Some people can go their entire life without experiencing a job loss (layoffs or firing) and then there are lucky people like myself who have gone through it five bloody times.

#1 started off in 2000 when I worked at a Receptionist for a Leasing company on the Island.  I wasn't there that long and they laid off a few of us due to funding.   I was young and didn't have a lot of expenses so I quickly decided to move to another province and was working for Staples so it was an easy transfer.  

#2 was in 2011.  I had left a major corporation in search of an Administrative position and to work for a much smaller company.  I did not like the feel of a 200 person office, it was very cold and not a lot of fun.  I was working for a SEO company and after 2 weeks the CEO pulled me into his office and told me he couldn't afford me (this was also 2 weeks before Xmas) and proceeded to lay me off along with a few others.  I was in absolute shock.  I had a toddler at home and had just become a single Mom.  To say this was one of the most stressful times in my life was an understatement.  And also my phone had taken a spin in the washing machine.  That also sucked.

It took me about 1.5 months of job searching to find #3 which was working for another small business as an EA.  My tenure there was longer however the CEO was called out of country for business and didn't come back for 7 months.  Upon his return I was excited to actually start working but instead he laid me off claiming there wasn't enough work for me (which was true).

Well I'm a pro now, the stress of finding a job wasn't as high.  Back on EI I went and 1.5 months later, I got a job #4 with the Entertainment Coupon book which was a huge US company in a Sales Support role.  I was super happy there and lasted almost a year until I got called into my VP's office (she was almost near tears) and told me that it was my last day.  TOTAL shock.  I left without saying much.  I knew the drill.  (I had found out later that the entire company went bankrupt and all 500 of us were jobless. They've since come back under new ownership though.

More EI.  Another 2.5 months off work (hey now I'm starting to like these little vacations.  Sure the money was tight but I had it under control and knew I'd find something eventually).  I then was hired by Clio and the start of a long (finally) tenure at a great company.  I wrote a blog about my job search back in 2013, here is the link.

Fast forward almost 4 years and I was feeling stagnated and wanted to do something different.  I weighed my options and decided to switch from software to Catering.  #5 It was a super small company run by family and while the job itself was great, it was definitely not a fit for what I was looking for.  Unfortunately some negative things appear after you are hired that you can't live with and it's not worth being miserable 50+ hours a week.  Sooo...

BACK ON EI!  

It's been 4 months of not working.  After 5 experiences with sudden unemployment, I've learned a few things and am happy to share the wisdom.  I'm hoping none of my readers ever have to experience this because it really does suck!

• Someway, somehow come up with a buffer.  ANY money will help.  I was always one (1) month ahead.  So at the end of December, I had all of my bills for January paid off.  I now recommend having at least 1.5 months ahead.  You won't know your magic # until you actually sit down with your budget and cross reference EI payments + any additional income against your bills.  I am very thankful for EI (well, it is MY own money) but depending on your living situation (roomates or not, kids or not) it may or may not cover a lot.  In my case I received $956 twice a month which basically covered my mortgage + strata.  So sit down and go through your numbers and then do whatever u have to to get your bank in the green so that when a crisis arrives, you won't be as panicky
• ROE issues can arise.  I experienced it twice with employers.  Twice my employer did not submit the paperwork and as a result, I suffered.  The last company took 3 full months to do anything which means the Government held MY money (that's right, I received ZERO dollars for almost 3 months).  Don't even get me started on a rant.  It's despicable.  There should be penalties to any business that delays this crucial paperwork.  No business should have 100% control over benefits YOU'VE paid into!!!  Since you don't have any control over what they do, you can ensure that you have copies when you leave (and make sure they are accurate!)
• Apply for EI as *soon* as you are out their door.  There is a 2 week waiting period in which you receive no benefits.  The sooner you get your claim in, the sooner you will get your moola
• File your EI reports on time (they are due every 2 weeks) again, you don't want to experience any delays
• Treat finding a job like a job.  The main three websites I use are (in order of favorite):
  • Linkedin Jobs
  • Glassdoor Jobs - also has company reviews.  Take these with a grain of salt.  Most of them are provided by disgruntled employees.
  • Indeed.com
• There are other sites but none of which I have found useful for my search.  In previous years I've considered using Head Hunters and Job Agencies but my personal experience with them (reaching out to them opposed to them reaching out to me) has been fruitless.  Some of the ads posting by job agencies are fake and just a way to get your info in their databank. Frustrating as it's not up front, you think you are actually applying for a real job.
• As time passes on, the # of postings will be less and less and you'll notice one day you have 5+ applications in and other days you'll have zero.  The market is tough! There are a lot of postings but a ton of people looking for work

And for the final update.  I accepted an offer of employment and started on January 30th.  I am beyond thrilled.

