No Guarantees

There are no guarantees in life. I was reminded of this fact yesterday when I received news that I will be getting laid off along with some of my fellow colleagues.  I can't say that I'm 100 percent shocked. However, even when you a hunch it's coming, it doesn't make hearing the news that much easier. It's hard. It hurts. It's devastating.

During my drives to work I listen to WNPR 90.5, my local NPR station. The news they report covers so many issues. There are stories I hear there that I know I won't hear anywhere else. Right now, I'm thinking about the stories that gave me a look into how our nation's economic crisis impacted families.  I heard stories from across the country where people shared their personal experiences about losing their jobs and the impact it had on there families. Some of the stories made me cry. Today I empathize that much more.

It's not the first time I've been laid off. I've traveled this road before and I did bounce back. I know it's cliche to say, but,  "when one door closes, another one opens." Although I'm disappointed and still processing yesterday's news, I realize that it's not the end of the world. When I shared this news with my husband, sister, mother, and some close friends, I realized how much love and support I have. I also received a wealth of encouragement. I have options. I'm going to have to regroup and figure out my next steps, but all isn't lost. I'm healthy, I'm in school (which is a very good thing considering), and I believe in the cliche.

The next few months will be tough. It's hard to move on. The people I've work with for the past seven have been like a second family to me. This tenure was the longest one I've had in a job. It's the exception in the marketplace not the rule. I'm still processing this news, this entry is a part of that process. I feel slightly better now that I'm almost to the end.

I wouldn't take back the last seven years. I've come to met some really great people and have been personally changed by the work I do. I believe my work experience has made me a better and stronger person in so many respects. This chapter will soon be over and it's up to me to write the next one. Remember that there are no guarantees in life, live your life to the fullest. No regrets.