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!