Last Thursday, I wrote a post on the fly while waiting to find out if I still had a [project management] job. Literally.
After three and a half hours of focused work and productivity, I finally got the alert that someone in senior management was ready for me. I steeled myself and entered her office.
“I don’t envy your job today!” I said as brightly as I could. I was relieved no one from Human Resources was present; it was just the two of us. Apparently, they trusted us not to staple anyone’s face or set ergonomically correct chairs on fire.
She gave a kind hello, but didn’t beat around the bush.
Even though, yes, this was the career equivalent of, “I love you, but I’m not in love with you” or “It’s not you, it’s me,” I’d have time to blog, to bake, to blog about baking…
…to stop and smell the roses, to follow signs from the heavens…
And I knew someone who’d be particularly happy to have me home every day.
Another silver lining to all of this? The outpouring of support and encouragement from colleagues, friends, family and you. Some of you have even contacted me offline about job opportunities, and the ridiculously thoughtful Misty of Misty’s Laws just sent this care package:
My last day is the 18th, and after that? Well, if you thought my blog contests were epic before, hoo boy.
Have you ever made or considered a major career change?
~*~*~*~*~*~
Go Jules Go 
Every word you wrote was completely people could relate with. A very nice written article. (Y)
.
http://shauryathakur60.wordpress.com
My blog. Check it out
Nicely written enough that someone might pay me for it? Because I’d be okay with that.
LOL.
I would give you a job if it was me.
Check out my blog, Jules.
life is the pits but sometimes there is a peach around the pit–looks like you have found the peach – good luck though you sound like you have come to some peace with it
Thank you! I’ve definitely been dealing with a whole slew of emotions over the past week, but I’m pretty excited overall – I was ready for a change!
You seem suspiciously over-the-top excited about this… But that might just be how you are in general when truly happy about something. What do I know?
Ha! I was psyching myself up all morning (and totally ready for a career change), so that when I heard the words, my first thought really was, “Oh thank god. Here’s one life decision I don’t have to make for myself.”
LMAO now that’s a way to look at it. Congrats then. 🙂
I have contemplated a career change (i.e. kicking in my boss’ door, punching him in the face, and running out of there laughing maniacally) every single day! But, I still don’t know what I want to do with my life, and I have this handy dandy law degree that I will be paying off until I have grandkids, so . . . yeah.
I am so sorry about the lay off, but you can use this time for contemplation, introspection and future planning.
Nah, just kidding!! I know you’ll use it wisely . . . for drinking and shenanigans. Huzzah!!
Love the special package you sent Jules. 🙂
Aww, thanks! 🙂
ME TOO! Three cheers for Misty! 🙂 (And by cheers I mean *clink*.)
Oh Misty, you are more woman than I’ll ever be for all you put up with at work! I can barely keep up my professionalism and I’m halfway out the door!!!
Oh yes, for getting day drunk (as Pinot Ninja put it) and for eating chocolate coins!! Yessss.
You rule. Thank you again so much – you really did make my week!
“I’m as free as a bird, now… and this bird you cannot change!” (Sorry, couldn’t help myself, it was (tragically) my high-school graduation anthem.
I am so proud of your outlook! Freedom is nothing to be scoffed at, even if its forced upon you. So many creative things can flow from this! And so much puppy snuggle time… holy shit.
O.M.G. . . that was also MY high school song!! Actually, it was our prom song, which is just so stupid, because it’s not really a slow song you can dance to, but it’s not really all that upbeat either. It’s sort of both? And I graduated in 1993, people!! Not 1978. (As you may have been able to tell, I was not entirely pleased with the decision to use that song). 😉
Whoa! That is a terrible dance song, I totally agree. And yeah, part of why I was displeased was that we got to vote on our graduation song, and there were some great options, like the Beatle’s Let It Be… but we had more duck hunters than free spirits in my high school, so to speak.
Wait — that was also MY high school graduation song. In 1998. I think we might be on to something here…
Thank you, Jennie! Uncle Jesse doesn’t even KNOW what’s coming, man! It’s green lights and all rights for this doodle.
