Last March at work we learned that about three quarters of our co-workers were being laid off and that their jobs were being outsourced to Slovakia. This brought great concern to many of the remaining employees.
I began looking for another job almost right away. The thought of not being able to make payments on my debts was more stress than I could deal with at the time. I applied for several jobs. One that I applied for, I had connections in the HR department. Another, I was referred by the vice-president of the company. And on another I had many connections and previous experience with that company. I had many interviews but no luck. I concluded that I was being turned down due to a lack of degree. With so many out of work these days, I don't think companies can even consider someone without a degree.
It was a pivotal moment in our lives. We knew that going back to school for me was a must. But how? We had too many bills that we couldn't afford for me to not work and I didn't think that I would be able to handle the stress of attending school full-time while working full-time. My job was getting more stressful by the day and I was literally a basketcase. I had been with the company for two and a half years but I knew I wasn't going to last much longer. We finally figured out a way that I could quit my full-time job and go back to school.
After careful consideration we decided to sell our newer cars and pay cash for a couple of older cars. This was one of the best choices we could've made. By selling our newer cars we got rid of two car payments and we were able to get rid of two additional debts (a grand total of about $830 a month in payments). I gave up my 2006 Nissan Sentra and Brad parted with his 2008 Honda CRV.
Brad found an old truck (something he's always wanted). It's a 1967 Ford F100 pick-up truck. He's only the third owner. The gentleman he bought it from had had it since 1969 and it only had 66,000 miles on it when we got it. It still has the original engine and transmission. It is Brad's pride and joy. The find was a one in a million. We only paid $1750 for it.
Before the paint job.
And after the paint job
Brad found me a 1988 Honda accord for $1400. I didn't want a car because we live close enough to the school for me to walk there. However with all of the events I get hired at I need transportation and the bus isn't really an option for those. And, not long after all this happened I got my pizza delivery job back and my little Honda is the perfect Pizza car.