A recap of the unemployment adventure:

• I applied for 175 jobs at 175 different companies
• I had a total of 24 interviews (some at the same company)
• I turned down one horrible job offer due to compensation way below the market rate and they wanted me to take a pay cut during my probation period.  No thanks!

I'm hoping this is the last blog EVER on a layoff.  Hope you aren't going through the same thing but if you are, I do hope some of this information is helpful!

So after the fail that was Mr. Roboto, I couldn't pass up a #blackfriday deal and ended up buying a Dyson DC35 directly from Dysoncanada.ca.  I also purchased it through ebates.ca so I could get a 4% rebate.

The reg price was $349.99 with $100 off + tax = $280.54.  A bit cheaper than the iRobot.  Plus they had an expedited shipping deal, regularly $34.95 for freeeee.  [I tried to link the model # but it appears they've discontinued it so I may have gotten a clearance deal.  I tthink they are promoting the V8 in its place. Walmart.ca is still selling them but they are $298+tax)

So I placed the order on Friday,  Nov 25th expecting the vacuum to arrive by Purolator on Tuesday, 11/29.

Tuesday came and went and no vacuum.  On Wednesday I checked my email for a shipping confirmation and not only did I not receive one but the original purchase confirmation email stated 'regular' delivery.  Ack!  A quick call to Dyson's customer service line confirmed that the system did not give me the free expedited shipping but for my troubles, they would also send me a Mini Motorhead assembly (value of $35.99).  She assured me that the vacuum would be arriving in 'about 5 days'.  The website stated 5-8 days from Toronto to Vancouver.  So I figured Dec 7th at the latest.

The shipping confirmations did not come for either order but after contacting their customer service via email, I received two shipping tracking #'s.  Vacuum expected on the 7th (5 days no but we did get a bad snow storm on Monday which delayed all mail).

The 7th came and went, I called their Customer Service line the morning of the 8th and was told that they couldn't ship to my address ( a condo?!?) but it would be available at the Post Office.  She gave me an incomplete Canada Post Tracking #.  Purolator did show up later today with my vacuum so I was a happy camper.  Still waiting on the motorhead thingy though (eta Friday but we'll see since #snowmaggedon#2 is a comin' tonight.)

So now that I have my vacuum, here is the dirty (haha) details:

It was partially charged and so I decided to take it for a spin around the condo to pick up the random bits of dust bunnies and toast crumbs (thanks Mason) that were all over the floor.  It has two modes, regular and max.  Regular did just fine (has extended battery life) and the motor spun the small vacuum head faster (I think) but uses more battery power.  Did I mention that this thing is cordless!?

The weight was awesome, super easy to carry around and the no cord feature is a-mazing.  It is easy to maneuver around and under things and cleaned my floor very quickly.  I was surprised how much dirt it picked up in a quick 3 min sweep but then again, it is a Dyson.   Make no mistake, friends.  Their vacuums are worth every penny.   I had the DC14 previously and it suction never wavered.;

The two design flaws are:

The handheld design is a bit cumbersome.  The grip doesn't have indentations for the fingers (which would help) and the way my hand fit into it had the side of the vacuum pressing up against my thumb bone which after a while made it sore.  See redness below:

And that it doesn't not have an on/off switch, it has a trigger button so that if you let go, it turns off.  This happened frequently because of my sore grip.  I have no idea why they'd design it that way.  Who wants to hold a button down the entire time they are vacuuming?

I'd give it a 8/10!  It would get a perfect score if it didn't mangle up my dainty hands!

I'll add to this blog once I get the motorhead assembly thingie tomorrow (...maybe).

Friday came and went.  No delivery.  Monday...maybe?

So from what I understand, three things are happening right now:

1. The offer letter is being reinstated.
2. I need to get mortgage approval
3. I need to get my deposit 

Got a copy of the letter.  Emailed the bank with paperwork, my last two Notice of Assessments (via Service Canada online) & I contacted my Financial Planner to withdraw my RRSP.

Next, I found a great resource on the CMHC website 'Are you financially ready'  You can review it here.

Things I've learned so far.

1. This is f'n stressful, especially doing it alone!
2. Having a solid budget already created helped.  I removed my rent line and put in my mortgage + maintenance fee and then started adding in the things that I do not pay now.  It looks like this:

• Mortgage w/property taxes
• Laundry
• Gas
• Food 
• Car Insurance
• Child Care
• Sponsor Child
• House insurance*
• Car Loan
• TV/Internet
• Maintenance Fee
• Hydro
• Life Insurance 
• RESP
• RRSP
• Cell Phone

The two items that were covered in my maint fee were water & heat.  Be sure to ask what is covered and not covered!

I don't keep a balance on my credit cards so those aren't listed.  The highlights are what new items were added.  *I had tenants insurance before so this was just a switch out + add $.

