I was hoping this year was going to be better for me, but seems it has just gone from bad to worse. last thursday I found the company I work for had been put into the hands of an administrator and we were to finish up at the end of the day.No news on our entitlments for another two weeks ,but Im not counting on that. I had worked there for 15 years, so its a big shock to the system. Im sitting here over easter stressing how I'm going to survive all this. I am 60 years old in a few days, I have a wife and grandson to support and like many Australians we struggle living week to week. I do have a trade, but at my age is going to be tough to find work. I do have the caravan if things get real desperate, so a least we have a roof over our head. Because of our grandson (7 year old) living with us we are not in a position to hook up and hit the road at this time,so I will be doing my best to find work asap.I know your all probably thinking how could you work for so long and still be living week to week,all I can say is this is my second marriage and its hard to start again from scratch on one wage.I feel embarrassed and useless at the moment but I just needed to type this.
I hate to think about it but I guess its off to centerlink wednesday.
DellieMay said
07:55 PM Apr 24, 2011
Rowdy.... you'll find any that judge you are not worth the time of day. Very few would judge you, on this forum. There's no need to feel embarrassed, or useless. It is'nt your fault the company is in difficulty!!! I don't think there are too many of us raring a grandchild at your age. Hold your head high... hang in there.... and be proud of yourself!!!! I, for one, admire you for what you are doing. The enormity of caring for your grandchild outweighs anything else. Chin up mate. Dellie
jules47 said
08:01 PM Apr 24, 2011
Rowdy - I feel for you - I cannot imagine rearing a 7 year old at my age - and of course the trouble is the older they get the more they cost - keep your head up high, go to Centrelink - they are not that heartless - they will help you, you will be ok in the end - just take each day as it comes, don't worry what other people say - they aren't in your shoes.
dazren said
08:13 PM Apr 24, 2011
Sorry to hear that Rowdy i have been in similar situations once when i was 45 and again when i turned 50 i to was feeling down, scared and useless, But you know what something turned up, depite my age i had a good work record and history and respect from people i had dealt with over the years, and you know what !!! there are a lot of companies out there that want good , reliable, expereinced people, as it is also to their advantage to employ someone who is reliable, and wants to work, So please stay positive and try to not to worry to much [ i know it;s easy for me to say !! ] in the meantime go to centrelink next wednesday, mate after 15 years with one company you have proved your a worker, and entitled to anything you can get from them, as there are a lot of bludgers out there tht have never put anything in but take it all out becuase they know how to use the system, In the meantime, please keep talking to your family, freinds, or even your fellow forum members here, so please stay positive minded, keep your chin up, and GOOD LUCK. dazren
Firefly said
09:16 PM Apr 24, 2011
So sorry to hear that Rowdy but there are no judges here mate, only friends wishing you all the best. x o.
Ma said
09:21 PM Apr 24, 2011
Ditto Rowdy. You are among friends here mate.
robell said
10:39 PM Apr 24, 2011
All you will get from me mate is admiration, at your age to be careing for a seven year old takes a lot of guts and love, more power to you, you hold your head up and go to centerlink, you have worked all your life and paid taxes to help your country, so now let your country help you. Good luck mate i hope it all goes well for you and your family. Cheers, Rob.
-- Edited by robell on Sunday 24th of April 2011 10:40:43 PM
Sheba said
11:38 PM Apr 24, 2011
Welcome and Good Luck Rowdy.
Have you thought about homeschooling on the road for your grandchild ? Shouldn't be too hard at his age, and you'd be more used to it by the time he was a teenager.
A lot of families are doing it that way.
Just a thought.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Sunday 24th of April 2011 11:39:23 PM
Zoomtopz said
06:57 AM Apr 25, 2011
Hey Rowdy - YOU Hold your head high Mate .
please remember this little cliche'
Those who matter don't mind , those who mind don't matter .
How many moons have they walken in your moccasins-
yeah I know - I got a Yank Mrs , so I can get away with it at times .
