makes me really start to question what actually will. I recently went through an agonizing time at work where I was told on less than 48 hours notice that my job was to be eliminated due to "financial strain of the organization." Let me just remind those interested that my job is to raise the dollars for the organization. If you shoot the horse, who's going to pull the cart? Needless to say, I refused to take the "elimination" letter, made some phonecalls, and by Monday, retained my position.
But that really started to put a few things into perspective. For one, it re-confirmed that no-one is truly safe in this "mess"- and we all know what that "mess" is, right? With the September unemployment numbers out, at an enlightening 9.8%- I, over the course of that weekend, was convinced that I was going to be that one putting it at 9.9% by October.
Secondly, it made me realize how much I really miss, and am going to continue to, miss my family and free time. I thought I would be able to transition out of my "part-time gigs" that I do for pocket cash to spend more time with my children and husband, that idea had to be thrown out the window on I-97, after I left my boss' office that afternoon. It made me make MORE phonecalls to my side job prospects to let them know that I'm still available to help out with whatever and whereever they could fit me in.
Lastly, to call those whom I have built a relationship with through this job, to tell them I am looking for another, was about out of the question and a very dicey card to play, especially in the small city I work in. Ultimately, I gained these relationships because of their alliance with the organization, not me. But now, well, I now have gone through that perpetual stack of business cards that never seems to get organized, and picking up the phone.
You have to be fearless in this world now, as much as it hurts and makes you feel like your naked on stage. I have to see that as an opportunity.