I DON’T LIKE, even though I clicked the Like button. But what I DO LIKE is the attitude, strength and humor you demonstrate to help you navigate through life’s ups and downs. Thinking about you and sending more positive vibes your way. 🙂
Thank you so much, Maria! I always hesitate before ‘liking’ an unhappy Facebook status or really serious blog post! They need a ‘dislike the situation, but I got your back’ button or something. 😉
Ah who needed them anyway that loser company.. You are smart and resourceful. Look at it this way, “You boldly decided to quit to seek other opportunities perhaps in the writing field.”
Ha! Exactly! Everyone is expecting me to say I have time to write now, so I’m keeping them on their toes by saying I have time to learn how to make cheese now.
And thank you! 🙂
Aw, man. This is probably going to cut into Uncle Jesse’s blog time, isn’t it.
Good luck with the job search or not search!
Thanks, Debbie! Uncle Jesse is eyeing my lap top wistfully as we speak…
I went through a mix of emotions reading this (cry laughed through most parts). I salute your courage in handling this change and transition but you sound ready to fly outta there. I wish you all the best in your exploration of the next step.
Good luck.
Thank you so much! I have been on a roller coaster ride since Thursday – my poor husband is getting whiplash trying to keep up with my mood swings!
Ultimately, though, I really was ready for a change, and I think this is the universe’s way of affirming that! 🙂
Separated? Do they really call it that now? Good luck with your new adventures!
Right?! I’d gotten so used the hearing the term that I didn’t think anything of it, but after telling my friends and family that I was ‘separated,’ started to realize how ridiculous it sounds.
It’s like, that’s what you do to eggs, or bickering siblings. Or chocolate, when you separate it from the package and then eat [all of] it.
Thank you, Meredith! 🙂
Now I’m regretting my current career change. My old path would have left me plenty of time for road trips to NJ.
Cheering you on as you take this new adventure in baking, blogging, cute dog snuggling, pepper eating, [insert your choice here – anything is possible]!!!
On the flip side, now *I* have time to drive down and visit *you*!
And now that you mention it, I’m thinking that should be first on the agenda…
An open invitation is extended. Uncle Jesse can come too. And Peppermeister. And magical neighbor Jeff (he’s not allowed to bring any “flavor enhancer” with him though).
Did you say “open” invitation? Ok, just tell me when so I can put it on my calendar! 😉
Congratulations! This is your opportunity to make “IT” happen … whatever “IT” is. Do it. 🙂
Thank you so much! 🙂 I like the idea of giving people “Congratulations!” cards after lay-offs… Really specific ones. Like, “Congratulations! You’ll never have to pretend you care about grandson again!”
“Congratulations! You’ll never have to fake remembering whose birthday it is to eat cupcakes with us again!”
“Congratulations! You’ll never have to listen to my dieting stories again!”
“Congratulations! You don’t have to play Secret Santa with us this year!”
Oh, this is a good idea.
I just choked on my extremely alcoholic drink.YES YES YES.
Susie Lindau just reminded me of an idea for a good one:
“Congratulations! You’ll never have to engage in another team-buidling exercise involving uncooked pasta and demoralization!”
Yes. I suggest you give that one as your goodbye card. You know, as a token of your appreciation.
Hummmm… If I do this, I might get a whippin’. Might even get me blocked. I’ll do it, anyway.
I hope you realize how incredibly fortunate you are that you can be so cavalier about losing your job. When I was laid off (albeit, with a pfat, pfat severance check), it tore my family up a bit. My daughter’s first grade teacher noticed she was a bit distracted and asked what’s wrong. She told her, “May daddy got fired from his job and nobody wants him anymore.” We sat her down and explained the difference between being fired and being laid off, but kids don’t deal in nuance very well. All she knew was that when she left for school in the morning, instead of him being gone for work, daddy was sitting at the kitchen table starring into the laptop. Everything worked out fine, thank god. I even found work before the severance ran out. Bonus! Not to be a wet blanket in your comment section, but please realize that many, many people who lose their jobs can’t afford the luxury of baking pies and blogging.
