My job has been a bit rough lately. I’m in academia and the university I work for has recently handed down major budget cuts from central administration. The cuts are sweeping and are affecting every department, even those that had been doing well financially (like mine!). As part of the mandatory cuts, my Department Head recently had to let go of one staff member and one faculty member.
I’ve never worked anywhere before when layoffs like this have occurred. It’s just the worst. Many folks in the office have developed personal friendships with colleagues and losing a team member means more work for everyone else. It all begs the question..
How do you all handle super low morale in your workplace?
I have a leadership role within my unit and I know others will be looking to me in the wake of these layoffs. People want reassurance that their positions are safe and there’s a whole mix of emotions right now – sad, mad, scared, etc. And just on an interpersonal level, morale is in the gutter. I don’t want to be insensitive to the situation, but is there a way to help folks cope with the losses and to move toward a more positive work environment?
I’d love to hear about others’ thoughts or past experiences. Right now is such a tough time. Inflation means so many people are living paycheck-to-paycheck. And when you know people personally – know their kids names and sports and their hobbies and interests, etc. – it makes it that much harder to lose them during economic downturns.
And at the same time, everyone wants to enjoy their workplace. We spend so much of our lives at work – it’s terrible for it to feel like an icky place to go in the morning. We’ve historically had so much comradery and our teams are so close. I’d hate to see these losses cause permanent damage to the culture of the department.
Any sage advice from others who have walked this path before?
Hi, I’m Ashley! Arizonan on paper, Texan at heart. Lover of running, blogging, and all things cheeeeese. Early 40s, married mother of two, working in academia. Trying to finally (finally!) pay off that ridiculous 6-digit student loan debt!
Starting to see and feel the progress. But I didn’t hit my goals exactly. Here are the current numbers.
Debt Description
October, 2023 Total
Interest Rate
Minimum Payment
Current Total
Payoff Date (Est)
CC - Amazon
$1,497
29.99%
$48
$743
June, 2024
Personal Loan #1
$2,500
0%
$500 (beg April)
$1,000
July, 2024
Personal Loan #2
$2,500
0%
$500 (beg April)
$1,500
August, 2024
CC - Wander
$1,630
29.24%
$75
$1,605
September, 2024
Dad - New Furnace
$2,600
0%
$500 (beg July)
$2,600
December, 2024
CC - Frontier
$3,857
29.99%
$131
$3,530
CC - USAA
$5,000
19.15%
$135
$2,742
Car Loan
$19,581
12.69%
Gymnast Pays
$16,038
Student Loans
$22,121
2.875%
In Deferrment
$22,541
CC - Apple**
$500
Paid off every month
$0
CC - AMEX
$894
29.24%
$0
$0
Mar, 2024
CC - Sams
$1,106
29.99%
$0
$0
April, 2024
Total
$61,186
$1,389
$52,299
The Details
I realize it doesn’t look like I did too much this month. However, there are somethings that these numbers don’t tell you.
My USAA CC was paid off in it’s entirety, so no interest charged. But then turned around and used it, thus the balance is lower but still significant. But it didn’t cost me anything this month. Woot, woot! Details: My auto insurance is set to auto-draft from this account which is how it’s been for a long time, and takes care of the monthly payment too.
I had a list of car maintenance I needed to do which I have been slowly chipping away at. It has new filters (did it myself so no labor,) had the coolant service, the transmission service, the serpentine belt replace, and just have a couple more things to do. Hopefully by June, all the 100K maintenance things will be ticked off. Just a sidenote: always check your mechanics bill. I am supposed to get free tire rotations since I purchased the tires from them (a couple years back.) They charged me for it this time and I didn’t catch it. It’s a pain to try to get a refund especially since an hour’s drive there so dealing with it over the phone.
Focus on Savings
Beauty and I had some money talks this week. She’s itching to get a car again, get out on her own again. Thankfully she’s slowing down and trying to make better decisions this time around. She’s more willing to listen. And she’s savings, albeit forced by me. But I believe she’s seeing how easy it is and how much confidence it gives her. And how it doesn’t hurt to save. You’ve just got to do it. I’m so proud of her.
On the other hand, I need to take my own advice, and slow down too. I’ve got to save better!
Princess and Gymnast (and the twins even) were forced to save 10% of all their income growing up. And as of right now, I would say that lesson has stuck a bit, especially with the younger two. They are doing so well on their own with their money. I can honestly say, they both know more about money at 18 and 19, then I did at 30-40. Giving myself a pat on the back for that. Their eyes are wide open. And this case knowledge truly is power.
But, back to me…
For the last couple of months, my focus has been digging out of my hole from the last year. And I’ve failed miserably to save.
But that stops now. With my next income…June, I plan to implement the same rule on myself. 10% of all income will go right into savings, not to be touched. This means, my debt pay off will slow down just a little bit. But I will build that cushion/safety net back up.
That’s where we are at now.
Work
Work is holding steady. I absolutely LOVE both of my jobs. And I’m feeling pretty confident that my 6 month contract will get extended. The owner asked me last week what I was wanting to go full time. So we shall see!? Keeping my fingers crossed.
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
