Some of you know that Richard unexpectedly got laid off from his job several weeks ago and wasn't able to find another one right away. That put us in the wonderful position of having to remember that we need to rely on God for everything and that, oh yeah, we're not self-sufficient. Always a tough but good place to be.
Well, after a couple weeks of unemployment he did indeed find a job with a company that's subcontracted to work on the 35W bridge. Cool. I took the kids out there the other day on Richard's break to watch the construction. Moses was freaking out yelling, "BEEP BEEP!!" (his words for "truck" or any sort of heavy equipment). It's pretty amazing to see a bridge being built. If any of you have the opportunity, and especially if you have a young boy, go over to the 10th street bridge and hang out for a while. And wave to Richard if you see him.
We're so thankful that God provided a job for us again. But then yesterday when Richard got home, he told me that they were going to require the guys to work more hours. I was in shock, because Richard already has to work from 6am to 6pm, Monday through Friday, and 8 hours on Saturdays. How much more can you work? I'll tell you how much more:
TWELVE HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
Yes, that's right. Twelve hour days and no days off. Although his foreman did say he was going to try to work out some kind of rotation where they'd get one day off every two weeks. Gee, thanks.
Turns out the guys working for the general contractor are working around the clock in 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week, and they need Richard's crew to keep up with them. I really can't believe this is legal.
The upside: 4 hours of overtime pay every weekday, plus time-and-a-half all day Saturday, plus double-time all day Sunday. We figured it will come to something like $9,000 a month in take-home pay. Yeah. That'll help with a down payment for a house! But I'm really questioning if it's worth it. Richard having no time to recuperate and rest, not being able to go to church, not being able to golf... (that's a joke. I mean, he really won't be able to golf, but that's not the end of the world. At least not to me.) And I'll basically be a single mom to three kids. What happens when I can't say to Richard, "here, take them for a couple hours so I can have some peace and quiet, before I go crazy!"
Richard's guessing he'll only be doing this for about 2 months, maybe 3 max. "Only". Still, I think we can survive that long. And really, there's no other option unless he quits. So please, please pray for us if you think of it this summer. And if you see me at church with the kids and we all look slightly unkempt, you'll know why.
4 comments:
Glad to hear Richard got another job - but wow! how tough. We will certainly continue praying for you guys. From one extreme to another! I so wish I was there to "take the kids" for an afternoon! Hang in there Sis, and make sure you get the rest and break you need to stay sane - for every one's sake!
I can take the kids! We live sorta far, but you can drop them off some morning if you need to run some errands. Call me!
Let's figure out some playtimes this month - hey, at least once should be doable, right? :) We'll come over or something...that way you can either slip out of the room for a nap or walk or...whatever! :) Keep your chin up, though, I know it's tempting to get discouraged. Our God is in control, friend!
Ugh... that's all I can think of right now... it seems everyone else has covered the encouraging thing... I'm just gonna feel sorry with you.. And I'll pray for you!!!
Blessings blog friend!
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