Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The times they are a-changing

Sorry, I've been a bad and absent blogger again. I will try to do better in future.

I'm sitting here watching the BBC news about the collapse, exactly twelve months ago, of the American bank Lehman Brothers. A collapse which pushed the world into financial meltdown. Over the last few days I've been reading that governments over the world are starting to say that the corner has been turned, that their countries are heading out of recession. It has even been suggested that Gordon Brown will say the same about the UK this week. Whether Britain is heading in the right direction or not, it comes too late for many people who, through no fault of their own, have lost their livelihood.

On Friday Hubby and his business partner will shut up their company for good, forced out of business by events out of their control. They operate in a construction industry heavily hit by the bursting of the property bubble and the work has disappeared to the extent that the company is no longer solvent enough to trade legally. As I was also employed for a few hours a week we will lose all our household income and, given our ages and my health issues, future employment prospects do not look rosy.

Now this may be a great opportunity to do something we will enjoy more and for me to get more help in my role as a carer, but it will also be a huge challenge. I need to start making some proper money from my writing rather than giving it away, for publishing credits and experience, as I have up to now. But I'm not sure how to go about this, how to get my foot on the ladder.

Ideas on a postcard please.

8 comments:

Helen said...

I've sent you an email. x

Jenny Beattie said...

Well I'm not sure I know either Cathy, but I do want to wish you and your husband all the very best luck. Big hugs, JJx

Beth said...

Oh, no. I had no idea things were bad for you - let alone this bad :(

I hope this works out for the best for you. I'm sure it will, even if it's difficult in the meantime. Good luck honey xx

HelenMWalters said...

Difficult times indeed. Sorry to hear about your husband's business, that's really sad.

I hope it does turn out to be an exciting time for you and your writing. I'm sure you can do it.

Kate said...

Sorry to hear about your husband but I am wishing you luck. If you ever need marketing or PR advice feel free to email

Kate x

Casdok said...

So sorry to hear this. Hope you get some ideas from your wonderful blog friends.

Anne Brooke said...

I don't have any wisdom at all, I'm afraid, but I'm thinking about you all loads. Love & big hugs

Axxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Cathy said...

Thanks for all the kind messages.
Cx