Kind of worried my husband lost his job yesterday.

[Kona65]

Our Disney trip is 100% paid off to include mnsshp tickets. Our trip is in 98 days and not sure what to do I am worried.

I don't know your financial condition, but I would put your families well being ahead of a vacation that you can take at another time. Even if your husband gets another job (and he will) he might not have enough vacation time built up to take this trip. If you can cancel the trip, and get your money back, or get some of your money back and move your deposit to sometime in the future, I would consider it. Good Luck.

 

[tndisneyfan]

We went on a trip in '03 just six weeks or so after DH lost his job. If I had it to do over I doubt I would do it again. The trip was already paid for so our thoughts were we would really only be paying for gas and food. But to me it really took a lot of the enjoyment out of the trip because we kept thinking about money the whole time. It's up to you, only you really know if you can afford it or not. In hindsight I think I would've rather saved that $$$ becuase we really could've used it later.

 

[sandbmisnfla]

Sorry to hear that but things happen for a reason sometimes and hopefully this means better opportunities.
We took a big hit in pay during this economy but still found a way to make it to the mouse. Although stressful dwelling on the $$ it was still worth it in the end that we did. Its a place where you know you can look forward to a -fun-break from reality and I think we all need that sometimes.

 

[eliza61]

And no offense, but if a company doesn't understand a pre-existing plan, they're not going to offer good work-life balance. I work to live, not live to work.

No offense taken. My company is consistently rated as one of the top family friendly environments to work at by working moms magazine.
We know we are attractive because we consistently offer attactive packages, if a new employee wants to turn down an job offer because they want to take vacation, in this day and age, believe me will have 75 more choices. It's all good. It comes up a time or two usually new employees.

 

[BlueStarryHat]

There's already some good advice on this thread, things I agree with and things I don't-so I will just say go with your head on this one and good luck with the job search for your husband.

 

[eliza61]

Sigh... the heartbeat of America...

If you'll identify the company, I'll send some sympathy flowers to its employees.

Why? We just hired 4 college grads. We started them at 52 thousand, they get full med and dental. We match their 401k dollar for dollar for the first 6 percent and they have unlimited sick days and flex time. They get no vacation for the first year. We interviewed 161 people for 7 positions. Yeah, it's really a horrible situation. Bad bad company, won't let the kiddies play. LoL

 

[jdrais]

Our Disney trip is 100% paid off to include mnsshp tickets. Our trip is in 98 days and not sure what to do I am worried.

Sorry for your husband losing his job. Hopefully he finds a new job quickly. Sometimes the new job turns out better than the old.

As somebody that went through something similar I'd say you should take maybe a week to sort things out before making a decision.
For me I lost my job 6 months before our DW trip. I got severance, which might be different than your situation, but we decided to postpone our trip for a later date.

As other have mentioned you have 45 days to cancel Disney reservations and tickets.
I believe you said you used an agent so I'd check with the agent and explain the situation to see if it is possible to cancel and how far out you can cancel.
If it's similar to the 45 days with Disney you have time to decide.
If your husband gets a new job before the time to cancel he can gauge his new employer to see if he can get the time off. Based on that you can make your decision whether to go or not.
If he hasn't found anything by the cutoff, then your family will have to make a decision on what works best for you.
Again this all is based on if you can cancel.

There are a lot of variables here and not everybody's experience is the same.

Again sorry and hope your husband finds something soon.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Why? We just hired 4 college grads. We started them at 52 thousand, they get full med and dental. We match their 401k dollar for dollar for the first 6 percent and they have unlimited sick days and flex time. They get no vacation for the first year. We interviewed 161 people for 7 positions. Yeah, it's really a horrible situation. Bad bad company, won't let the kiddies play. LoL

if your company ever opens a branch in central florida please let us know


again to the OP we can all give opinions based on experiences but no one knows the job market in your area, what your DH does for a living, and even if he will be offered a job that will make giving up unemployment benefits worth it...you and he have many decisions to make take a breath and let the shock of it all calm down first Good Luck to you

 

[francie57]

We were in the same position a few years ago and did go on the trip. DH got a job about a week after we got back. We also are ones that had more than what they say to have for an emergency fund plus unemployment (in CT you do unemployment online so you don't have to report in person). As for getting hired and requesting time off - our son just did that. He is starting a new position with a large employer in the area and was up front with them about having our family Disney trip planned. They hired him without any reservations and gave him the time off without any problem. For the pp - he will be working for a company that offers full benefits, matching 401, etc. and a higher starting salary and they had no problem with giving him the time off - not all companies are the same.

