Kevin

Kevin, 40, was laid off after working for 18 years at Great Northern Paper Mill in Millinocket, Maine. The paper mill filed for bankruptcy in 2002 and laid off 1,200 workers. Since losing his job, Kevin has returned to school to earn a degree in business management. Kevin was forced to take out the money in his 401(k) to ensure his family would have a roof over their heads and food on the table.

My Story
For 18 years I worked at Great Northern Paper Mill in Millinocket, Maine. The Mill went bankrupt in 2003 and laid off over 1,200 workers, including myself.

So I’ve decided to go back to school to earn a degree in business management. I’m not sure what field I’ll work in next, and I just hope there is a job out there for me. The people I’m in school with are also going through situations like I am. My friends with engineering degrees cannot even find jobs right now.

I receive unemployment benefits and health care because I’m in school; however, my wife and nine-year-old son don’t benefit from my health care plan. We’re both very stressed about our health care situation. My wife works part time at a restaurant, and her income combined with the unemployment benefits I receive provides us with some source of income.

My life has changed a lot since I was laid off from the mill. My household income is significantly less, and I spend the little money I have very carefully. I go to food banks on a regular basis. I’ve been forced to take out my 401(k). My lifestyle has completely changed.