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I’m sitting here at my computer and listening to President-Elect Barack Obama’s first press conference since the election Tuesday. And, I’m sitting on the edge of my chair.
This disaster of an economy has left my family and my business shaky, scared and wondering what 2009 has in store for us. So, naturally, the President Elect’s messages are really important to me.
Good start. He says that the economy is the first thing he’s putting his efforts into. Exhale.
I’m sure I’m not the only one listening, nor the only one finding herself in this precarious place. Today, enough receivables came in that I can meet next week’s payroll and I could pay our home mortgage. That was a miracle, because the businesses that are our clients are struggling just like us, and often don’t pay us right away. Three of them went beyond 30 days last month.
Oh, God. He actually just said that “the dog” is a major issue! Really, not.
On Monday, I told one of my staff that if more business doesn’t come through the door in the next two weeks, I need to lay her off. It breaks my heart, because everyone on our staff is immensely dedicated to our company, and Adrienne is our best cheerleader. But, because she was the last one in, and because little work coming in right now is for the stuff she does, I needed to make a decision I didn’t want to make.
You see, I’ve gone through all of our reserves, have taken out a second mortgage on our house, have depleted our entire personal savings, have laid off my husband from our business, and the only choice I have is to put someone else out of work.
So, President-Elect Obama, I’m listening to each and every word you offer. I want to know how you’re going to help me, my family, my business and those I care about. I realize this is a huge expectation for you, but you’re the only thing I have to hang onto.
And, I’m not alone.
Laurie J. Storey-Manseau is owner of StoreyManseau, LLC, a marketing agency in Concord, NH. She is the author of WIMS - Walking In My Sleep.