One year ago tomorrow I lost my job. My company hired an outside marketing firm and I was no longer needed. I was devastated and for far too long I dwelled on what I had lost and not what I had gained.
I spent too much time crying, over-eating and feeling sorry for myself to realize that in effect, I had been set free. For months I sent out my resumes, networked and did what I was supposed to be doing as an unemployed person, but in the end, the jobs that I have now, found me.
Tomorrow I am attending a seminar near Philadelphia for my newest job as an artist for Painting with a Twist in Royersford. And this week, I teach my very first class! I had forgotten that being creative (with art and not just graphic design) was something I loved. My new painting family feels fun and supportive and I am excited to grow with them.
On Tuesday I am presenting my “Secrets of a Thrifty Fashionista” program at the Exeter Library to (so far!) 40 people who are coming to hear me share my knowledge of dressing well for less. Being involved with the Keystone Area Goodwill, first through their fundraising fashion show, and now as their fashion blogger has given me another identity and I am embracing it with open arms.
Lastly, I get the extreme privilege of working in a park! Working for the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department as their marketing and public relations coordinator (even though it is only part time) is a joy. I never dread going to work, I love seeing the changing the seasons and am surrounded by another group of wonderful co-workers. This summer I have hiked, paddle boarded, led a yoga walk on the trail system, driven a huge super duty Ford truck with an extended cab and ran a concert. Things I never thought I’d do for a job, but in the end I loved all of them.
Because of these flexible jobs I have gotten the freedom to spend more time with my kids and my family. I had a “summer” for the first time since college and I went on day trips with my children, my mom and my sister and niece. I have been to all of my youngest daughter’s 4pm games this fall and I can pick my girls up at school and be there for them. I walk my dog more, I cook, but I still don’t like to clean.
This may not be the ideal situation for everyone and I do miss my full time paycheck, but in the past year I have met so many wonderful new people, reconnected with old friends, learned new skills, rediscovered old ones and I am looking forward to managing my crazy schedule going into the holidays.
Alexander Graham Bell said “When one door closes another door opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.”
It may have taken a year’s perspective, but my life changed in a blink of an eye that October Monday last year, and I am forever grateful.
Update: I forgot to add a huge THANK YOU” to all my family, friends (old and new) who helped me find my footing in the last year. I am forever grateful to each and every one of you.
