There are a lot of our friends and neighbors who are dealing with some really bad news. Job loss hit some 260 of them Thursday when the USG plant at Southard revealed what had been rumored for quite some time – the place is shutting down.
Now these folks are wondering how they are going to make it through this private disaster.
I believe the first thing is not to panic. Now, I don’t think for an instant that Okies are prone to panic. They have had to hold on through too much for too long to be panicstricken pearl clutchers. We’ve (I consider myself an Oklahoman by choice) overcome the Dust Bowl, the Depression, outlasted droughts, and calmly watched as tornados hopscotch through the state. Remaining calm is in our DNA. But a reminder never hurts.
Second, do everything you can to learn what resources are available to you. Marshalling those resources should probably come before beginning a job search. Once you know what your severance package and unemployment benefits will be, you have a better idea of how soon you need that new job.
One of the front page stories outlines suggestions on what to do with the money you do have coming in. A lot of it is common sense, but it isn’t always easy to see the forest for the trees when you’re in a tight spot. Read it and use it and any other reliable information you can lay your hands on to make it through this tough time.
Cutting expenses is a given, but this might not be the right time to stop smoking or chewing. Don’t get me wrong, I fully support stopping tobacco use. But people are already under a tremendous amount of stress, so maybe kick that can down the road a bit.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is the Oklahoma Standard. We are proud, strong, resilient and resourceful people. We are the first to help our neighbors, literally with the shirt off our backs if need be. So don’t be afraid to ask for a hand when you need it. There are churches, organizations and non-profits whose mission include helping people just like you or me in times of need. And the need is real.
Most of all, don’t let the circumstances rob you and your family of hope and joy. Tough times never last, but tough people do.