After losing my full-time job last month, I found myself at a cross-roads. I know there are many people out there in the same situation, but I loved what I did, and I did it for 18 hours a day, six to seven days a week for years. So now, for the first time in 28 years I don't have a full time job. When my former company downsized again (for the nth time in the last 5 years) I was out, and even though I knew it wasn't "personal" as they say, it still stung, more than a little bit.
I now find myself trying to navigate the world of interviewing. I know how to network, I have a network, I have my friends and ex-colleagues, and now I have a whole new world of freelancing out there, so I decided it's time to try something new. I have also decided to start writing about the journey here, I can't wait to see where it ends.
For the first time in a month I am re-energized about the future, and about what working in this new environment means. Part of what it means (as I found out today) is that I CAN be at home for a repair person call to fix the ice maker on the refrigerator. That may not be exciting to anyone (not even me) but it is a whole new experience, I can start living outside of my work, instead of living at work (figuratively of course). I have been able to reconnect with old friends, my community, charities, as well as getting back on track with my health and fitness goals.
Tonight I am off to the Spring Fling @The Frelinghuysen Arboretum http://www.morrisparks.net/aspparks/frelarbmain.asp in Morristown. I will let you know how this new found freedom is unfolding.
I hope you will join me on this journey.
- Nicole
Hello, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI've thought of you often since I heard the news about your job. I'm glad that you've started this blog so I can hear more about your journey even if it is from afar.
I think you are an amazingly talented and delightful person and hope this journey results in new and exciting opportunities for you.