Mate are others judges , are You a judge - STOP judging yourself .
Yeah , I've done it , I don't now . I've walked away from my past .
Oh it was honourable - there was so much sh*t in it though , like .
I just went through my facebook messages , a friend put John McDermott's
version of The Band Played Waltzing Matilda , I'm glad "they" we not there to
welcome me home either , as lonely as I felt when I got back from Nam in 71 .
I was glad in 81 , because I was divorced , kicked out with what I was wearing.
Hang in there Matey.
Richo
Helena said
06:59 AM Apr 25, 2011
Know how hard it can be especially when you have always worked for everything you have got don't feel embarassed or ashamed you are doing a good job rearing a 7 year old it takes a lot of guts and love to do that you go down to centrelink on Wednesday with your head held high and a smile on your face, as members on the forum have said we are all right behind you Rowdy. Good luck. Helena.
rowdy said
07:54 AM Apr 25, 2011
Thank you all for your support,it means a lot to me.I will try to stay positive andI will keep you posted on my progress
Gerty Dancer said
08:25 AM Apr 25, 2011
Thats tough Rowdy! You have every right to feel shocked and grief-stricken, it all so sudden. But embarrassment is something we learned from our Grandparents who thought it something to be proud of to refuse government help. Times have changed. Go easy on yourself!
Go to Centrelink!! You'll find they will be much more helpful than you expect, theres all sorts of perks they will help you with, especially expenses for your Grandson.
In a former life I was once in a position where I had an old car, and everything I owned was in it, plus $2000 in the bank. No partner, no home, no job. I survived with the help of friends and centrelink, (in those days they were very intimidating) and now not too much scares me. Granted I was younger and had no dependants, but I think i understand what you are going through. I look forward to your progress reports
Ma said
08:45 AM Apr 25, 2011
My two Nieces and two Nephews were home schooled while my brother and his wife, with the kids in tow did a circuit of the island.
They continured on with the home schooling after 3 years in the bus.
Those children are now adults, all with university qualifications and good careers.
Admittedly my brother was about 20 years younger than you at the time Rowdy but he is now looking to do it all again with his daughter, her husband and her three children. He is now in his 50's (my brother) and he still maintains that the best education that you can give your children, apart from the basic three R's) is an education in life.
Seems to have paid off her him and his kids, so hang in there Rowdy you never know what's around the corner. All you have to do is be "open" to any situation or opportunity that may present itself.
-- Edited by Ma on Monday 25th of April 2011 08:46:44 AM
Travel Bug said
10:04 AM Apr 25, 2011
Rowdy, I really feel for you. Such a rotten thing to happen after 15 years at the same job.
I seriously doubt that anyone here would judge you. Most of the people on this forum seem to be graduates from the university of life...and because of this they are well aware that s**t happens to the best of us.
Wednesday morning, head straight for Centrelink and don't feel bad about it in any way. Just be thankful that we live in a country where there is a safety net in place to help in these circumstances.
Full marks to you for rearing your grandson...but as others have said, why not think about the option of home schooling and hitting the road. It is well worth looking into and what a wonderful education it would be for him. It could also be a fresh start in life for you and your wife.
Keep us posted on what happens and best of luck with whatever you decide mate. Cheers. Pam.
gubby said
11:09 AM Apr 25, 2011
Rowdy I'm sorry to hear about your setback, but tomorrow is another day. When I was doing my apprenticeship (Many years ago) an old tradesman said to me "no one ever starves in Australia". Keep your head up mate, you've done the hard yards, don't be to proud to ask for assistance, head into centrelink and lay the worry on them, you've earned it.