Thanks for this comment – I was concerned this post might seem insensitive.
We’re facing uncertain times ahead, to be sure, and the hub and I have had a lot of serious conversations about our next steps -we certainly can’t afford to be cavalier either- but I try to keep things as positive and fun as I can here.
I’m so glad things worked out for you! It really is a scary situation.
Thanks for not blocking me. I didn’t want be a dick, but your post vividly brought back a very dark, terrible time for me. It doesn’t help that you’re an effective writer. I sat in that meeting, too, and your “I’m FREE” was my “I’m FUCKED.” Don’t forget to apply for unemployment. It takes a few weeks to kick in, so the sooner, the better. You’re eligible, even though you got severance. It’s double-dipping and perfectly legal. It’s pretty sweet, actually. It’s like getting a big raise for being laid off.
Good luck! You’ll do great and a forced change like this often leads to bigger and better things. I went through a job change about two years ago, am now self employed, took about a 98% pay cut, but things are starting to look better and so far so good. Same will happen with you, I am sure! 🙂
That is awesome, Steve – I love hearing stories like yours! Thank you!
“Forced change” – EXACTLY. Since I was already stressed to the max over difficult life decisions, I was actually grateful to have a decision made for me! AND ready for a change.
I just saw this in the want ads, “Looking for a qualified chipmunk wrangler–good pay, but must travel on hoildays”. If you’re interested, I’ll forward it to you.
Don’t joke about this. My heart just skipped a beat.
Hey, with that kind of attitude you can’t fail to succeed!…if you know what I mean…
I’m going to fail the HECK out of not succeeding!!!!!
I’ve done it. More than once. Sometimes it works out so great, it’s unbelieveable. Sometimes not. But it always does works out.
Nancy – I suck for not telling you earlier that your comment on my last post was PERFECT – Babs (my mom) and I were actually talking about it this weekend. You might not even like your job, but you don’t want anyone ELSE telling you you CAN’T work there! Amen!
And I really do have high hopes for better, if not bigger, things to come!
Jules, I envy your freedom and never-gonna-get-me-down spirit! I sometimes dream that I might get laid off and imagine all I could accomplish if I didn’t have to slave away at work. Hell, if Congress can shut down my office, I wouldn’t be surprised if layoffs are next. Enjoy your free time and I’m sure Uncle Jesse is thrilled to have his mama home!
Jess, I was so lazy about responding to comments last weekend, but I was so sorry to hear you’re dealing with all of this shutdown insanity!!
Honestly, when you’re aching for a major career change, but feel like you can’t financially consider one, and someone hands you a severance package that buys you juuuust a liiiiittle time? It’s pretty freaking great/scary. (Scary because now you have to do something about it!)
You have such an amazing attitude. I’m sorry for the situation, but I gotta be honest. I’m kind of excited that you’ll be focusing more on the blog. That’s not too selfish, right?
Okay, this is officially the best comment a blogger can hear after she’s laid off.
THANK YOU! 🙂
Welcome to the world of the unemployed and choosing your future instead of letting others choose it for you. I don’t know about you but, every time I have ever left/lost a job in the past, I have gone on to something better. I know that I could have stayed where I was for the last 10 years for the next 10 years, but I was not happy. I know I could have sold myself for what others perceive as security, but I perceived it as shackles. I am looking for something now to spend time while my kids are in school but that is not my ‘career.’ My career is developing myself and if that should ever turn into an economic endeavor, I will be thrilled. Doing what you love is not work, it is life. They says that if you get paid to do what you love, you never work a day in your life. I am guessing you have done a lot of work, is it time to live?
Thank you! It’s refreshing to take a step back and look at the REAL reasons -beyond money- that I was doing something I didn’t love.
At the risk of sounding hokey or naive, I feel really, really lucky that I’ve been forced into not wasting anymore time living a disingenuous life.
Thank you again for this comment, and more power to you!
