Subprime Blogger done in by collapsing bubble
In one sense, it’s reassuring but in another, it’s unnerving. I refer to my last employer, a real estate broker in business for 34 years, and at times the biggest in this city. I ran his maintenance department. If it broke, we fixed it. If it grew, we fertilized it, mowed or trimmed it. If it was dirty or trashy, we cleaned it, recycled it or dumped it. Our commercial building consisted of about 100 employees or realtors.
A year ago, all my employees got laid off. Finally, I did too, in May. I got rehired for part of September when they moved all the upstairs offices to the first floor and consolidated at half the company’s original size.
Today I learned the brokerage is shutting down completely. The broker is going to go back to being a realtor for somebody else.
So my downsizing had nothing to do with performance. I knew that, but a nagging doubt remained. Now it’s confirmed that the housing collapse is taking down big, longterm players. At one level, that’s reassuring.
But at another, it indicates that my field has shrinking opportunities locally. And when potential employers call for references, who’s going to answer?
I’ll be headed to several temp agencies Monday. Overall, this just sucks.
And, btw, if you haven’t contributed already, please consider a donation today. I’m still well short of the December bills. I’ve spent 5 weeks blegging with a target of $950-$1000 and I’m still $350 short, which is needed for utilities and transportation so I can make it to January 1.
Even $10 or $20 will help me reach that goal and I need it by Sunday, so I can bank transfer it in time to pay the bills w/o late fees.
If you can help, please do so. If not, thanks for considering it.
Update: As of 6 pm PST on Friday, 12/7, I’ve received $160 in fresh donations. Thank you folks! I’m now just $190 short of the target.
December 7th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Good luck, and thank you. I hope you reach your goal, and i am happy to help.
December 7th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Here are a few more bucks. Good luck with staying afloat.