Getting Back to Good

Remember my last whiney post, the one where I was complaining about stupid things going wrong?  What I failed to mention was the real reason for this pervasive feeling was that I was out of work.  After a lengthy, craptastic, year-long, soul-sucking project, our department was eliminated.  Having never been through this experience before, I can tell you that it was more than a bit surreal.  Fifteen minute meetings were scheduled for each of us back to back.  I was first.  And I knew.  I just knew.  Not that there is any great glory in being right about something like this, but most of my coworkers thought we were being told our next assignment and manager.  In a way, we were.  Next assignment:  Job Search.  Next manager:  You. 

I walked into a conference room with a woman I had met only once and saw the HR representative already sitting in the room.  And so began the rehearsed speach, "As you know, we have converted all the systems...."  In my head, I was shouting, "STOP TALKING, STOP TALKING, STOP TALKING." 

You always think, "if only I had the time to do all of the projects I never have time to accomplish..."  And then, I had all the time in the world.  But I was paralyzed with fear.  I drove Jim crazy asking, "Everything is going to be okay, right?" a million times.  I burst into tears at the sight of the guy at Walmart with the "Homeless and Hungry" sign.  "That's going to be ME!," I wailed.  I would drop Jim off at work, point to various people and say, "Oh, but HE has a job.  That's fair!" 

After four months of interviews and disappointment, I started a new job last week.  I'm still getting acclimated, but the people are really great and welcoming.  So, as I come out of this unemployment fog, I thought I'd try to catch up with the three of you who still read my posts.

First, things I've learned:

• I enjoy mowing the lawn regardless of those who drive by and laugh at me.
• No matter now many hours I spend with my dogs, it's never enough.
• Shoveling mulch is not for the faint of heart. 
• Four-Year-Olds don't care if you have a job.
• Buying furniture for the porch was the best decision made all Summer.
• Four months off goes by like the blink of an eye.

Looking forward to Fall and all of the cozy fun that comes with my favorite season.  I hurriedly bought pumpkins and decorated the yard.

My favorite preschooler started soccer this Fall...

And my puppies are just enjoying the last few days of warmth.

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend.  Happy Fall!

 

 

 

Comments

[Mary]

Congratulations on your new job, Kim! Wishing you all the best.

[seashoreknits]

I won't say being downsized is The Worst, but having to go through the song and dance of an unexpected job search is right up there with horrible life experiences, requiring courage beyond belief. Congratulations on having made it through it all, Kim. Ad here's to the new job - to new co-workers, whether they knit or not - and to the world being right again. So glad you had pink soccer socks to look at in the meantime (she just gets cuter with each passing year).

[Kerry]

So glad to hear you're getting back to good!

[Louise]

I'm glad to hear that you've found a good job. Good luck with it!

[Kate]

Oh man, that heart-sinking "I know what's about to hapen but can't avoid it" feeling...ugh. I'm happy that things are looking up for you now, though! :)

[Jodi]

Congrats on the new job! Ugh, being unemployed is not a picnic. So stressful!

The pupsters are looking adorable, as ever, and I love the autumn decor.

[NutmegOwl]

I know how awful it was. But you lived through it. And you landed well. AND you got porch furniture ;) Cheers to you!

[Barb Cooper]

It's the biggest rip off in life--like, if you'd known you'd be back to work in four months, think of how you would have enjoyed the time off. But because of the unknown, it was impossible to enjoy it. I hope the job continues to be a place of good, and that this new door opening leads to all kinds of good for you and yours.

[sarah]

glad you have found some work. i hope it moves along in a positive, easy way.
ps. can't believe there is a soccer player already! xo

[Archies Mum]

Congratulations on finding a job. It must have been a very stressful time for you and your husband. Love your fall decorations. In the UK we don't have anything like that, so love seeing the American side of the different seasons :)

[Kathy]

I'm sorry you had to go through that and had to keep it inside to process it. Sometimes we're our own worst enemy. I'm glad you're starting a new job and hope that somehow the last 4 months gives you a new perspective (besides how quickly the size of a bank account can go down).

[Nicole]

Yay! so happy that you found a job and are getting back to good! Have you let your co-workers in on your obsession, uh, I mean "hobby" yet? Or is it too soon to give them a glimpse of the kookoo?

[RoseRed]

Well, that sucks. But yay for an enforced holiday, and double yay for a new job. Hope it will go well and that you will have lovely knitting-friendly colleagues!

[Non-Knitting Coworker]

Do I have to change my name to non-non-knitting coworker?
So happy for you.
And it looks like there are more than 3 of us following your posts.
xo own it muah!
(now I have to be the change...and start listening to my own rah rah advice)

[Jackie]

Kim Enjoy your new job and good luck.
Love your yard, cannot believe your niece is playing soccer already, so cute.

[jane]

Yay...to your new job! And, that little niece of yours can't be four already...just not possible!

[Renee]

Congratulations on your new job! I know your angst, I'm pretty much without a job at this point too and with no options around here am going to stick my neck out and try to start a new business. gack! Enjoy your new job :-)