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Everything DOES Happen for a Reason
1 Year later… As I look back at what I thought was one of the most soul crushing experiences of my life, losing my job of 16 years, I am finding that everything DOES happen for a reason. Losing my job was tough, financially and emotionally and threw me into a depressive tailspin. It was also unwarranted, but I will not dwell on that.
Notice I say my job and not my career. I realize now, that in the end I wasn’t fully fulfilled in my previous job, there were times I was damn proud of the work I did and the numerous accomplishments I had, but anybody could have done those things. Well, maybe not ANY body or ALL things. My point is, I was not used to my potential, although I pushed and pushed. I was not challenged by my work or my leadership and quite frankly in the end found going to work quite boring.
Fast forward a year and few days and I am happy to come to work every day. I now lead a great team who I do push and challenge to meet their potential. My leadership does not stifle my ideas and allows me to grow and learn and celebrate the team’s successes.
WHY am I telling you this? This was not my first rodeo of job loss, I lost a job I really did love years ago, and guess what? I survived, it was the perfect kick-start into a new path, one I probably would never have ventured into without being let go. However, this time around, the journey has been EVEN BETTER. It was the kick in the pants I needed to find a company and a leadership I work with, not for. I have a career again, and I am reaping the benefits of enjoying what I do. Is stressful? Yes. Is it challenging? Yes. Do I love it? YES!
And yes, I do believe that everything happens for a reason and as my father always used to say, “It is what it is.” So when you think you are faced with an insurmountable mountain in front of you, I hope you too will remember, “It is what it is,” and it is up to you to make it better!
Gretchen Ocommunications specialist in DC area
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07/27/20 at 12:17AM UTC
It's always gratifying to read the positive results of what once felt like a negative. I recently read Michelle Obama's "Becoming." She called this a "swerve." Perhaps we all need to toss out the GPS now and again.
Nora Sist
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07/26/20 at 11:44PM UTC
Indeed a positive growth mindset. Ten years ago, when the company I worked was downsizing, I volunteered for a separation package. Then took an unplanned one month road trip, got home, took another month to recalibrate and reassess my goals and then started applying for positions which better suited my credentials. I'm still in that position and loving it. I'm among colleagues that value my work and appreciate what I bring to the team.
Sarah LarsonImproving lives by implementing research.
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07/26/20 at 8:40PM UTC
Thank you for such an inspirational post! It's all about your mindset, glad to hear it was a blessing in disguise.
Joanne Jack
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07/26/20 at 4:02PM UTC
This is a great positive post as there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and when one door closes it looks like a great one opened for you!!
Cecile FavreauPopulation Health and Privacy
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07/26/20 at 2:14PM UTC
This has been my motto for as long as I can remember! Having this belief helps to open up your mind to other opportunities and possibilities. I've always remained in the same basic industry but have been able to capitalize on a very versatile set of skills and experiences to grow into other job roles (some fun and rewarding, others not so much) but in the end an open mind can open doors!
Andrea VentimigliaMarketing Leader in Atlanta, GA
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07/26/20 at 2:02PM UTC
Thank you for this post Becky and sharing your experiences from your journey. I'm experiencing another job loss and like u this isn't my first time going through this as well. It's nice to know I'm not alone and things will turn around. ?❤
Anonymous
07/26/20 at 1:38PM UTC (Edited)
Your story mirrors my own. Getting fired early in my career from a job I hated, but was still trying to make it work, turned me onto my real path, with fulfilling, important work that I loved. Only to be fired after 25 years of an amazing career, significant accomplishments and still producing income that was 3-4x my salary. I'd been with the company 13 years and, while great at what I did and still adding significant value, I didn't realize how toxic my coworkers were until I was free of them.
It was perfect timing; my mother, aged 86, really needed someone to begin the transition to caregiver. My severance allowed me the time to process the shock and inevitable depression of having my life turned upside down against my terms. Most importantly, that time allowed me to sort through what I liked about my work and to find a job that allows me to continue doing that but also fight against the ageism, caregiver bias and bullying I'd had to deal with at my former employer.
It is what it is. And you can get past it by focusing on what you want your "next phase" to be, rather than dwelling on the past. Learn from it, then put it behind you as you chart a new path.
Akeba RiceStrategist & Connector in the Dental Biz
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07/26/20 at 1:14PM UTC
I’ve been in that position as well. There is light and purpose although the process is tough. Just keep pushing until you find we’re you are suppose to be.
Simone Boxhill Non- Profit Professional
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07/26/20 at 12:40PM UTC
Thanks, Becky! I recently lost my second job in two years and I am struggling to avoid a depressive tailspin. Looking back I did not love the work I was doing and have accepted that doors had to close in order for me to redirect my career path. Your excitement for your new life is inspiring and a reminder that things usually work themselves out in the end.
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