Submitted by Miriam Rogness, Sep 10, 2008 23:06

As a 77 year old retiree of a company who is weekly laying off more workers, I have memories of similar circumstances in the late 70's and early 80's. The depression I experienced in the first lay-off is what surprised me the most. I finished my degree during the lay-offs and was able to work as a substiture. When they called me back, I went back to the factory so I could have insurance. Now, my husband and I have the insurance we need. We would not be able to afford it otherwise. We had extension of our benefits during our lay-offs. Of course, I didn't collect unemployment benefits while I was enrolled fulltime in college. That was a great help. We had two sons in college and another who had just graduated from high school who was classed as disabled. Even with all the help, it was hard. Miriam Rogness

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