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What should i do about my dad losing his job?
I'm a sophmore in highschool and I don't really know what to do or how to react to my family's recent situation. My father just lost his job and is currently being paid a severence for the next 12 weeks. We are immigrant citizens and neither of my parents have college degrees. My mom isn't working and probably will never because she speaks very little English. When my dad told me he was fired I was in shock and i still am. I haven't really talked to him about it nor have I done anything about it. I don't know what to do I looked up online and got people saying how I should get a job to help support my family but Im too young and the jobs fit for my age group are filled I can't even drive by myself yet and my parents wouldn't allow it anyway because I'm a girl and they want me to stay sheltered and let them do the work but I can't do nothing I'm really worried about how my life's going to change and I know how selfish it sounds but this is the first time this is happening to me and it's weird. I see these things on tv and on the news all the time but I didn't ever think it would happen to me. Please, what do I do? I don't know anything.
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I think it is admirable that you want to jump in and help out during this time. You need some grandfatherly advice and since I am of that age I will give you some.
First if your dad is receiving a severance package it means he was not fired for cause. Meaning he has done nothing wrong to cause him to lose his job. Something happened at the company he has worked for to cause them to no longer need all the people they have working for them in certain positions. While yes they are firing people it is considered being laid off without possibility of recall.
There is a big difference between being fired for cause and losing ones job because the job no longer exists. Which is what it appears is your father's case. While the job market is tight it will be easier for your father to find work understanding that he was not fired for cause but let go because the company no longer need him. People fired for cause have a harder time finding work than your dad will.
Next it is not your place to go out and support your family. Your job is to continue to go to school and get the best education this country will provide you. It is even more important now that you get the best grades you possibly can so that you can apply for scholarships and grants to attend college. For your parents will have to dig into savings if dad is out of work more than the 12 weeks he is being paid to stay home and look for work.
I know this is unsettling for you but you cannot let it bother you. IF you are 16 or older it is possible to get working papers, requires parents and your schools permission, to work at a part-time job. If you do find a part-time job you cannot let it interfere with your school work. Maintaining your grades must come first.
Your job now is to remain calm, be supportive to your parents, be on your best behavior and attend to your school work. I know this does not sound like much to you. You will have to trust me when I say if you can do all this and if you have younger siblings you can care for and keep out of trouble you will be supplying more help than you realize.
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You shouldn't stress out about it. My family is going through the same thing. My dad lost his job and then ended up in an accident that landed him in the hospital and my mom doesn't work either. In my town, it's ridiculously hard to find a job so I'm still struggling. We've already filed bankruptcy on the house though and currently on food stamps. Anyways, all this to show that you're not alone and you shouldn't worry. Your family will get through this.
You shouldn't stress out. It's your parents jobs to work and your job is to focus on school. It sucks and I know you really wish you could help out but the best way to help is to be positive. Lots of people are losing their jobs. So just stay positive, don't go spreading around that your dad lost his job, and focus on school.
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Talk to your parents about it. Don't just sit around and be worried. Chances are he will find work. It may not be as good as his last job but he will find something to keep you all going until he can find something better.
You don't need to get a job. Your job is going to school. Don't panic, talk to your parents about your fears.
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