So this is where I recommend starting from.  You can figure out your mortgage pmt from the bank sites by putting in the asking price (adjusting if it sells for less).  Maintenance fee is listed on the seller sheet.  I also found by googling the address that some other Realtors have more info on their webpage.

House Insurance.  There are special considerations when insuring a condo as opposed to other forms of housing tenure. You’ll want to check that your individual unit and the condominium corporation as a whole are sufficiently insured. For more information on insurance, see What property or general insurance coverage should I look for? in Frequently asked questions.

I've been using TD for years and put in an online quote, then tried BCAA and an independent.  So far the prices are coming in a bit higher than what my friends are paying for condos so I want to shop around.  I estimated it would be about $25/month.  I was paying $21 for tenants insurance.  There are a lot of extra options that my be beneficial so I want to ensure I have full coverage.

TV/Internet.  I am almost tempted to drop the TV since most can be seen online and it's an added cost.  Internet is something I haven't paid for a long time since I've mostly lived in basement suites and it's included in my rent.  I even looked at upping my data plan on my phone but it's too costly and not enough gigs.  My options are Telus & Shaw.  

After determining that the monthly costs are within my budget, there are now the home buying costs.

Okay so now for the tough stuff.  Here are the other fees you will be paying:

Monthly

1. Mortgage less down payment + CMHC fee
2. Maintenance Fees
3.  

One Time:

1. Transfer Tax (will get back at tax time)
2. Appraisal Fee (If applicable)
3. Bank drafts
4. Home Inspection Fee
5. Notary/Lawyer
6. Title Insurance
7. Moving costs (Rental truck, in/out fees)

Don't forget during tax time to claim the First-time home buyers' tax credit

Claim $5000 on Line 369 - Home buyers' amount and receive $750 as a non refundable tax savings

First is the down payment.  10% +.  I have been saving up for retirement in RRSP's since 2008 which have been doing quite well.  I figured this was the easiest way to get my downpayment and I could withdraw the money with the expectation it would be paid back.

Deposit

CHMC - CANADA MORTGAGE AND HOUSING CORPORATION

Typically lenders will require mortgage loan insurance if a borrower has a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price of the home.  To determine the amount you will have to pay if your down payment is less than 20%, click here .

Transfer tax

This is a tax that applies to non first home buyers only.  You can see how much you are saying by being a 1st time home buyer by using the calculator on this page.  Read on to see how this fee is eliminated :)

To apply you need to complete the First Time Home Buyers' Property Transfer Tax Return when you or your legal professional register the property transfer.

After you have applied you must meet additional requirements during the first year you own the property to keep the tax exemption.

This fee is put onto your mortgage and then refunded on your tax refund.

Appraisal Fee

Your mortgage lender may ask you to pay for a recognized appraisal in order to complete a mortgage loan. An appraisal is an estimate of the value of the home. The cost is usually between $250 and $350 and must be paid when you contract for those services.

Property Taxes - The amount you have to pay is shown on the property listing.  It is incorporated into your mortgage pmt.

Mortgage Loan Insurance Premium

If you make less than a 20% down payment, you have a high-ratio mortgage. With a high-ratio mortgage your lender will need mortgage loan insurance. Mortgage loan insurance lets you buy a home with a minimum down payment of 5%.

Most Canadian lending institutions require mortgage loan insurance because it protects the lender. If the borrower defaults (fails to pay) on the mortgage, the lender is paid back by the insurer.. You pay a premium for mortgage loan insurance. Your lender will add the mortgage loan insurance premium to your monthly payments, or ask you to pay it in full upon closing.

I am looking into this as I have life insurance and that may cover my mortgage.    I was quoted about $100/mo by the bank but it was absorbed into my mortgage payments.

Home Inspection Fee

You may opt to get an inspection done to ensure you know the building inside and out, this covers your butt!  I've put in some condo inspection quote requests and the fees ranged from $350+.  (If you do suite only it is in the lower range)

Title Insurance: To protect the lender's interest in the mortgaged property in the event there is some discrepancy on title that would create a legal problem, many lenders require title insurance. Title insurance is often a less expensive and acceptable alternative to getting a survey prepared for the property.  Cost is $100-250. 

Research

Understanding all that is involved with buying a condo (and in my case one that is almost 40 years old) is imperative and not doing so may bit you in the end.   These are the things that you should be aware of and ask lots of questions!

Declaration/Constituting

A condominium’s declaration sets forth fundamental information about how the condominium is organized and operated, such as the proportion in which owners are to contribute to the common expenses, and it may have restrictions on pets, home-based businesses, what can go on a balcony and many other issues. 

Unit Boundary

Find out exactly where your unit ends and the common property begins. Is the door to your home part of your unit, for example, or is it part of the common elements? 

