Soundgarden and Bill Withers played in the background today for most of the day…

I can’t imagine what job seeking must be like these days. This article calls out that roughly 60% of CFOs at companies have pessimistic views of the economy (they believe we will be in a recession as soon as the second half of this year).

Whether this administration forces a recession on us or through shear self-fulfilling prophecy, the likelihood of accelerated layoffs because of corporate austerity or actual economic events is becoming more real.

Since the elections I’ve amped up my rainy day fund savings and can’t shake the feeling that I need more. I had made some assumptions around ACA benefit needs but in researching the numbers tonight around coverage for me and my family here in the state of Nebraska, the outlook isn’t great: If I lost my job tomorrow I would be looking at anywhere from $1400-$2800 per month in healthcare premiums. Nebraska just doesn’t participate in ACA in the same way more progressive states do.

This is bananas. I am fortunate, and privileged, in that I work for a tech company (which also means highly volatile) and that I still have a job. I am considered a high performer in my current role. But I can only hope for the best and plan for the worst, and the ticking hands of that worst clock appear to be moving closer to that dreadful hour.

I am not economically rich, far from it. I am rich in the important ways, I have a wonderful wife and beautiful son, they help counter that clock and fill me with joy every day. All I have to do is show up for them every day and do one thing.