Over 8% of the population is currently unemployed.

This is her unemployment story.

My official last day was Saturday, the 21st of April, 2012.

All that day, my last day of work, entailed was walking into a gate, turning in my multiple badges, and being given papers that said something to the effect of, "Sign here and you will get medical insurance for the rest of 2012, BUT you will never ever ever ever ever be able to sue this place - ever."

I ran the asbestos laboratory and prepped hundreds of samples...some (and some not)containing asbestos. I also prepped quite a few "reference" samples, some of which were pure amosite, chrysotile, and crocidilite (all forms of asbestos).

Honestly, I am not overly concerned about future problems with asbestosis, lung cancer, or even mesothelioma (the only non-dose-related, asbestos-caused disease); but the truth of it is it could happen to me. Are eight months of health insurance at age 34 (admittedly, an unhealthy 34) worth being potentially screwed out of health care cost reimbursement later?

Nah, probably not.

I have five more days to decide whether or not to sign. I am not sure what I am going to do, but strangely, I am not concerned. I have been oddly calm and more relaxed than I have ever been. (I was going to put a qualifier on that, but I have just now realized that I am more relaxed than I have ever been - ever.)

Admittedly, I have turned into a freaking vampire. I go to bed in the wee hours and awake somewhere around noon. (What the hell is it that allows me to switch to this schedule in about 0.3 seconds after I don't have to get up in the mornings? I really don't know.)

I have a lot going on...I had a phone interview for the local university and I think the work would be something I would enjoy. The pets I have left are doing well, my medication are fairly well-balanced, and my blood sugars have been pretty good.  

I still have that feeling - that feeling of doom just waiting for me around the corner; however, for the most part, I'm doing okay.

I'm unemployed...but for now I am okay.  

Hugs to The Band!