Unit Factor/proportionate share/percentage of ownership

This is a key piece of information because it determines how much you will pay in monthly maintenance fees and sometimes your voting rights.

You’ll find your unit factor listed in the condominium’s declaration (or other governing documents, depending on where you live). Don’t expect it to be equal to your neighbour’s, but it should at least be similar to those of other units that are comparable in size and location.

Your unit factor is usually based on the size and location of your unit. 

Reserve Fund/Contingency Fund/Capital Replacement Fund

A portion of your condo fees will likely go toward the building’s reserve fund.  A reserve fund ensures that the condominium has enough money to pay for the major repair and replacement of the common elements over the life of the building. These may include the roof, roads, sewers, sidewalks, elevators, plumbing and other building systems. 

The Realtor should provide the following documents for you to review:

1. How much money is in the contingency fund
2. Technical Audit 
3. What is paid from:

• Contingency fund
• Special Levy
• Planned expenses from maintenance fees (and break down of what has already been allocated compared to what's left)

Perform a Physical evaluation checklist.

I love water.  Seeing as how I grew up on Vancouver Island, I developed a huge love for the ocean and childhood summers were spent with my Grandparents at the Lake.

This is my ocean love:

Saratoga Beach

And my lake love:

Upper Campbell Lake (Picture credit to Ciara Singer)

I love the ocean for sandcastles, long walks, deep thoughts, the smell of seaweed and the fresh air.    I love lakes for the clean water, the boat rides, pebble skipping and admiration of its beauty.

For this summer, I wanted to spend more time at both.  Last summer I spent time at Sulphurous Lake near 100 mile house and was reminded how much I missed being around water. 

So I booked a few cabin days at Saratoga Beach while in Campbell River for two weeks in August.  Can't wait!

But the lake was calling me.  I spent a good hour online trying to find a cabin at a lake Mason and I could drive to and there is no shortage of options but there is a shortage of money.  It's not exactly cheap.  For the price I'd pay for a few days, I could go to Mexico for a week.  I wanted a lake.

Well the stars aligned shortly after that.  I was trolling FB and my Cousin Leanne who happens to live at the lake happened to be looking for a housesitter for 2 weeks while they were on a road trip to CA/OR.  I raised my hand as a volunteer to look after said house + Elk the cat and Siren the Dog.  I was last at the house in 2011 when Mason and I came up for a few days on our way back to Edmonton.  

We have finished our first week here and while I worked all 5 days, we have made time to explore.  I've also learned a few things about myself that I had forgotten and not known so that was cool and I got to expose Mason to 'free run' childhood which is how I grew up but sadly not possible for him in a large city.

These are the things I've experienced in the first week:

• Living in a whole house is kinda cool.  Much more space!
• Sleeping in a big house can be scary.  I doubt the crime rate is very high in Winfield, but there are three doors and many windows into the house.  I used to have issues being alone in my childhood home as a teen, the house creaked and it would scare the bejesus out of me.  
• Pets like to be fed super early.  I had no issues walking out on the deck to put dog food in the dish..in my underwear.
• When I win the lottery, I'd much rather buy an older house and perfect it than buy something brand new.  I think I would love doing a reno!
• I really want a garden.   Fresh fruits & veggies...berries and flowers.  I deadheaded a rose bush.  I had no idea what I was doing but it was therapeutic to prune
• Picking raspberries is fun!  It hurts the back a little, you gotta crouch then look up to get the ripe ones hiding under leaves.  I'm not a fan of spiders and it felt like bugs were crawling all over my bare arms and legs but I picked enough berries in 15 mins to make a pie.  Buying that many raspberries from the store would have cost me at least $15.  And a week later, another batch was ripe.  More berries!
• It's hot here, moreso than any other city I've lived in so the heat makes the lake very inviting.  The downside is the beach here is pebbled rather than sandy but that's okay, sandcastles are for the ocean beach.  My Cousin has this really cool springy floaty thing which was super lightweight to carry, took about 5 mins to blow up by mouth and was perfect for lounging in the water.  Mason immediately wanted on my lap and I was totally blissed out having my 'little' (almost 4'!) cuddled up in my lap while we floated around.  It's become his favourite part of our trip
• Because of the heat, there are water parks a plenty!  
• The TV is completely ignored.  Being in the offseason of shows might have something to do with it but I haven't had any desire to watch it
• I think for the first time, Mason ran through a sprinkler.  Clayton lives in a condo and I live in a basement suite with a lawn that has a sprinkler system.  It was fun to watch him run back and forth (ahh #childhood memories)

All in all we had an awesome time in Winfield and thanks to my awesome Cousin Leanne for planning a super awesome camping trip with her family or we wouldn't have had the experience!