college.

As someone else stated, when one door closes, another one opens. Keep a positive mental attitude and things will fall into place.

Most importantly, don't let the stress of the situation derail your weight loss efforts. Just keep on truckin'!

I am so sorry to hear this D-W...hugs....

It is tough out there...I went to our Christmas party this week-end....

that is the only time I see everyone that works for us from office to field to customer service....

the company has downsized quite a bit....

it was a "small" party compared to the past...

hang in there....I am sure another job will come soon...

And prayers for your boss too!

thanks for the gen rec letter idea, I'm going to do that. I can't believe that *I'm* saying this, it's been hard to eat with all the stress. I'm down a lb.

thanks, Gary, much appreciated!

I am so sorry.

I have been there before. You will get through this, I promise.

J