Well, I got laid off ☹
Not the header I was hoping for this week’s post, but there you go. Just another casualty of the bullshit COVID 2020 storm. I thought we took the majority hit wedding-wise, but I wasn’t aware I’d be wounded so near-fatally again—and so close to the big day.
It came as a shock. A SHOCK. I knew the company wasn’t doing well. They told us about it in every meeting, talking about the numbers being down and how we’d all have to pitch in to help out a bit more. Totally reasonable. Totally understandable, especially when I realized monetary concerns was the reason we hadn’t hired a receptionist after the last one left, and why I had a rotating seat at the front desk (just like everyone else in my former department). I knew the company wasn’t making the money it used to, but I was busy every day, and every day I saw sales coming through. Things got a bit stressful towards the end (part of the reason I crashed and burned a few posts back) but I thought things were improving. I’d hoped they were at least. I kept my talking to a minimum, per a complaint put in against me, so I listened to my Pandora, mumbled along to Megan Trainor and Macklemore lyrics, and went along my busy day.
Then Friday I was called into the big office.
Well, shit.
Now what?
They were letting me go. The company was doing even worse than we were told, and I was of the first wave to be cast off from the wounded island. I’ve never been let go from a job. I’ve quit my fair share, but pre-planning always went into it, and I always got to that point when I realized looking for a job was better than my current work environment. Yeah, I was stressed constantly (and lost a bit of weight from anxiety in dealing with it) but I wasn’t prepared to leave. In fact, I mentioned to a friend two days earlier that while I was ‘over’ my job, I was happy I wasn’t one of the millions who had to look for a new one.
And then came the axe.
Part of me is still in shock, because I know how much I did, and how much certain people depended on me, but I guess that doesn’t matter anymore. My work will be divided up and spread out, meaning I was always replaceable, even when I convinced myself that my awesome work ethic would keep me employed there forever. But it’s okay. I’m finding the blessings and silver linings in it. True, not the *ideal* time to be let go from one’s work—less than a month and a half before my wedding—but suddenly, I have a lot more time to work on it, and to write. Of course, I’m looking for a new monetary adventure as well, but I’ll take this bit of a break that I think my mind and body have been needing.
It’s all about the secret blessings and silver linings, and seeing them when they appear. It’s all you can do (and all you should do!)
Enjoy your week!
~ Lady Caitlin
Oh wow! Hubby got let go from his last job (pre covid, but they had crashed and gotten rid of pretty much everyone) and he had the same shock, but since he was in the first smallest bunch, he was already re-employed before they let the big group off, so silver lining might also be something like that for you, too!
Sorry to hear he got let go…I really do think things happen for a reason. I’m going to look after the wedding because I don’t think I could take on looking for something right now.
Glad he got something right away!!
Ouch. I’m sorry that happened to you, and especially that it blindsided you. Are you guys going to be okay? I’d convinced my husband to leave his job back in June because he was unhappy, and since he’s still in contact with his coworkers, it was a good move as things have gotten worse.
I hope you get a lot of writing done and finish up all your wedding stuff!
Thank you! I’m a serious believer of things happening for a reason. And it was definitely wise/wonderful of you to encourage him to leave an environment he wasn’t happy in.
And yes – all the writing and wedding stuff is getting done 🙂
Ah, that sucks. Hopefully there is a silver lining and this leads to bigger and better things. And like you said, in the short term at least it gives you time to get ready for the wedding!
And I just noticed I missed your birthday two weeks ago. Happy big 3-5!
Haha thanks! Yep – haven’t fallen off a cliff yet, so going strong at 35! And yes, silver linings definitely – things work out the way they should. 🙂
Your experience makes the headlines real. I just saw a news clip about a couple with three kids, both working for United Airlines, who got laid off. They had moved in with family and looked stunned. So, I hope for you that being fired does not affect your joy in your coming wedding and your belief in yourself as a writer. Put some time into marketing as well. I’m going over to Amazon to check out your books. Write on!
Thank you for that. We’ll be fine, but it does break my heart to hear about families like that, especially with kids (We don’t have any). And yes, I will use this time to my advantage! Thanks for visiting 🙂