 

[kapoof]

Why? We just hired 4 college grads. We started them at 52 thousand, they get full med and dental. We match their 401k dollar for dollar for the first 6 percent and they have unlimited sick days and flex time. They get no vacation for the first year. We interviewed 161 people for 7 positions. Yeah, it's really a horrible situation. Bad bad company, won't let the kiddies play. LoL

It just sounds like you are tooting your own horn, and btw 50 grand in this day and age isn't a lot, even for college grads starting, and no paid vacation the first year? Your company needs to get over itself.

 

[WeCantWait]

Why? We just hired 4 college grads. We started them at 52 thousand, they get full med and dental. We match their 401k dollar for dollar for the first 6 percent and they have unlimited sick days and flex time. They get no vacation for the first year. We interviewed 161 people for 7 positions. Yeah, it's really a horrible situation. Bad bad company, won't let the kiddies play. LoL

There are companys that offer the same benefits and don't mind a pre planned vacation. My husband started interviewing for a new company in February, was hired in April with a start date of June 1st because he had to give his current employer, at the time, 45 days notice. When he accepted the position he told them about our August vacation, since he gets 30 days paid vacation, they had no problem at all with him taking 2 weeks in August. He gets full medical, dental, orthodontist and vision and they match his 401k for 6%.

As far as taking a vacation if my husband lost his job, there is no way I would do that. Too risky for me. I know several people who have been unemployeed for a very long time and others who are underemployeed. I could never enjoy a vacation not knowing what the future holds.

 

[kapoof]

There are companys that offer the same benefits and don't mind a pre planned vacation. My husband started interviewing for a new company in February, was hired in April with a start date of June 1st because he had to give his current employer, at the time, 45 days notice. When he accepted the position he told them about our August vacation, since he gets 30 days paid vacation, they had no problem at all with him taking 2 weeks in August. He gets full medical, dental, orthodontist and vision and they match his 401k for 6%.

As far as taking a vacation if my husband lost his job, there is no way I would do that. Too risky for me. I know several people who have been unemployeed for a very long time and others who are underemployeed. I could never enjoy a vacation not knowing what the future holds.

Yep.

 

[larryz]

Why?

If you don't see it, there's nothing I can say that will illuminate you.

I wonder how flexible your company would be if we weren't in the slowest recovery from an economic meltdown this country has ever seen...

Back on topic...

As for whether or not to go to WDW while unemployed, let me tell a little story... (those who have heard it can feel free to go on about their DISing)

My company went thru multiple downsizings back in the early 2000's. My department was finally cut from 44 to 4, and I wasn't one of the 4. Fortunately, I had seen the handwriting on the wall months before, and had planted resumes across a wide spectrum of opportunities, one of which took root and sprouted, and I had already received a job offer for an opening that wasn't quite ready yet. So I took the severance package like a good little trooper, and then did the "lost job" drill -- went to the transition seminars and went out on interviews (and even got another job offer out of those).

In essence, I wasted the time between jobs when I could have been reconnecting with my family and myself. Even working with the safety harness, I didn't dare to slide over the edge into non-productivity, even for just a few weeks. In retrospect, I should have taken the time off and driven to Yosemite with the family.

OP, only you and your DH know your true situation, whether or not you've got the cash reserves to withstand a long job search -- even whether or not DH has good prospects for a quick return to the work force. If you have the risk tolerance (and a good cash cushion), then by all means, take the vacay. It's practically already paid for.

If, on the other hand, you're not certain there's another job right around the corner, or you might have to pick up and move to where there might be a job, then I'd suggest cancelling the vacay, selling the party tix, and waiting until you're back in the land of positive cash flow to reschedule.

 

[Itinkso]

The OP, ssatterly, previously began a thread saying she wanted to work for the Walt Disney Co. in HR Management because she is a chef. Maybe this is a blessing in that she can now pursue her dream and relocate her family to WDW. I'm sure she didn't intend to have people argue about employment benefits especially if she is indeed an expert in the area of HR.

 

[BenbowInn]

So sorry to hear about the job loss. No one can tell you what to do but if I were in that position I would cancel the trip rather than risk spending money that may come in handy to pay bills later on.

Another concern would be what if your husband got a new job and had to miss vacation?

Whatever you decide I hope it all works out okay for you!

 

[ashley23]

First, you could get a new job in 2 weeks or 20 weeks so don't stress over yet another variable you can't predict. Next get out of your TA situation if you can, at least for the Disney portion, and re-book directly with Disney.

There is a difference between demanding vacation time and working around a pre-planned event. It doesn't hurt to bring the issue up.

