It was the best of times, it was the worst of times… We had
a nice vacation after Thanksgiving, but I found out today that my position at
my company has been eliminated (they’re restructuring). I’ll work until the end
of the year, and then I’ll have severance to last for a little while, but now I
need to learn how to look for a job again. I’ve been with this company for
almost 16 years! Fortunately, I have some good friends and family who are in a
position to help point me in the right direction. But I’m in a bit of shock right
now, which is why I’m doing this post before it really sinks in & I’m not
able to function. Although I am GREAT at compartmentalizing, so
that might not ever happen.
Things to regret: a) that Mary Kay order; b) we live toward
the bottom of a hill, so this winter it might get interesting having to drive
to work; c) I’ve gotten used to sleeping later in the mornings since I don’t
have a commute. Things to be thankful for: a) We have already moved back home
where we can get the maximum support from our families; b) I have already had
my hip surgery and it’s mostly paid for; c) I actually have been thinking
recently that I would be more productive in an office environment instead of
working from home.
Now, let’s look back at the Time Before (I found out I didn’t have a
job):
Sunday,
November 19th
A Sunday collage. Firstly, I did such a great job of parking
at the nursing home that my Aunt Mimi made me take a picture of it. I know! I’m
amazed too! Secondly, a Prayer of Confession to kick you in the gut. Thirdly,
my lunch as I waited for choir practice. That cookie dough stuff is Fabulous.
Monday,
November 20th
I had gotten into bed & realized that I hadn’t taken a
picture today, so I took an “artsy” one of my comforter. The other day I flipped it over & started displaying the geometric design, because
flowers are for spring & summer.
Tuesday,
November 21st
That time I tried to make a
present less “Shelby’s
Wedding from Steel Magnolias” by putting a fancy bow in it. Things went
horribly awry.#icantparkorwrappresents
Wednesday,
November 22nd
Oh noes! I hope this isn’t an advance scout!
Thursday,
November 23rd
I think you guys probably all
picked out Ryan in the picture, but just in case…
We had a great meal, with all
the usual food suspects. I love that our youngest member insisted on leading random
folks around by the finger – so cute.
After the meal we had a bridal
shower for my nephew & his fiancé. She was mostly hilarious, but when she
opened the personalized gift from my sister-in-law she teared up & that
made the rest of us tear up. Welcome to the Wallaces Britt!
Friday,
November 24th
We drove down to the beach today. This is the view from our
balcony. Ahhh…
Saturday,
November 25th
Things I did on my beach vacation: wove in the ends of a
completed project, chilled in the shade of a ginormous umbrella that Dr. M
rigged up on the balcony, and started a new project.
Here are some random beach pictures. Other than a couple of
walks, and going out for dinner, we mostly stayed put on the balcony and enjoyed
decompressing. I love the beach this time of year! You’ll have to wait until
next week for more photos, but for now, you should go to Dr. M’s post
with all the dogs we saw on the beach. They all had a blast, and we loved
watching them.
I hope everyone has a great week with no unpleasant shocking
news!
Well, phooey on your company for restructuring you right out the front door. That really is -- well, not good. On the other hand, your negatives and positives seem pretty darned grounded and realistic. And it's entirely possible that you'll find something that will suit you -- and pay you -- better. Now, I'll just cross my fingers that you have an ice free winter, and a short job-seeking time.
ReplyDeleteYea, me! for picking out the photoshopped fellow. And yea, you, for getting those great cloud photos. They're beautiful -- I really like that kind of cloud. I laughed at your parking photo. I thought about you the past week. I've suddenly lost my own ability to park, and have been angled all over the place. Maybe I caught it from you.
Hahahaha! Sorry to be a bad influence :)
DeleteI think I can understand how you feel right now...five years ago, I was suddenly laid off from my job. Except to me it happened the day before I went on vacation. Of course there is never a good time to lose your job, but I remember swaying between feeling terrified and giggling at the fact that I didn't have to deal with some 500 unread emails upon my return.
ReplyDeleteFor me it worked out for the better, and I'm convinced that you will do well, too. And luckily, you're already listing some positives. A few weeks notice and severance pay will help, too.
Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving and vacation!
I’m already looking ahead - planning what I’ll pack for lunch & what I’ll wear to work. Guess I should do the pesky work of actually GETTING a new job before I do those things. Ha!
DeleteAhhh - I always cry when I see someone else cry too.
ReplyDeleteBeach pics... is there anything as peaceful?
We had a great time!
DeleteSo sorry to hear about your job situation. I hope something even more rewarding comes your way.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteHaving been fired from a job once and laid off twice due to economic recessions, uncomfortable chills run down my spine when hear about other people having difficult job situations. Best wishes on the coming job hunt.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I’m feeling optimistic.
DeleteSigh. Clean out those Compartments...!
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely parking accomplishment worthy of a photograph.
Well you know how much I love to clean in general...
DeleteSorry to hear about your job change but that's what it is: a change. Be well.
ReplyDeleteYes it is a change & I’m actually starting to get excited about it.
DeleteI love your beach photos and I hope your ladybug (or "ladybird," as they say in the UK) is a loner! As I said on Facebook, sorry about the restructuring -- but there really IS life after a layoff!
ReplyDeleteWe think the ladybug followed us to the beach & back home, but I haven’t seen any in a few days so maybe it was a loner :)
DeleteI've fallen out of the blog world over the past few weeks, but your life has certainly gone on. Life likes to throw us surprises. I'm so glad I already know that you've found a job. So, so very glad of that. Bella
ReplyDelete