I don't want this to be a negative thread at all....but reality is whatever is happening in the world is affecting my whole family (siblings - no parents):
Younger brother, 43, in NE BC - just got notice this week that he'll be laid off in May (Western Coal is shutting down their mines, even though their recent merger with an American company was supposed to keep things running)
Older brother, 49, in NE BC - has a cattle ranch and can't sell anything at a decent price. First because of the Mad Cow scares, now the economy....
Sister, 52, in Southern Alberta, near Calgary - manages a new seniors living complex that isn't open yet (was supposed to be open a year ago but construction keeps getting delayed). She's been doing "paperwork" all this time....
Me, 47, at the end of January, Southern BC - recently sold my flowershop and I'm now helping the new owner in any way I can (Arlene will be joining FlowerChat soon). Besides helping Arlene, especially at busy times, we also have our own business that we hope will pick up steam (music/arts lessons, professional recording) this year. Gave up on the giftshop - nothing from "China" is selling, plus the school/giftshop is nestled on the "second-hand/discount" street in town and we just can't compete with their prices - December was our worst month EVER. Hoping to attract local artists to rent retail space, have a mini gallery and will experiement with re-selling musical instruments and arts and crafts supplies that people don't want to "give away" at garage sales. Started holding jam sessions on Sunday afternoons.
I will likely get back into graphic design from home (never really left it), focusing on print and web design. I also have a journalism background so I may re-discover new uses for writing/editing again. I am passionate about using my skills to do anything I can to stay involved with the floral industry....honestly, after dedicating my LIFE to it as a flower shop owner for five years, it's pretty darn hard to just 'let it go' and I can not image feeling as passionate about any other industry.
Worst case scenerio: we'll rent out the house and go on the road. While my hubby entertains and I sell flowers at festivals! Hmmmm...carefree flowerchild...kind of like the sound of that.
In a nutshell, seems like change is everywhere and the best thing I can do, while taking care of my family, is focus on: 1. Stay Positive. 2. Keep growing. 3. Help others wherever/whenever I can.
I hope this thread will encourage others to share the challenges they are facing. Sometimes it really helps to just write it out to somebody who will read it.
Younger brother, 43, in NE BC - just got notice this week that he'll be laid off in May (Western Coal is shutting down their mines, even though their recent merger with an American company was supposed to keep things running)
Older brother, 49, in NE BC - has a cattle ranch and can't sell anything at a decent price. First because of the Mad Cow scares, now the economy....
Sister, 52, in Southern Alberta, near Calgary - manages a new seniors living complex that isn't open yet (was supposed to be open a year ago but construction keeps getting delayed). She's been doing "paperwork" all this time....
Me, 47, at the end of January, Southern BC - recently sold my flowershop and I'm now helping the new owner in any way I can (Arlene will be joining FlowerChat soon). Besides helping Arlene, especially at busy times, we also have our own business that we hope will pick up steam (music/arts lessons, professional recording) this year. Gave up on the giftshop - nothing from "China" is selling, plus the school/giftshop is nestled on the "second-hand/discount" street in town and we just can't compete with their prices - December was our worst month EVER. Hoping to attract local artists to rent retail space, have a mini gallery and will experiement with re-selling musical instruments and arts and crafts supplies that people don't want to "give away" at garage sales. Started holding jam sessions on Sunday afternoons.
I will likely get back into graphic design from home (never really left it), focusing on print and web design. I also have a journalism background so I may re-discover new uses for writing/editing again. I am passionate about using my skills to do anything I can to stay involved with the floral industry....honestly, after dedicating my LIFE to it as a flower shop owner for five years, it's pretty darn hard to just 'let it go' and I can not image feeling as passionate about any other industry.
Worst case scenerio: we'll rent out the house and go on the road. While my hubby entertains and I sell flowers at festivals! Hmmmm...carefree flowerchild...kind of like the sound of that.
In a nutshell, seems like change is everywhere and the best thing I can do, while taking care of my family, is focus on: 1. Stay Positive. 2. Keep growing. 3. Help others wherever/whenever I can.
I hope this thread will encourage others to share the challenges they are facing. Sometimes it really helps to just write it out to somebody who will read it.