Laid Off

I've been notified that by the end of July I won't have a job anymore. I teach a Per Diem night class so if the class doesn't fill I don't teach. It was cancelled in 2010 due to recession & no one signed up, otherwise the class always runs. I also teach summer camps in June & July. I guess next yr I'll be asked to teach again if the program is still running.
So many people have blown off my news as "oh well..."& it floors me. I've taught this class for 17 yrs & now basically bec of finances they cut the program. I guess people think that if I only teach one night a wk that it really wasn't a job. But to me it was my life & I dedicated countless volunteer hrs to it bec no one else would. It was my responsibility bec no one else knew how to do it. I'm so sick of people saying oh that's too bad & onto the next subject or just ignoring me all together.
The loss of this small job has devistated me. My H says you can look at it either the glass is half full or half empty & I'm always empty. Is it so much to ask for a little empathy from others that this has really hurt me?
I should also include that I could now teach this class thru my own private studio. I'd be my own boss & to everyone else this is an opportunity for my business to take off. Yes, on paper this looks good.
But I'm not a business person & don't wanto be pegged as just a teacher which is what it'll turn Into. My mental illnesses make me useless. Making a go of it scares me to death bec of failure & the constant nagging I have of being plagued w/the feeling that I'm not good enough. It really takes all the joy out of the class if it becomes based on making money. No one sees it this way or understands it.
I feel like such a total failure in my life. I have no direction or drive to do this on my own.

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I just want to say, you're not a failure and this situation isn't my fault. It's kind of eerie to read about your situation because at the time your work wants to lay you off, I was laid off last year. When I told people, they acted exasperated or even yelled at me! I told my mother that I got laid off and she acted like I was a failure and it was my fault! I couldn't believe it. I mean really who imagines getting laid off in their 20's?? Who imagines a lay off, period???

There is a sheer lack of compassion and empathy to those who have lost their jobs. I think people are treating it like it's like the common cold but losing your job has so many ramifications. Financially you suffer, personally, with friends, etc. It affects your whole life.

Is there a dislocated worker program you can join through the workforce center? I would talk to them about your options and what kind of resources are out there. Help DOES exist, but you have to ask the right people and ask the right questions.

((((Patagonia))))))
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of this position! It is really hard and is far from easy as if your feet have been pulled out from you. However, this is not your fault and in no way makes you a failure. You have been able teach despite and with MI for some time, which is commendable. There is nothing that will prevent you from either finding another teaching position or something else that you find of interest unless you let it prevent you from moving forward.

If you no longer want to teach, consider what else you want to do; if it turns out to be teaching, so be it. It is one of the most admirable professions. Take some time to regroup and figure out new options and meanwhile do what you need to take care of you. Hang in there and know something will be out there if that is what you want!

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your job and the lack of empathy surrounding you.

Thanks everyone. I figure I need to decide what I'm doing by September. Hopefully by then I'll feel better.

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