Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The One Where Sara Gets Laid Off Again

Oh, the titles I could have given this post....

Don't Cry for Me Argentina Bloggerina

On The Dole Again

I Kissed A Girl I'm on the Dole and I Like It

Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish Bosses

Breaking Up is Hard Easy To Do

Sayonara, Suckers


For those of you who don't follow me on Twitter (whatcha waitin' for, an engraved invitation?) or Facebook (friend me!) or my other blog (shame on you for not reading that too!) I got laid off on Monday. For those of you keeping count, this makes twice in less than a year.

Unlike last time, though, I am less than heartbroken about this one. In fact, calling me in any way upset by the news would be overstating things. I knew from Day 3 at this company that this was not a long term situation for me. While I didn't talk about it much here (because we all know that's a no-no in the business world) I dreaded going there every day. I fantasized on a daily basis about quitting. It literally sucked the joy right out of me. It's not my nature to be a Debbie Downer, but that's how I felt every time I walked into that place. I hated who I was when I was there.

So it was with something closely resembling elation that I graciously accepted the news of my lay-off. I'd been forewarned by an in-the-know friend on Sunday - and forewarned is forearmed. I was able to put my thoughts together before going in there and was prepared to say what needed to be said to HR before I left. It also gave me the opportunity to say good-bye to the few friends that I'd made while I was there.

Now I'm back on the government dole again, but wiser and more prepared for unemployment this time. I've learned a valuable lesson - as bad as unemployment feels, an ill-fitting job feels worse. I never should have accepted my last position. I knew it was a bad fit before I even accepted it; in fact, I struggled mightily with the decision to accept it at all. But I felt guilty for being unemployed and with no other options on the horizon, I figured I could put up with the job for the paycheck. Big mistake. One that I won't be making again.

I will also embrace this time with enthusiasm, something I didn't do the last time around. I felt so much guilt for not contributing to our checkbook that I didn't enjoy the time the way that I should have. I'm not naive enough to think that the old guilt won't resurface - it's already trying, every day when Nate comes home and asks me what I did today - but I'm trying not to let it suck the fun out of my time off. I've got a long list of things to do, people to reach out to, goals I've put off long enough. It's time to embrace this season in my life and I am walking into with open arms.

8 comments:

Nessa said...

Oh Sara, Im sorry :(... you are very funny though, maybe you need to become a comedian? Just a thought ;)...but no really, enjoy the time off.. im am positive God will provide for you. Best wishes!

Anonymous said...

Thats my girl!
Anytime that guilt tries to creep in, just call me and I will set you straight!
Love you!

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about the job layoff. You're right - a bad job is the pits! I don't know if you recall me talking about my last job that I also got laid off from. I depised that place and could not stand being there for 40 hours a week. I'm not a Debbie Downer either, but that place really brought me down and even carried over into my personal life, which never happens!

Anyhow, I can't wait to hear what's in store for you! I'm sure it's going to be great things!

Sarah said...

Well then I am NOT sorry for your layoff. =] It sounds like you were miserable and this is so much more for the better. I agree with you on the idea that you should never accept a job offer for a job that you do not love. Well, like works too. But anyway, I did that when I got a part time job over the summer and I was SO unsure about it and ended up hating it. Never again. And don't feel too bad, you ARE contributing, unemployment still pays the bills don't it?

Kristen said...

Here's to a new start!

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

I'm sorry to hear that you lost your job but since you didn't love it maybe it was a blessing in disguise!

p said...

I've read your blog for over a yr now and we've even exchanged a few emails. Read this post and was going to friend you on FB but I haven't been able to find you. Wondering if I'm not remembering your last name correctly. Anyway, can you please email me with your FB name?
Thanks!!
pvk
p.s. the wine recommendation was GREAT! thanks.

Katie said...

REACH OUT TO ME!!! In FLorida! Any time!

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