Mona Cook:  

I am still living in Springfield. I guess I must like it here or something, because I decided to build a new house a year and a half ago right here in our cozy little burg. I have a beautiful daughter who is my best friend. She is married to a wonderful young man who is a teacher, and when she graduates in June of this year, she will be a teacher as well. I can't believe she's already going to be graduating from college! Exactly 30 years after I graduated high school. Geez. Time flies. In October, 2008, I was laid off after 16 1/2 years from a Title and Escrow company in Eugene because of this horrific economic downturn in the Real Estate Industry. At first I was absolutely devastated; partly because I got zero severence, and partly because I didn't want to have to start over at my age, but I am so happy to be rid of that place now. When I look back, I realize how little respect that company gives some of their employees, and how much better other companies are...especially the benefits. When I first got laid off, everyone kept telling me, "someday you'll look back and realize that this is the best thing that could ever happen to you." I can honestly say now that it is. The employer I work for now is so much more professional, and the benefits are incredible. I get 160 hours sick pay...my old company topped at 48 hours. And from day one, I have the same amount of vacation that it took me 5 years to reach at my old company! And after working for my new company for just one year, I will have the same amount of vacation that it took me 15 years to reach at my old company! And since I absolutely love to travel, that was very important to me. I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you're one of the unfortunate ones who has been laid off recently, don't despair, something more fulfilling is just around the corner. Or if you're unhappy with your career, it's never too late to start looking around for something better. But most importantly in my story, after 47 years, I found the love of my life. He is an...Expand for more