Your enthusiasm about this kind of adventure reminds me of me. I’d get upset when the Hubbin’ lost a job for about 12 seconds and then it was all about what we could do instead and how adventurous it would be., The last time I changed careers was when I quit my last “real” job. I became free-wheelin’ and created my own business in network marketing and which I still love and earn a residual income from. Follow your passion Jules!
That. Is. Awesome! I definitely like to flatter myself thinking we’re kindred spirits 🙂
Also, I’m starting to seriously believe that women are the more adventurous sex. We’re always looking for ways to grow and explore.
It’s kind of terrifying to have ‘permission’ to do something not based on making a certain income…
Jules. I was the head of a company and the board decided “I needed to pursue my own interests.” They retired me fully at 50 and gave me two years severance and the use of a car and airplane. I was sorry I jumped back into the work force. I should have taken the two years to begin my writing career. Well 20 years went by before I could start my first love (writing). So here I am, hoping I can get all the stories out before I croak. Hopefully you will do exactly what you want to do with the rest of your life.
Wow, John! That’s quite a story right there (one I hope you’ve already written)!
It’s really reassuring and inspiring to hear this advice right now – thank you so much!
I am a fiction writer . This is all true. Thanks
Oops – yes – that came out wrong on my part – I meant your real life story would make an amazing book!
Thank YOU for the wonderful advice!
Thank you.
In my post for today, posted Tuesday night, I talked about my new job. Please feel very free to look over my sponsoring website and think seriously about the position. Write me with any questions. The money can be fabulous as can be the free time as the job is only about 7-8 hours per week and the time constraints are mostly yours.
http://www.bign.com/svannatter
Scott
Thanks, Scott!
I had the incredible opportunity nearly a year ago to tell off the worst boss on earth. What a complete ass. This man was a bully to the fullest of the term. He disliked women, he disliked me (and didn’t try to hide it). So when I walked away from that job I took the bull by the horns and spent 45 minutes telling him exactly what I thought of him and his ways. SUCH a relief. I’m not usually that petty but I went thru a lot of crap while there and after – even having to take matters to the Labour Board (WHICH I WON, BTW) – and I felt so good to have the upper hand in that.
(I really could go on and on and on about this…I want to….but I won’t.)
Oh, Sandy, I am living vicariously through your experience! That’s just great. Please, do, go on! It’s so rare we get that moment! Man, I could have used that today…
(I’m having sleepless nights dealing with one final, stressful work situation [and by situation I mean wildly insensitive person] that is taking every ounce of my good will and patience.)
Don’t hold back, Jules….let the shi* fly!
Y’know, I don’t like to use the word “Bully” often because I think it’s and overused term and has taken on a completely different context from what I remember it as. But the man I worked for last year was a bully to the fullest of the term. And the staff were/are very childish. I’m not one for taking crap from people – and I stood up for myself which is probably why I was so disliked. But I had to deal with women in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s who would sit there and flick paperclips at me from across the room. Seriously! Grown women acting like childish idiots. So, when they got called out on their antics they got all mean-girl on me. Ah well….my life is sooooo much better now. I don’t have the stress of dealing with such crap. And tho I had to deal with a little stress with the labour board it all turned out in my favor. The labour relations rep I dealt with even referred to my former employer as an ass.
Things will get better AND you should enjoy your freedom right now. I took full advantage of it. You should too. PM me (you still have my Hotmail address?) if you want to chat more. I can tell you some other ways I had the upper hand in this situation…one of the includes morning coffee brewing. 😀 xoxoxox
Flicked paper clips?! Flicked paper clips?!?! WOW.
It’s so great when someone in mgmt/a position of authority validates your experience, isn’t it??
Yes – FLICKED PAPER CLIPS. GROWN ASS WOMEN!!!!
The “man of the house” was no better.
Jules,
Does this mean you will have more time to “persuade” Babs to do another video?
-Soul Walker
OMG. It’s SO LONG OVERDUE! I do have Babs featured in the ‘apple pepper pie’ post (that I have yet to write)… You should see the way this woman can peel an apple. …Holy sh*t. I should make that the next instructional video!