The trip is paid for. You can either sit at home that week and look for a job, or go to Disney. Either way your income that week is the same.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

First, you could get a new job in 2 weeks or 20 weeks so don't stress over yet another variable you can't predict. Next get out of your TA situation if you can, at least for the Disney portion, and re-book directly with Disney.

There is a difference between demanding vacation time and working around a pre-planned event. It doesn't hurt to bring the issue up.

The trip is paid for. You can either sit at home that week and look for a job, or go to Disney. Either way your income that week is the same.

Well, earnings may be the same, but expenses are HUGELY different. Even if the trip is already paid for, that's several thousand dollars she could have back in her savings account instead of Disney's pocket. HUGE difference!!!!!

But, as someone pointed out, she is in HR and knows all the ins and outs anyway.

 

[Kristine316]

I had a long thing written up but, I edited it out.

It wasn't on topic. I just was surprised at some of the responses to this. Surprised to know 52k starting wage is not very good... guess I am not living in the same world. In my world the US average starting income for someone with a BS is 44k and the average median family income is only 50k.. so either way you look at it, 52k starting out is pretty decent, considering what is the norm in the US.

I was also surprised to know a company that won't give someone a vacation right away is a bad company to work for... to me that idea is ridiculous.

I am curious about this now so, I am going to do my own little survey and ask those I know with employment, their company's policy about this sort of thing.. I think most companies would have an issue with a new full time employee taking off for a vacation so soon.. but, I could be wrong.
I am guessing a smaller company would have more flexibility and a larger company with policies regarding this sort of thing would be much stricter about it. I am curious to find out.

The average vacation time for US workers is 12 days.. thought I would add that considering some are saying they get way more than that in the first year. I am not questioning them.. just interjecting that the average worker in the US doesn't get anything close to that. What they experience is NOT the norm.



I feel for the OP... this is a tough decision for sure. I won't give advice because only she knows what is right for her family. For some families going on the vacation would be a great distraction during a rough patch.. other families wouldn't have any fun because they would be worried about money or they feel the vacation money could be put to better use. Its a personal decision.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

It's really not about attitude. My company starts out paying 50k to college graduates, we are one of the few that still offers pensions, we match dollar for dollar up to 6%, my employees have Unlimited sick days and we are consistently voted one of the top companies to work for by working moms magazine. So yeah, I'd be worried about someone who would give up an EXCELLENT job because they wanted to play. Only on the dis would this happen.

I don't mean to be snarly but as a hiring person I've heard so many excuses from applicants.
Why not simply wait until after the vacation to job hunt?

I have to agree with you. And I also think that only on the DIS would ppl recommend to another poster to go ahead and go on vacation when a spouse has just lost a job.

Free dining or not that seems like a total irresponsible use of needed funds. You can cancel and get back 100% of your money from Disney.

And unless your husband is going to just sit around for months collecting unemployment until after your vacation is over he very well might be offered a job before your vacation gets here.

Is that really how you want to start off a new job offer, by immediately asking for time off because you had a vacation planned?

If I were the employer I would thank the person for their time and I would move on to the next candidate. It wouldn't matter to me if I were hiring for a 50k a year job with amazing benefits or for a 20k a year job with crappy insurance. If a person needs a job to feed and support their family, that has to come first. Not a pre-planned vacation.

But I think the OP already planned on going on the trip anyway just from the subsequent posts I have seen so far. This was just a matter of wanting ppl to say you are doing the right thing by going on the vacation anyway.

I have even seen ppl come on here and say my air conditioner went out three days ago and the engine blew in my car yesterday but our vacation is in 6 weeks what should I do? And ppl will still tell them to go anyway. That this is a time you really NEED a vacation to get away from the real world and unwind and de-stress, then come back and deal with your real world problems after the vacation. It's the most ridiculous mentality I have ever seen.

 

[nkereina]

I didn't read all replies but as someone who just finished my MBA in HR Management, I would be wary about mentioning a pre-planned vacation in a job interview. Particularly if it's a job he would really want. While many employers are willing to work around it, I personally would not feel comfortable asking about it since it can be taken either way. So IMO, there is potential harm in bringing it up at that point. HOWEVER, if he receives a job offer, this would be the time to bring it up. Negotiate it into the offer. I'm not sure what kind of industry your husband is in or what kind of experience he has, but negotiating a job offer is common and if that's the only thing he's asking for, it's more probable they will be receptive.

I am very sorry this has happened and know how devastating it can be. I was laid off from a job I loved out of the blue. It was about six months prior to our planned Disney trip, which we ended up canceling. I got another job that I liked which ended up closing the company two years later. It's an awful situation but it always gets better! Best wishes to you!