Head Up and keep smiling....
jack biggles said
12:17 PM Apr 25, 2011
rowdy, I hope you soon reap the rewards of all the good vibes being sent your way through this forum.
dogbox said
01:36 PM Apr 25, 2011
had the same thing happen to me many years ago retrenched on christmas eve with no warning no money in the bank no family other than wife an 3 kids most of friends in the same boat could do nothing for 4 days due to public holidays back then most places closed down for 2-3 weeks worst days of my life we had to tighten up real tight. shock, depression an stress eats you up. you can't see an light at the end of the tunnel we got thru it but not sure how. just take a step back an take each day as it comes try an find some thing possive to focus on an remember things might look bad but they could be worse
Happywanderer said
06:50 PM Apr 25, 2011
Thinking of you rowdy, good luck and get to centrelink first day they open which will be Wednesday. You will have all the necessary paperwork which will show you were put off. I don't see a problem with getting payments.
Cruising Granny said
07:51 PM Apr 25, 2011
What a mongrel act! So much for loyalty to your employer. I bet the bosses aren't redundant. I'm so sorry to hear your news, and I do understand where you're coming from. I know it's hard, especially at this age, and with a young child in your care, the pressures are even more intense. Get on to Centrelink and get referred to a JobSearch agency to find you a job within your area, within your skills and capabilities. You are entitled to assistance, and assistance to get another job is better than the dole or menial financial assistance. They brag about keeping "older" Aussies in the workforce, so now is their opportunity to put their money where their mouth is. All the best, don't panic, and keep smiling.
rowdy said
11:28 AM Apr 26, 2011
I have no grudge with my employers .It was a small company with only five employees and they are in the same boat as me,they tell me that they tried to keep us on till after easter but the administrater wouldn't allow it. They have to hand over the keys , their cars, mobile phone,laptops, and walk out next wednesday with a weeks pay.However they should have warned us earlier that they were in trouble so we might have been able to find other jobs or at least prepair for this. Any way thanks again all for the support ,I feel a bit better after reading all your kind comments, I think I might drop in to my local MP and quiz him on how they plan to keep older australians in work,maybe he will give me a job.LOL
-- Edited by rowdy on Tuesday 26th of April 2011 01:40:41 PM
-- Edited by rowdy on Tuesday 26th of April 2011 01:41:48 PM
Cruising Granny said
07:45 PM Apr 26, 2011
I don't know what your skills and trades are, but I'm sure you could find something in your vicinity. Unfortunately it's a fact of life that age may be the enemy. That's why I recommended going to Centrelink to get the referral to the agency who will look for work within your capabilities and skills. Of course you can go on the hunt by yourself, but there's the time lapse to consider. How long can you afford to not be working?
milo said
11:55 PM Apr 26, 2011
thats rough mate, is there any way you could get some kind of payout or something from the company?
Wombat 280 said
08:45 AM Apr 27, 2011
Hang in there mate, time will change and as a tradie your in the front of the bus for a restart
beachball57 said
09:10 AM Apr 27, 2011
second marrage **** man i'm on my 3rd and had to start all of them from scratch, it may seem dark just now but trust me you'll get through this, may take a little time but turn this negative into a positive it's not easy but it can be done, you may think you have no chance to find work at you age in the trade that you have so if thats the case think out side the square and have ago at something different, (someone told me that very thing not so long ago,,, thanks gran) like i said it may take a little time but it'll work out you'll see
beachball57 said
09:12 AM Apr 27, 2011
Cruising Granny wrote:
What a mongrel act! So much for loyalty to your employer. I bet the bosses aren't redundant. I'm so sorry to hear your news, and I do understand where you're coming from. I know it's hard, especially at this age, and with a young child in your care, the pressures are even more intense. Get on to Centrelink and get referred to a JobSearch agency to find you a job within your area, within your skills and capabilities. You are entitled to assistance, and assistance to get another job is better than the dole or menial financial assistance. They brag about keeping "older" Aussies in the workforce, so now is their opportunity to put their money where their mouth is. All the best, don't panic, and keep smiling.
thought you were going to broome ?
glassies said
06:20 PM Apr 27, 2011
sorry to hear rowdy , but im sure it will all work out, centrelink should be there to help you after all youve worked all your life for this country paid your taxes, im pretty much with the rest of them home schooling sounds great dont know your situation much but ide be hooking up that van and taking off at your age, and see a bit of the country you will find work c/van parks etc.
and your grandson will most likely have to be dragged out kicking and screaming as kids do to leave there friends but i tell you what he will love it in the end meeting different people and seeing different places.
good luck can only come to you rowdy.
stay safe and i truly believe you will be looked after
jack biggles said
12:51 AM Apr 28, 2011
beachball57 wrote:
second marrage **** man i'm on my 3rd
THREE Marriages!
