Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Lady of Leisure

As some of you know, I was let go from my job at the end of October. Of course, it's never a pleasant experience to hear that you're services are no longer needed, especially when you've worked hard and made personal sacrifices for a company. But that's life! Even Oprah has been let go from a job! Plenty of people are finding themselves in a similar situation these days, although hopefully they don't have the added challenge of dealing with an illness as well.

I've had several people tell me that it's cruel that I lost my job or that I am so strong because I am able to deal with this on top of cancer. Well, those of us dealing with cancer don't want to be treated any differently, so you can't really complain when you aren't, even if it means losing a job! And I don't consider myself to be any stronger than the next person- you would do the same things if someone you loved needed you. Personally, I'd rather be resilient than strong. Strong seems overrated and too restrained. Resilient seems more hopeful.

I'm not bitter or mad about losing my job. I did a lot of great things and created every possible opportunity for myself. I don't even feel the need to look back know that I am gone. All of this tells me it was time to move on, and I am not sorry about how it's working out. Now I can focus on the homefront, and I feel lucky to have this time off, even if it wasn't planned. I don't think I would have felt this way if I didn't have such a good teacher in Dan when it comes to being resilient. As he said, it's not about how many times you're knocked down, but about getting back up. In the grand scheme of things, this is more like a slight stumble or just a change of course.

Ok, I admit I am bitter about one thing. I am upset that Dan and I won't work across the street from each other any more. No more lunches or valentines hanging on the building across the street :(

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Who else can say they have a "stay at home" fiance. You forgot to add that your culinary skills have improved and there is nothing better than walking in to a home cooked meal. I just wish we had a dog to keep you company...

Anonymous said...

Hey, I once read that the majority of people are terminated from a job (by joint decision, or let go, or laid off, etc) at least once in their life. So this experience just makes you normal -- like all the rest of us. I'm normal, too -- I had the same experience a few years ago. Can feel unpleasant/unusual/uncomfortable initially but there's always a reason for everything. Enjoy the time off from the usual 9 to 5. Now you have a legitimate reason to lay on the couch and eat Twinkies as long as you want. Don't worry -- the next job will come along all too soon. God bless. :)

Anonymous said...

I forgot to mention in my previous post -- I was at a dinner with five friends last week. Of the six of us, 3 were either already laid off or were under consideration for being laid off in the next 4 months. Friend, you're in some pretty good company.

Unknown said...

Hi Meg! I am Kevin Brumett's fiance, and oddly enough I was also laid off at the end of October! So I can sympathize with you. Similarly, I cook all the time so that Kevin can walk in the door and have a great dinner waiting for him. I'm enjoying the time off and trying to figure out what's next for me. I hated my job so I guess it really was a blessing in disguise! So strange that we seem to be leading parallel lives, and we haven't even met! Wishing you and Dan all the best.

Anonymous said...

Meghan and Dan,
You just have the greatest sense of humor--every time I read the blog, one of your comments make me smile, chuckle, or all-out laugh. I mean, Meg's reason for being bitter about losing her job, her one reason--well, that one did it for me--it made me laugh. Between the two of you an ever-present comic relief abounds. You're quite entertaining even in the throes of such a serious journey that you are on--what an inspiring couple you are.
Paula