'Don't ever give up'
- Name: Renee Baker, 42
- Place: Mooresville, N.C.
Once you go through as many layoffs as my family has endured, the damage is done and you're trying to rebuild yourself. We've had three layoffs in our family since 2008 (me twice and my husband once).
I always try to stay positive and keep going.
My career has always been in administrative work, and after losing a job last year, I was devastated. I almost lost my home. Then, my car broke down, and now I have to rely on rides from my mom.
Not too long ago, I applied to be an office manager at a company that makes die-cast replicas of race cars. About 180 other people also applied for the job. I already knew a lot about racing and die cast cars, and I came to the interview with a PowerPoint presentation prepared. I was offered the position in early March!
I love it. It's something you can go to everyday and enjoy and learn. I want to be able to grow and stay with the company. I'd like to build my 401(k) and have a long-term plan, so I can retire down the road. I've never had that before.
My family is doing better, but I'm wishing I can get back to where I used to be. We're still in a situation where we're struggling.
Don't ever give up. Look at all I had to overcome. Just never stop pulling from your inner strength.
