Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Here Until 2014!

About a month after arriving in Japan, we got news that the Navy was going to do lay offs. They were reviewing the records of 16,000 sailors in 31 overmanned rates and would be cutting 3,000 people. In case anyone has been under a rock, the US is in a financial crisis and the defense spending was one of the first things to go. Less defense spending equals a smaller force.

Basically, the US has reduced the defense budget yet people aren't leaving the military. Really, though, why leave? The job market is hard out there. So in order to get some movement in the ranks, people had to go. You can read more about the lay offs here:

From the Stennis Blog
Admiral's Blog

So to get back to the story, shortly after arriving in Japan John was told he was part of the group being considered for the lay off. We would find out in October 2011. If we were laid off, we would be told to go home by September 2012. Of course anxiety set in for me. We just got to Japan. We're just settling in. This was huge.

John and I discussed our options. We always want to prepare for the worst. We talked about buying a house in Las Vegas (cheap prices) and him going to school full time. It was really scary for me not to know. Then they pushed back the date they would inform everyone. October turned into November. More waiting.

Finally yesterday we were told we are here until 2014. We were not part of the 3,000 being laid off. Wow! This is amazing! So, if you're reading this and want to come visit you have until 2014 to do it!

1 comment:

  1. @_@ Oh girl don't tempt me to come see you. I really should though...who knows when my next chance would be. My hubby has family in Hokaido but he is still paying arrears so no passport for him. I would hate to visit a new country all alone or not knowing anyone.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.