Talk about a glutton for punishment. I was married once, never do that again cost me a small fortune. I always use to joke with her when she would mention divorce that dead women can't get alimony.......in the end I was just standin there with the cheque book out asking, "How much money do I have to pay to make you go away" .
-- Edited by jack biggles on Thursday 28th of April 2011 12:52:02 AM
I was hoping this year was going to be better for me, but seems it has just gone from bad to worse. last thursday I found the company I work for had been put into the hands of an administrator and we were to finish up at the end of the day.No news on our entitlments for another two weeks ,but Im not counting on that. I had worked there for 15 years, so its a big shock to the system. Im sitting here over easter stressing how I'm going to survive all this. I am 60 years old in a few days, I have a wife and grandson to support and like many Australians we struggle living week to week. I do have a trade, but at my age is going to be tough to find work. I do have the caravan if things get real desperate, so a least we have a roof over our head. Because of our grandson (7 year old) living with us we are not in a position to hook up and hit the road at this time,so I will be doing my best to find work asap.I know your all probably thinking how could you work for so long and still be living week to week,all I can say is this is my second marriage and its hard to start again from scratch on one wage.I feel embarrassed and useless at the moment but I just needed to type this.
I hate to think about it but I guess its off to centerlink wednesday.
Chin up mate.
Dellie
So sorry to hear that Rowdy but there are no judges here mate, only friends wishing you all the best. x o.
Ditto Rowdy. You are among friends here mate.
All you will get from me mate is admiration, at your age to be careing for a seven year old takes a lot of guts and love, more power to you, you hold your head up and go to centerlink, you have worked all your life and paid taxes to help your country, so now let your country help you. Good luck mate i hope it all goes well for you and your family. Cheers, Rob.
-- Edited by robell on Sunday 24th of April 2011 10:40:43 PM
Welcome and Good Luck Rowdy.
Have you thought about homeschooling on the road for your grandchild ? Shouldn't be too hard at his age, and you'd be more used to it by the time he was a teenager.
A lot of families are doing it that way.
Just a thought.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Sunday 24th of April 2011 11:39:23 PM
Hey Rowdy - YOU Hold your head high Mate .
please remember this little cliche'
Those who matter don't mind , those who mind don't matter .
How many moons have they walken in your moccasins-
yeah I know - I got a Yank Mrs , so I can get away with it at times .
Mate are others judges , are You a judge - STOP judging yourself .
Yeah , I've done it , I don't now . I've walked away from my past .
Oh it was honourable - there was so much sh*t in it though , like .
I just went through my facebook messages , a friend put John McDermott's
version of The Band Played Waltzing Matilda , I'm glad "they" we not there to
welcome me home either , as lonely as I felt when I got back from Nam in 71 .
I was glad in 81 , because I was divorced , kicked out with what I was wearing.
Hang in there Matey.
Richo
Thats tough Rowdy! You have every right to feel shocked and grief-stricken, it all so sudden. But embarrassment is something we learned from our Grandparents who thought it something to be proud of to refuse government help. Times have changed. Go easy on yourself!
Go to Centrelink!! You'll find they will be much more helpful than you expect, theres all sorts of perks they will help you with, especially expenses for your Grandson.
In a former life I was once in a position where I had an old car, and everything I owned was in it, plus $2000 in the bank. No partner, no home, no job. I survived with the help of friends and centrelink, (in those days they were very intimidating) and now not too much scares me. Granted I was younger and had no dependants, but I think i understand what you are going through. I look forward to your progress reports
My two Nieces and two Nephews were home schooled while my brother and his wife, with the kids in tow did a circuit of the island.
