Need advice on a family matter

[Marisol]

My sister (who I do not have the closest relationship with) called me to tell me that she got fired from her job. She is (or was) a financial advisor for a large company in San Francisco. This job has consumed her life - she has no social life outside of work because she worked 6 days a week. Thankfully, I have never been fired before but i want to help her out. I am not sure what help I can offer her. I listened to her and sort of calmed her down a bit. She just feels like this past year has been horrible and she feels lost.

Not sure what advice I am looking for but I guess I wanted to see if others had gone through the same thing. I know that it isn't the end of the world but I just want to help.

 

[luxotika]

My best advice would be to support her emotionally in whatever way you can, but never financially. Money and family don't mix! Maybe try helping her look for another position or something. Good luck!

 

[Kookie-for-COCO]

Thankfully, I have never been fired either. However, everything happens for a reason. Maybe, since your sister reached out to you, this is an opportunity to establish some closeness. Just be her listening ear when she needs one. None of us like change and to lose a job that has been one's life would really be difficult. I don't think any of us know how much of our idenity is our vocation. I think she must be very frightened. Tell her to also remember this: " When one door closes another opens." My heart goes out to her--I retired and have felt totally lost. Try being a friend-not a sister.

 

[Kathy]

I assume this is the same sister you posted about a little bit ago that you don't get along that well with?

I'd offer moral support and suggest she apply for unemployment until she can find a new job. I agree with Perye on being a listening ear. Maybe this is an opportunity to be the example for her that she wouldn't let you be for her before. If her work was her identity, then she probably is feeling pretty lost. And being fired besides doesn't help her self esteem either, I'm sure.

Keep us posted how the two of you are doing. I'm curious to know. Good luck!

 

[PerfectMistake]

I have never had something that happen, but when my sister needs help, I do the best I can.

Reguardless of relationship, remember that she is family and you should be there for her. Maybe ask what it is that you can do for her and do your best to help out!

Good luck Marisol!

 

[dentaldee]

I know how she feels.....I got fired one time from an office that I worked at for 10 years. It was pretty traumatic. I agree with Coco. and I think the best thing is to help her on her job search, help her polish her resume and such. not really much you can do.

 

[Aquilah]

I agree about being there for her, emotionally if nothing else. You could help her with finding a new job (in whichever way you can), as well as recommending her apply for unemployment. Like Perye said, maybe this is a way for you two to bond since she did reach out to you. Best of luck to her, and definitely keep us updated!

 

[KellyB]

I agree with everyone else. This could be an opportunity to reconnect if that is what you want. Helping her go through the paper or internet to find something is a reason to talk with her and just letting her know that despite your past differences, that yall are still sisters and you love her. I have always believed that things happen for a reason even if we don't understand why when it's happening.

 

[Marisol]

Thanks all! I do appreciate your advice.

Kathy - yes it is the same sister I talked about a while back. I am the older of the two of us and even though we are not close, I still feel like I have to protect her.

To be honest, I am glad that she got fired. That job aged her and made her someone else. She forgot what was important in life and that is her family. No one in our family knows what is going on with her because she was only concentrating in her work. I know that she lost some friends because of it. I do believe that things happen for a reason.

 

[Shelley]

I agree with what the others said. I would be there for her emotionally. I recall the previous post about your sister. I know this is a difficult situation for her and you but with support it will hopefully bring the two of you closer. Please keep us updated. Were here for you.

 

[S. Lisa Smith]