I had my annual review on Tuesday afternoon. It’s been a tricky position in this job of mine at The Firm.
I worked at The Firm when we first moved here eleven years ago. I spent a year as a staff CA, then went to work for a client as their Controller. (It sounds so, well, controlling, and it was a little bit, but the position meant that I was the Manager for a publications company.)
I spent a bunch of years working as a freelance facilitator and doing freelance writing. Two years ago I was asked to cover a maternity leave and when that was done, I was asked by a Partner to stay on and help with his workload. I’ve done that, and done it well, according to my annual review.
And yet.
Despite my numbers, despite my work ethic, despite my attendance, despite my upbeat personality…
I will be laid off on May 1st.
I call this a blessing in disguise, because I knew that the economy had hit my Firm, and had started making other plans. I’d been waffling on fully putting myself out there, but HEY. I’m reputed to be awesome (The Firm can confirm it!), but I (so sadly) sit at the bottom of the totem pole.
I have References, is what I’m saying.
I’m on board to start facilitating (online marking) again in May, which I love, but at am an impasse. It is probably the best course for me, l love it so, but I’m having a bit of a crisis. Is this what I’m supposed to do? Maybe facilitating and freelancing? Maybe that’s where I need to be?
I’m 37 years old and feel like I’m floating without a rudder. This wasn’t my plan.
hi angella..dont feel bad..myb somewhere,someone may have a much more suckier situation..count your lucky stars darling..look at it this way,u will have more time with your adorable kids and husband..and more time for yourself and hobbies and part time (or is it full time) writing..but whatever it is,i’ll be praying for you and family..*hugs* all the way from Brunei Darussalam
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Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m glad you have plans in place for after your work is done, and I’m glad you have some time to figure things out. I was laid off (VERY unexpectedly and with no notice) at the end of August, so I can definitely understand and relate to your feelings of being in crisis. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
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These have been a lousy few years, and I have watched some of the best people get told that through no other fault than they were simply newest to the totem pole that they had to go. We have been worse off every time, and they have all bounced back, and not one of them has half your personality. I think you’ll find your rudder and trade the whole thing in for a rocket ship.
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I am so very sorry. I vote you be a free-lancer so when the kids are sick, you don’t have to feel guilty about working. You are there when they are out of school and well, you are your own boss!
best of luck!
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Oh honey, what tough news. I know that, in the end, it will work out for the best. It may take time for that, so for now, I’m just sending you a bunch of hugs and a lot of chocolate.
xox
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Oh babe, so sorry to hear this news (on top of EVERYTHING FREAKIN’ ELSE). I’m glad that you are looking at the lay off as a blessing in disguise though – that’s a really healthy attitude to have, and I know you will take this as an opportunity to decide where you want to head next. Obviously you’re still working through that, hence the rudder comment, but I believe you’ll get there. And I bet it will be the best thing you ever did. Praying for wisdom and guidance, and for God’s peace and comfort. Love you xx
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Ugh. I’m so sorry. But the truth is, you are so awesome that I have no doubt you’ll land on your feet and fast. In the meantime, thinking of you and sending love… xoxo
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Maybe this is God’s way of helping you to follow your passions? You have mentioned in the past that numbers (accounting) is what you are good at but photography and writing are what you are passionate about. Wherever you end up, I hope it’s where you were meant to be and you get peace and joy from it. Praying for you!
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I’m SO sorry
I was laid off from the job I had for almost 11 years in 2009, it was hard. I now have a job that pays me more and the company is much better. I know everything will work out for you!
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You and I are very alike in our strong desires to have A Plan and have it Work Out — it’s scary when it doesn’t. But the best things that have come my way have happened when My Plan falls to pieces and I don’t know what’s next. It works out. I know I’m not the one to preach about having faith to someone with a faith like yours, but it’s what you need right now. You have too much going for you in every way for things not to end up just the way they should.
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I’m sorry it’s not going as planned. But, maybe this is a sign? The decision is being made for you so that you do not have to make it yourself. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise. I know you’ll be okay.
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BIG HUGS. I agree, this is a blessing in disguise and you’ll do just fine
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That sucks, BUT……I think this is a giant blessing in disguise. You’ve been not loving it there and have been talking about wanting to leave, etc. Everything happens for a reason, my dear, and this will just lead you to bigger and better things.
I’ve been laid off 3 times and every time has been the kick in the pants I needed.
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Gah, I am sorry to hear this, Ange! Suuuuucks. But you’ve known for a while now that this is where you wanted to be long-term…I have the feeling that good things are around the corner for you, career-wise, finding your sweet spot of balancing your creative outlets and bringing in the moolah by doing so. Love you.
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Everything happens for a reason, right? But sometimes that doesn’t make it easy to swallow or alleviate any panic. I’m certain it will all work out and you’ll hopefully be even happier. Life shakes us up sometimes to make sure we’re not getting too complacent.
I’m not sure if we ever feel like we’ve got it. I thought being a certain age would make me feel grown up and in a career but it hasn’t. It’s not the same as when our parents were our age. There are so many choices and options and possibilities. It’s a blessing and a curse.
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I know this is easy of me to say since I’m way over here, far away from your head space, but I think you are clearly in the center of God’s plan. The fact that you are such a great employee for The Firm and yet this door is closing so clearly and cleanly, leads me to think that another will open just as clearly and cleanly to whatever is next and whatever is better. You’re His daughter. He knows about and cares about every detail of your life including your work life. He’s got this. I’m excited for you!
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I don’t think we ever know if we’re on the right course. Hugs lady.
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Sometimes you need an outside push to open a door to new possibilities! As you say: you have your credentials (awesome credentials, btw), you have talent, you have references, you have connections! Things will work out. They always do! XOXO
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Hang in there, friend. I feel good things are coming up for you… I’m going with the “blessing in disguise” attitude too. xo
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I ‘m so sorry, BUT I know this will lead to great things in the future. I just know it.
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I’m sorry, too.
You have credentials and references and talent galore. This latest news stinks (the beginning of 2012 has not been very nice to you and your family at all!) but give yourself time to think about what to do next.
I don’t think you are rudderless at all. Storms hit the best of sailors and you’ve got well honed skills to get through this one.
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Oh, babe. I’m so sorry. Unexpected news on the job front isn’t ever so awesome, but guess what? You are ever so awesome and I, like so many others, have no doubt you’ll get through this, not barely, but triumphantly. Hugs and hope piling up for you.
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Oh dear. I’m so so sorry!
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Oh hugs. Hugs, hugs, hugs.
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Wow, what a roller coaster you’ve been on lately. Hope that the lay-off is a true blessing in disguise and you have amazing opportunities open up for you soon!
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Sorry to hear that. Maybe there’s more opportunities waiting for you. For the meantime just enjoy what you’ve got right now. Just pray that you can find a new job right away. Hope for the best!
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