I worked all my life from 18 to retiring at age 62 in the Oilfield.
I was laid off from Roughnecking in 1985. I had started in the oilfield in 1978.
We had been married a little over 3 years and was poor.
We had just had our first born son.
We moved back to East Texas to be near both sets of Parents.
I think it took me about 3 months to get another job.
But as it turned out, it was a blessing because I moved from the Drilling Industry to Building, Starting Up and Operating Sour Gas / Sulfur Plants and this led to me getting on with a major megaoil corp.
Looking back, being laid off and changing direction to getting into Engineering/Construction/Operations was a crucial fork in the road for ms gamboolgal and I.
But at the time, it was terrifying and I remember that I felt so helpless and frustrated. I was willing to do anything to take care of my young family. The not knowing was hard. I did not sleep good and was in a bad mood - I remember that even though it was near to 40 year ago.
I would not wish it on anyone.
Had it not been for family, we would have had it much harder.
It is a terrible feeling to be a young Dad and not able to have a job to support your family.
I am pretty sure that going thru that made me much more better able to calm myself down the rest of my career when I would get pissed off and think about quitting - I would remember back to not have a job and how I felt and that would put things in proper perspective.
I was never laid off or quit a job ever again - looking back now, it was a good experience that I would not want to go through ever again.
I feel for every man who wants to work but is unable to work.
To everyone who is laid off now, especially you young men with young families - hang tuff and try not to get depressed.