Soul Walker. You are an inspiration.
You go, JD. Bake those pies. Blog up a storm. (then mail me some pie) Enjoy your down time, you deserve it. Can’t wait for your Halloween contest!
DP, I need to make you a pie to celebrate all of your school kick-assery! First let me figure out how to make a one with gin…
Is it weird that I look forward to my Halloween contest all year?
Woohoo for a severence package. Milk the time off as much as possible!
Thank you!! It’s hard not to feel guilty about having a little time off, but dang… That’s a guilt I can live with!
Yay!! I freaking love your attitude and it makes me so happy to see how you’re approaching this news. There’s nothing you can do about it, so why worry?!
Thank you so much, Katy! I almost feel bad for the people who didn’t get let go, because not only do they have to deal with working with 20-30% fewer people, everyone we know who’s gotten laid off from the company in the past is saying how much better off they are…
nothing like free time for a creative person! onward! bigger and better!
You said it! Thank you so much!
I love your attitude! I’m sorry they did that to you, but honestly, the couple of times I’ve been let go, they truly ended up being the BEST thing that could have happened. Even though I cried…at first…cuz I like to cry. But afterwards, I realized it was just something that needed to happen!
Yay for more blogging time! I hope you find something even better in the near future! 😀
Thank you so much, Lilykins! I’ve been thinking about how you’ve said getting laid off was a positive experience for you – I really do think ‘forced change’ (as Steve put it above) is a good thing.
I am AMAZED that I made it through the meeting without crying, but there have certainly been tears since then! I worked there for almost 7 years!
Oh Jules, look at you making kick ass vodka lemonade out of lemons! On to bigger and better and, in the meantime, don’t forget to stop and smell the roses. And, by that I mean sleep in and get day drunk on a week day, because, really, is there anything better?
“..day drunk on a week day.”
My heart just went pitter patter.
You get me.
Now let’s put these lemons to work soaking up this vodka…
Jules, I love, LOVE your attitude about this. But let me say first that I’m sorry – getting “separated” isn’t fun, no matter what greener pastures await you.
There is absolutely no friggin’ doubt that you will be absolutely fabulous at whatever the something (or nothing) is that you choose to do.
Gotta admit I’m jealous – I’m ready for retirement, but was too stupid to marry money.
Thank you so much, Peggles! I spent the whole morning preparing to hear the words “You’ve been separated,” so I really did have a pretty positive reaction – by noon, when I (FINALLY) got the news, I think I would’ve been disappointed if I WASN’t laid off.
I’ll make sure to get a few executive’s numbers before I leave in case you’re in the market to marry for money any time soon (you know, before THEY get laid off)… 😉
Congratulations on your separation!!! Now we will see more of you. Just think, no more group training session retreats…
Thank you so much, Sus! I cannot BELIEVE I didn’t think of that as a ‘pro’ in the separation column. No more team building!!!!!!!!!!!
OMG.
You just made my night.
I am sooooooo glad! Those really seemed to SUCK!
This is it, babe. You’re writing that book. And buying more leather jackets.
Nina, forget leather jackets – they had a whole BUCKET of fanny packs at this place!!!
Aw, man. I missed your initial post on downsizing…fudgesicle. I’m sorry because that sucks, but in a way it’s a good thing. You are a phenomenal writer, one of my fav bloggers. I think writing is the avenue to go. You’re also one of those “connectors” (malcolm gladwell term), a person who has the incredible ability to befriend anyone and make them feel comfortable. That is a gift. I wish you all the best. I have a friend who works for Random House so if that can ever help, let me know.
Aw, Speakerrrrrrrr.
I can’t tell you how flattering this comment is – I consider you a top notch writer/humorist, so it really means a lot to me.
I took Gladwell’s “connector” test and failed miserably. (I’m going to let you in on a little secret.
…I hate people.)
Getting let go ranks up there with root canal, but i’m so totally envious I could just spoink (i don’t know what that means either). You can have my PM job – seriously – take it – and it’s within a reasonable commute for you…really…please?
