My World Crumbled…Now What?

    I lost my job, went out with friends for a 30-mile bike ride, felt good but then I went to bed. I wasn’t thinking what it would be like to sleep in and not go to work. Sure it sounds fabulous to not have to wake up early and sleep in but what happens when that is your schedule?? My schedule was wake up at 4:30, head to the gym, shower and head off to work. And now what schedule was gone. First my job then my schedule.

    I did sleep in the morning after, I didn’t go to the gym, I didn’t do anything what was “normal” to me as far as my routine went. I went for coffee, laid around, played with my dog and emailed me friends. I felt I needed a day for me and to let what happened sink in. Of course I took many phone calls and emails from people who were just starting to hear the news and wanted to touch base with me. That overwhelming response was amazing and made me feel so loved and blessed. Would I find this again in another career?

    After my lazy day I spent that same evening planning out my next day. I enjoyed the day but I need routine, I can’t lie. I need my gym for that’s where I find my sanity and I can’t sleep in until 10 a.m. because then nothing ends up getting done. I admit I scheduled in some “lazy time” and it was the summer after all so I wasn’t going to be a complete “work-a-holic” but I couldn’t waste the days and summer having fun.

    The lesson I learned after hearing the words – your job was eliminated – is to not give up your schedule. Modify it because looking for a new position is taxing and tiring and frankly repetitive so schedule some free time. Don’t give up on the things that make you you – the gym, the early mornings, etc. Whatever routines worked for you while working try to keep when you aren’t working. Maybe add some new ones though. I couldn’t take yoga classes before because I was working but now that I am not working I can. And it is through some of these new experiences you meet new people and make new connections. You can’t hide away when you lose your job. You can’t think your worthless, a loser, or anything else negative which may enter that brain of yours. You need to stay positive and I say this knowing it is easier said than done, but having been there and still there I know. I can empathize and sympathize.