For the past 15 years I have worked in the healthcare industry. Fortunately for most who are healthcare workers, the national trend of downsizing jobs and increased unemployment rates have not really affected the medical field very much. So it was surprising when I was called into work on my day off last week to meet with my department director.
I admit, the first moment I was told that my position was eliminated I thought my director was joking. It was a very surreal moment. I think it actually took a couple of days for it all to sink in. Today is one week past, and I've done a lot of thinking about what to do with myself. So far I've done what most everyone in my situation has done: Applied for unemployment benefits, updated my resume and organized my finances to cover the lean months ahead. Of course, it always seems like when it rains, it pours. The same week my brakes and tires needed replaced, and since I only had ten days left on my health insurance, I got new glasses. The little bit of severance pay I received was now only visible on my car and my face. But, as the ever so eternal optimist, I am thankful I did get any severance pay at all. Otherwise I am not sure what I would've done.
So here I type this blog. I am 40 something, a single mom who is now unemployed. Most would say how much that really sucks. But since I've been thinking about my plans of action lately, I am almost relieved because aside from the fact I will have to live a little lean now, I have the freedom to pursue something new in regards to a career. I now have many options. Going back to school, retraining in a new field. Trying for those positions that have been out there but I never really considered because they were not in my normal job definition. Maybe even working for myself. I just need to be creative. As long as I can keep my cash flow to meet my needs, the world is definitely my oyster.
So this brings me to my blog. I know there must be a ton of people out there in very much a similar situation. Male or female. Educated (whether by institution degree or life), experienced, smart folk who wake up one day to find that their life as they know it has drastically taken a turn. Depending on what the attitude is, it can be a turn of doom or a turn of faith in themselves. I would like to focus on the outlook that what doesn't knock you down makes you stronger. I know everyone has different circumstances to their job losses, but I also think instead of sitting around feeling down and sorry for yourself, there are tons of things that can be done to make this difficult time much more tolerable. You might have to look deep into yourself to find that strength that everyone has to overcome this blurp in life. Life is just stuff to try the soul's strength on. - Anonymous
Be prepared for moments of randomness. Of humor. Of insight. Of observances. Of something I made and wanted to share the recipe to you all. Of cool websites that I've found that might help us all. Of encouragement. Who the heck knows? I'm winging things just like the next person, and hopefully by doing so by writing on here it will make a difference in someone's life.
I wish you all the best of luck in your quest for employment. Cheers!!!!
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