Well then I wish you a happy future of lay offs and severance packages, my PM friend! It really is at the point now where I feel bad for the people who didn’t get laid off. It’s such a crummy situation going on right now – people leaving, and people just waiting to find out. And 0 work getting done, of course.
Go for it
If by “it” you mean “epic Halloween blog contest,” then DONE.
You got fired via a shitty trapper keeper folder. That right there is recognized as adequate justification for a workplace shooting spree in 19 states.
When I got home, I showed it to my husband and said, “This is the nicest thing they’ve ever given me.”
I was wondering how this turned out for you! Well, I guess not wondering enough to get in touch to ask, but it did cross my mind at some point for sure! Hey, it’s their loss, right!??? Good luck, Jules! You’ll find something. And you look great in that picture! You look happy and healthy!
Thanks, Don! I’m sorry I’ve been
MIAshamefully self-absorbed in the midst of your blogging idol contest. I am confident you kicked some serious chipmunk tail.Good luck, Jules, whatever happens!! I know a few people where I work losing their jobs at the moment, and it’s heart-breaking. And yeah, I’ve considered a career change. Determined to make some sort of living from writing, and I’m worried I’m getting too comfortable where I am.
One of the guys I work with is finishing on the 18th, and the way he put it was, well, he’s not happy about it but he’s going to make the best of a bad situation. So far, he’s planning on playing a few Grand Theft Auto games before tackling GTA V, and I think he wants to squeeze some Legend of Zelda in, too. In between all the job hunting and stuff.
Thank you so much! It really can be heart-breaking – I’m really concerned about others who weren’t at all prepared (or considering career changes like me), and those who have yet to hear about their status (because the waiting is THE WORST). Not to mention the fact that I’m covered under my hub’s benefits, which is HUGE.
I think my ‘Grand Theft Auto’ looks more like blogging. 😉
Sorry to hear you got “separated.” Just remember, when one door closes make lemonade. Or something like that.
I’ll make whatever drink you want, if you bring the pork belly.
I would not have reacted so optimistically upon first hearing that. But I’m thrilled for you. I’ve learned quite a bit this year about some changes really turn out for the better despite the scariness at first. So pumped to see what you create during this time!!
And Misty is the sh*t. She totally sends awesome care packages and knows how to cyber hug!
Thanks, Jess!! Misty was actually the Halloween contest winner last year, too – THAT’S how the sh*t she is!
You guys know I’m seeing these comments, right? What are you trying to do, give me a swelled head? Either that, or you are trying to butter me up to ensure that I keep sending y’all treats . . . you broads are so devious. :p
(But really, thanks guys! You’re sweet). 🙂
Earlier, I said sorry about your layoff. But now I want to say congrats!
You’re looking beautiful, btw. I think it’s the inner peace that radiates from within.
…secretly jealous…
Finally! I can comment on your post. Soooo…when are you coming to MD?
Maybe you should start your own interior decorating business.
Hello! Just discovered your blog and I loved this post. You’re so positive! I think you’ll really make the most of this new life – puppies, Glee, pie…what more is there? Thanks for the laugh!
http://sophpearl.wordpress.com/
Love your post! Thanks so much for the laugh! I’m going to enjoy reading your blog! You have a great sense of humor!
I may be in the same position soon, Jules. My company was bought out and we’re all waiting, waiting, waiting to see how it plays out. But at least the decision is not mine to make. You know?
If the axe falls, it would be a good opportunity to try something new. Do you know if you’ll look for a job in the same field?
Congratulations on the severance and the opportunity to change your life. I also hope you got to smash that printer on your way out, or will on the 18th. Also, “separation” isn’t really a proper name for it (but better than “impacted” that my company likes to use). I think it’s more like a “divorce”, and severance you’re getting is basically the alimony.
We are going through the same thing here at my company – and I’ll have to admit that there’s a certain part of me that would love a severance package and about 3 months of just complete and total freedom. Good luck on your job search!