I knew I would eventually get laid off. It was inevitable, as the housing market and the economy turned. Working in the new home/housing industry as a designer, in California, no less, I was lucky to have my job as long as I did. Still, that Tuesday after Thanksgiving I didn't see it coming.
My boss of 4 years brought me into his office and said, "I'm sure you know why I brought you in here." From that moment on, all I heard coming from his mouth was "mop mo mop mop," just like the adults in the Charlie Brown cartoon specials. "Heartbroken" is really the only word I can come up with to describe how I felt. I loved my job, I loved my company, and I loved my coworkers. I know that doesn't happen very often and that is why the lay-off was so hard to take.
To top all of this off, I am going through a divorce and Christmas was right around the corner. Still, I knew worse things could happen. I still had hope. Our country had just elected the first African-American president and a new year was approaching. The new year has always inspired me, especially since I had started blogging. I love a clean slate and here was my chance. To begin again.
So, after I pulled myself out of bed after a week of self-indulged depression, I took a deep breath and looked around. Inspiration was still everywhere, I just didn't have a job. I took the opportunity to visit with friends I would normally miss if I was working, I took time out to travel a bit, to reconnect with my children and with nature. I scaled back on Christmas and realized that no one noticed. I slowed down my life. My Polaroid camera came back out. All in all, I think my lay-off made me reevaluate what was important in my life. It gave me a fresh perspective and some goals for the new year.
I tiptoe into 2009 with the following things on my mind...
Simplicity: Taking a step back from the material things and remembering what really matters. Living more simply.
Embracing change: It's in the air. It is welcomed and needed.
Hope: Everyone needs something to hope for. Especially right now.
Peace: Giving it a chance, the promise of peace seems to be upon us.
Love: Going back to the basics. Trying to see love in the everyday.
I begin my job search this week. As much as I like life in the slow lane, mama still has bills to pay. I am open-minded that I will find something that works for me. I have put my wish for a new job out into the universe. If you haven't heard of Mondo Beyondo, I recommend you go here and read about it. I actually have quite a few things on my list this year. As I write this post after watching the inauguration of our new President, I am fairly certain the best is still yet to come for this girl.
30 comments:
This was a real and yet amazingly uplifting look at unemployment. So much of what you wrote are cues all of us should take, regardless of the spot we're in!
From one RLO(Recently Laid Off) to another -- way to keep your spirits up. I lost my job right before the holidays, and have been on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster ever since. Every day is different. Some days I'm inspired, others utterly depressed. But in the end, I know that things will work out, and I will come out of this with a better perspective on life and having cultivated some of my creative interests.
If we keep our chins up and look at the good, we will all be just fine! good luck on your job search!
I love the positivity that's coming from what seems to be a negative. I love the spirt for change and adventure and the openness to new perspectives. I feel "simplicity" has been lurking on the horizon for years now- in many ways, today's hardships may turn out to be blessings for many because they can embrace a more healthy lifestyle. Good luck with your search for work! (Money can be nice, too!) (oh, and necessary...)
what great photos!!!
Beautiful post, heartfelt honesty!
i'm sorry you're going through such challenging times. i think your positivity is wonderful and you are right, the best is yet to come. your photos are always beautiful and the principles you have set forth will help you stay grounded. good luck with everything.
What a nice post. You have a lovely outlook and great things will definitely head your way. Attitude is everything!
P.S. Those are sweet pics!
great pictures! I admire how amazingly optimistic you are inspite of all the negative that can certainly bring one down. The best IS yet to come!
I;m sad and happy for you at the same time....however, mostly HAPPY!!
You are an amazing woman and an inspiration to your kids.
I am looking forward to hearing about all the new things that lie ahead of you.
Go get 'em Girl!!
great post, very inspiring!
Oh, Jen. You know I heart you. The best IS yet to come...and I can tell just by your tone that it's starting already.
xo
Hey Jen - great post and great attitude. I read somewhere recently that people make it through things they didn't know they could and come out stronger with new talents and ideas and end up counting the rough part a blessing. Sounds like that is what's happening for you. Best wishes on the job hunt!!
I fully agree with everyone here. It takes a really strong and insightful person to turn something negative into a positive, and I can't think of any better a lesson to teach your kids than this. Thanks so much for sharing your story, Jen. I love love love your photos!
Oh Jen, I'm so happy to read your words and know that you are ok. You are ok. Everything is going to work itself out. That's coming from someone knows all too well...xoxo
Excellent post and very inspiring! Thanks for sharing. I had not heard of Mondo Beyondo before but I love it!
Yes! Thanks for a brilliant, inspiring post. I love your photos and your renewed assessment of the things that matter. Optimism and creativity have always been among your greatest strengths, and they will carry you into easier times.
No one likes struggle, uncertainty, or loss...but by accepting responsibility for our setbacks, by treating life's challenges as opportunities, we grow.
You Go Girl!
What a lovely post. I really admire you and wish you all the best in finding another job that you love even more. xx
Wonderful pairing of photos and sentiments. You'll find a great job in a great new life. I just know you will.
You are so strong. I loved reading this - your sincerity and optimism are so inspiring and refreshing. The good news is, like President Obama said, that we can (and must) pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off, and make things happen. You're already half-way there.
i was feeling a bit down today, but this post has brought me hope, that things will get better! and it really reminded me that i must enjoy the little things... i know 2009 will be a great year for jen, and i hope i can say the same!
melisa, you really know how to pick guest bloggers! :)
a lovely and appropriate post, especially for these past few days. i love your bullet on "embracing change". there's lots of it going on and we just have to hold tight for the ride.
best of luck to jen... wishing all good things to come her way!
You have such an amazing outlook~ good things gravitate to those who are so open.
My Mother use to always say- "When one door closes- another one opens".
I see lots of doors opening for you~
D~
Great post! Very stimulating... :)
wonderful post jen! i think it's great that you have a super positive attitude. it's also super great that you've turned something that wasn't too pleasant into something positive.
and much luck with the job hunt too!
The best is definitely yet to come! Such a wonderful and thoughtful post Jen. Wonderful goals that we could and should all look to achieving.
Wow. Your hope and levelheadedness are quite inspiring! And I'm glad you're approaching things with such a positive attitude. I have much to learn from you and others like you. Thanks :)
beautiful thoughts and photos!
I love this hopeful,wise post. Best of luck, Jen.
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