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[JJMelzer]

So Jenny and I have been doing this writing job for a while now for this company on a bunch of blogs. 10 months, actually.

Last night we get told that cutbacks are happening and writers are no longer required. Boom! Just like that I'm out of work. It wouldn't be so bad if we weren't in the process of trying to get married and pay for all the Visa stuff from immigration we need to get. Now we have no idea if we're going to be able to afford everything on time, or what we're going to do.

This is only the second time I've ever been out of work since I started busting my ass at 15, and it really really sucks. I can't move to the states and get married until the visa shit is sorted out, which means I have to keep my apartment in Toronto at $1000/month, and now my roommate is moving out.

So yeah, this is just the pits, and I need to yell and scream and cry out of frustration. Things were looking up, everything was moving forward, and now this. It's a fucking nightmare, to be honest with you.

Where do I go? What do I do? We stayed up until 2 am trying to figure it all out, and we decided to take the weekend off and just say, "Fuck it," for a couple of days, and then get back on the horse on Monday and try and find new writing gigs.

Anyway, that's what happened to me last night. Thanks for listening.

Peace!

~JM

[Brian Black]

Wow...

It always happens like that too.   You're all happy.  The universe is in the palm of your hand...and suddenly someone stuffs a funnel down your throat and takes a steaming shit.


Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if you had a bit of a warning first, you know?  But no one ever gives a warning.   They just pull out the death card and think life is peachy.    It's happened to me before too.   I don't think there's any advice to really give a person in this situation.  Just have to listen and let them get it out.


Me...I just do everything I need to do and feel sick about it all the time.   Hopefully you get let it out a lot better than I can.   Vent more.  I'm sure people here will listen.   

[JJMelzer]

Thanks, Brian. I appreciate the kind words. I haven't thrown up yet, so I guess that's a good sign.

I wrote a more detailed blog post on my website for everyone, with a way for folks to help us out if they can.

You can read it all HERE.

Cheers,
~JM

[Rakie]

blargh, that sucks.  Hope things start looking up for you soon.  We're always here if you need someone to vent at.  *sends hugs*

[Permuted Press]

Man that sucks.  You guys are multi-talented though, I think you'll find something fast.

[Bobbie]

Oh, no, I'm so sorry.  

Doesn't the fact that you publish your work in the United States make you eligible for  a temporary work visa?  These visas are renewable.  I don't know, just a thought . . .

[JJMelzer]

Thank for the kind words everyone, and to those that have contributed to the Chip In fund, thank you so much. It means a great deal to us both, and goes a long way toward keeping things positive in an otherwise depressing time.

Bobbie - We've already started the process for the Marriage Visa, so to switch it now would be more expensive. I appreciate the thought though, as it's something we've considered. 

~JM

[Victorya]

So sorry to hear that James, losing a job sucks, especially when you're used to working.  I wish you the best as you move into the next stage or your career, may you get an even better job!

Annnd, looking at immigration laws and stuff, may I suggest getting married now to make the rest that much easier?  Seems the road to immigration isn't bad once the knot is tied.  Also, if you're Iraqi you don't have to pay any fees, so search through your family tree!

[frank]

Maybe this won't sound too much like it's easy for me to say.  It's been almost a year since I had steady paying work, but things have muddled along and I'm taking the chance to reach a lot more seriously for that second career.  Be on the lookout for something you might have rejected when you felt like you were set.  It is hard to lose security and all the plans that go with that, but you are also as free as you will ever be to try something new.

Best of luck.  Don't forget who you are and carry on.

[Zombie Zak]

Dude; that hits the major suck button, that does.

I don't have much in the way of suggestion or advice, except to say that, yeah, take that weekend off, forget about it for a bit, and then try to re-asses with clear (and recharged) minds.

[HOO-HAA]

Hey James, one word (if it even is a word). GRR. As someone who believes immigration is a money-spinning fiction, I feel very bitter on your behalf. Hang on in there - things will pick up for you both.

So, was the blog job your main source of income? I thought you managed a video store as well?

Anyway, kind thoughts heading your way from Ireland.

PS Sent you a PM about the other thing.

[prutig]

Argh, you have my condolences, James. 

Web savvy as you are, have you thought of setting up a webinar?  It might be a good way to pimp your writing experience and earn some extra cash.  I've been wanting to do one myself for awhile.  An adult education class might also be a good way to go.

[HOO-HAA]

As someone who believes immigration is a money-spinning fiction, I feel very bitter on your behalf.

Just to clarify what I mean here: I'm talking about immigration control. I don't think anyone has the right to exclude another person from occupying land mass. Land is not something we have ownership over - land is the property of the common man. That's why I referred to 'immigration' as a fiction.