They continured on with the home schooling after 3 years in the bus.
Those children are now adults, all with university qualifications and good careers.
Admittedly my brother was about 20 years younger than you at the time Rowdy but he is now looking to do it all again with his daughter, her husband and her three children. He is now in his 50's (my brother) and he still maintains that the best education that you can give your children, apart from the basic three R's) is an education in life.
Seems to have paid off her him and his kids, so hang in there Rowdy you never know what's around the corner. All you have to do is be "open" to any situation or opportunity that may present itself.
-- Edited by Ma on Monday 25th of April 2011 08:46:44 AM
Rowdy, I really feel for you. Such a rotten thing to happen after 15 years at the same job.
I seriously doubt that anyone here would judge you. Most of the people on this forum seem to be graduates from the university of life...and because of this they are well aware that s**t happens to the best of us.
Wednesday morning, head straight for Centrelink and don't feel bad about it in any way. Just be thankful that we live in a country where there is a safety net in place to help in these circumstances.
Full marks to you for rearing your grandson...but as others have said, why not think about the option of home schooling and hitting the road. It is well worth looking into and what a wonderful education it would be for him. It could also be a fresh start in life for you and your wife.
Keep us posted on what happens and best of luck with whatever you decide mate.
Cheers. Pam.
Head Up and keep smiling....
we had to tighten up real tight. shock, depression an stress eats you up. you can't see an light at the end of the tunnel
we got thru it but not sure how. just take a step back an take each day as it comes try an find some thing possive to focus on
an remember things might look bad but they could be worse
I'm so sorry to hear your news, and I do understand where you're coming from.
I know it's hard, especially at this age, and with a young child in your care, the pressures are even more intense.
Get on to Centrelink and get referred to a JobSearch agency to find you a job within your area, within your skills and capabilities.
You are entitled to assistance, and assistance to get another job is better than the dole or menial financial assistance.
They brag about keeping "older" Aussies in the workforce, so now is their opportunity to put their money where their mouth is.
All the best, don't panic, and keep smiling.
I have no grudge with my employers .It was a small company with only five employees and they are in the same boat as me,they tell me that they tried to keep us on till after easter but the administrater wouldn't allow it.
They have to hand over the keys , their cars, mobile phone,laptops, and walk out next wednesday with a weeks pay.However they should have warned us earlier that they were in trouble
so we might have been able to find other jobs or at least prepair for this.
Any way thanks again all for the support ,I feel a bit better after reading all your kind comments, I think I might drop in to my local MP and quiz him on how they plan to keep older australians in work,maybe he will give me a job.LOL
-- Edited by rowdy on Tuesday 26th of April 2011 01:40:41 PM
-- Edited by rowdy on Tuesday 26th of April 2011 01:41:48 PM
Unfortunately it's a fact of life that age may be the enemy. That's why I recommended going to Centrelink to get the referral to the agency who will look for work within your capabilities and skills.
Of course you can go on the hunt by yourself, but there's the time lapse to consider. How long can you afford to not be working?
is there any way you could get some kind of payout or something from the company?
thought you were going to broome ?
country paid your taxes, im pretty much with the rest of them home schooling sounds great dont know your situation much but ide
be hooking up that van and taking off at your age, and see a bit of the country you will find work c/van parks etc.
and your grandson will most likely have to be dragged out kicking and screaming as kids do to leave there friends but i tell you
what he will love it in the end meeting different people and seeing different places.
good luck can only come to you rowdy.
stay safe and i truly believe you will be looked after
Talk about a glutton for punishment. I was married once, never do that again
cost me a small fortune. I always use to joke with her when she would mention divorce that dead women can't get alimony.......in the end I was just standin there with the cheque book out asking, "How much money do I have to pay to make you go away" . 
-- Edited by jack biggles on Thursday 28th of April 2011 12:52:02 AM