After 17+ years at my previous employer - I was (or rather my job was) eliminated, excessed, shut-out, disposed of, squashed, disappeared... etc. True, I did have a year's notice but to be honest it didn't seem real! I mean, after all those years and hard work, it didn't seem plausible that someone at my level would just be made to go.. surely SOMETHING would prevent the actual leaving, right? No. Nothing. Nada. Nyet. Nunca, etc. And finally, I begged to be bought out and there you have it. I am unemployed after all these years. Only this time I have three children. A mortgage. I won't mention how old I am since why add insult to injury but lets just say I am on the wrong side of 20 and leave it at that!!
The children are fine for now... but the whole experience has rocked me to my foundation. HOW could this happen? WHY is it happening? Etc. all those thoughts.. and then I see my children and I am at once relieved and mystified! At first I threw myself into planning the communion, then slowly but surely I got my sorely neglected house in order and all the while I was pondering the next move I should make. First - I am determined to work hard for myself and no one else. Second - I do believe the universe is telling me to do what I was supposed to do in the first place.. Social Work and Teaching. Those are my true callings... and that is what I am good at. I am hoping to buy into a practice or set up my own office.. and make it work for us all... I had an interview at a local hospital and that too could work for me. It is frightening I admit - but at the same time, what do I have to lose at this point? I do have some back up plans.. and they aren't half bad but I like the idea of working hard for ME and my FAMILY and having a more balanced life for the Chilliez!!!! A more balanced life for me would be nice. I am working on 2 book ideas.. one about the journey of adoption to parenting and the other about how I got to this place... I was trying to come up with an idea for an instant series of best sellers.. but so far, that has eluded me! I will keep trying!
Missy I feel your pain. I wasn't "downsized" but in April during a route mammogram I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy 2 weeks later and have been on a LOA ever since while I go through chemotherapy and after that radiation. WE never see what is coming but we must do the best we can to muddle through. Hang in there!!
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