The Hikin' Mike Update Thread

“Mike I haven't posted on this thread before but you have been in my thoughts. What happened to you, could happen to anyone, out of the blue. We just have to believe that God will supply the grace and strength that we need, to persevere in the face of suffering.

I lost a good job a couple of years ago and many other aspects of my life went bad around the same time. I have felt pretty sorry for myself on occasion, thinking that things will never get better.

But when I am able to get outside with someone I love, and feel the wind and sun on my face, and look up to the beautiful blue sky, I always feel hopeful again. I pray that you will have moments of joy, that keep you from becoming too discouraged. Someday, things will be better for all of us, we will look back on our trials, and see how they have made us stronger.”

“Mike thanks for the update! Keep strong, your doing great.”

“Mike - Thanks for the update! Sounds like a rough month. You have been in our prayers.”

“Sounds like time to start planning a trip. Good luck!”

“Mike, it sounds like a lot of stuff piling up at the same time. Was the job one you liked? Or is there, perhaps, a silver lining on that particular cloud?

Hopefully, the company is offering some severance pay. A friend of mine got laid off, along with a bunch of co-workers. She fought for higher severance and got a lot more. Everyone else just took what they offered. She also got unemployment for a long time because she enrolled in some college classes. Advocate for yourself, if that makes sense to you.

Keep walking down that hall to the computer. TT isn't the same without you.”

“Thanks again.

I absolutely loved my job. It's like losing a close friend. They are offering a severence pay...one week for every year. I've been there for a total of 12 years, but unfortunately left for 4 months after 5 years, so I get 7 weeks.

I don't know how long I can collect unemployment but I'm hoping it can be extended since I'm currently on disability and unable to work anyway.

I have to put my surgery and recovery first, before job hunting. My hope is to get a job closer to home, but I don't know if that will be possible.

This has certainly been a test of Faith!

One side note...My doctor has yet to okay me to take a shower. It's been about 6 weeks since I've been able to have a total shower. Cleaning up by the sink is getting old...but I think of it as an adventure! :)
last edited: 5/13/06 4:18:15 PM”

“Hikin Mike. Oh sorry to hear about the trying times. You are in my prayers. I hope it all works out.

Kick butt!!!”

“Well, darn then, about the job. Perhaps, they'll be ready to hire people back when you are ready to go back to work.

Sounds like thru-hiking hygiene.

I'm sure it has been a test of Faith.”

“While you're getting better, maybe it will work to take the unemployment period to start your own photo business?

As I recall from a period of unemployment in the past, in the state where I was located, there were some kind of rules that let you make money that didn't add up against the unemployment paid, or maybe it was extended time for schooling? Dunno for sure, but if you were trying to start your own biz, you got some advantages. Maybe check that out on your end.

Thoughts are with you. Keep on keeping on! :-)”

“Still prayin' for ya, buddy!”

“good luck mike”

“I'm still planning on selling my photos as I can. I'm also going to look into taking a few classes at the local JC this semester.”