I went into Wal-Mart today (which I don’t normally do anymore) to pick up a few things and ran into some old co-workers of mine. Awkward. That’s why I usually try to go at night when I know I won’t have to talk to people I know. (And this wasn’t even the Wal-Mart I was fired from. It was the one I worked at before my last store.)  Now I feel so out of place in a spot that used to feel so comfortable.

Anyway, I was asked by about 4 different people, “What are you doing now? Where are you working?” to which I replied, “I’m enjoying my summer off and taking advantage of the unemployment while it lasts,” with a smile on my face. When asked how everything is going I reply, “Couldn’t be better! We’re going to Chicago in a few weeks for a business trip for Dave’s job. Then we’re going to Myrtle Beach for a week in September. Definitely enjoying ourselves!”

And all of that is true.

But what I don’t say is, “Money is tight and I sometimes wonder how I’m going to pay my credit cards bills. I’ve resorted to making money online by doing surveys and product testing. We’re further in debt than we’ve ever been before. I use coupons for almost everything that I buy because I really need the discounted price. I’m stressed and nobody will hire me, even though I’ve got a good work history and a college degree under my belt (and another one almost completed). I’m embarrassed to cash my unemployment checks because I feel like people look down on me.”

Those things I keep to myself. Because I’m too proud to admit that losing my job has turned my world upside down and has changed the way we live our life.