[BlueMondaySkipper]

First of all, keep your chin up. A positive, can-do attitude is essential going forward.

I was fired from a job of 10 years back in 1999. After a 9 month interim job, I got a new one that paid way more, and today I'm earning about 4 times what I was earning at the place that fired me. The first days are tough though. For me it started with coincidentally locking my keys in my car on the day I got fired. Standing in the parking lot holding a cardboard box with my stuff in it looking at my keys in the ignition was brutal. Hey former fellow employee, I just got fired and don't work here anymore. Do you have a coat hanger? Ouch

I live in Wisconsin too and I can assure you that vacation time is earned and they owe it to you no matter what the circumstances. Not so with sick time or personal days, that's why i always take my personal days prior to my vacation.

What is your area of expertise and where do you live?

[Volunteer]

It is good to read about a person who has been through this and succeeded! Thank you for posting.

I actually live in Green Bay, WI. My area is Behavior Analysis and I work with people who have Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness.

Until today, I worked for a small company that provided residential services to these folks.