My life changed drastically last week. On Wednesday, October 12th, I found out that my call center was closing. I have a choice of applying for other positions or taking a very generous package. I’m taking the package.
That might sound crazy to some people. Heck, I’ve got at least 10 years before official retirement age. I know it’s crazy talk for someone who’s been at the same company for 25 years. But that’s just it, 25 years is a long time to dedicate to one company. Maybe the news might have hit me differently, maybe I would be making a different decision if October 12th wasn’t also the one year anniversary of my sister’s death. I sat in that room, listening to someone explaining the particulars of the closing and all I could feel was my sister kicking me in the ass. She was reminding me that life was too short.
One of the things that I write about on this blog is trying something new. If you’ve known me for most of my life, then you know that I’ve always wanted to be a writer. If you asked me when I was eight what I wanted to be, I would have told you a writer. In High School, I would have told you the same thing. But I never had the courage to follow through on that dream. Instead, I went to work in various offices until I found my current company and stayed for 25 years. So now, I’m about to take that leap into the unknown and try something completely new. It’s time to follow through on that dream to make a living as a writer.
Sure. It’s not going to be easy. I get that. It might even be a little lonely–I love working with this group of people at my company. But in the next few months, our team will be broken apart as some scatter to different locations with the company. And in March of 2017, I will start working from home (although, one fellow blogger has already promised to meet me at our favorite coffee house for writing sessions so that I don’t get too lonely.)
As I told my friends and family already, don’t feel bad for me because I’m losing my job. I don’t. Yes, I’m a little scared about what the future brings, but I’m also excited at the prospect. I hope you continue to follow me on this new journey.
Wow! A whole new chapter is opening in your life – sometimes we need a little shove to get us going (and a nice redundancy package to keep the wolf from the door!) Good on you for finally following your dream x
The package is certainly making it a little easier.
Congratulations for making the decision that is right for you! I am happy for you because you have so many opportunities and possibilities ahead of you! Enjoy your new adventure!
Congr ats! I remember when I decided to work from home, it is scary and the what ifs can be daunting but if you never try, you never know. As women we tend to be sensible and do what we have to do and maybe we reach a certain age where we say it’s my turn dang it!
I’ve always been sensible. Time to be daring.
Me too and totally do something just for you
Transitions are always hard. At the same time, they can be exciting! I hope that’s how you continue to approach this one!
Wow! This sort of “shove” from the universe can be exciting and terrifying – I know. We’ve been there. I wish you so much good! Can’t wait to hear where this takes you!
It’s exciting, but sometimes I feel like I’m on the top step when I’m getting that shove.
So excited for you! I’m a firm believer in the universe giving us what we need when we need it. I look forward to following your next chapter!
Thanks, Roxanne. I also believe that opportunities show themselves when we’re ready for them.
I really am so excited for you! Losing my job has been the best thing for me! See you at the coffee shop.
March 25th!
The universe knows when it’s time to make a change! Good luck Jennifer!
Wow – I love your positive attitude. That day could have spiraled in a completely different direction. Good for you!
Wow! Well, good on the generous package. Your positive attitude will take you far! And who knows where your writing adventures will take you! 🙂
Awesome!!!!!! Find your passion!
Future best seller? The J.K. Rowling? Glad the buy out package was good enough for you to be able to pursue a dream :).
Haha. I have the same initials as Rowling only mine spell JRK. Sigh.
I think you are going to love this new adventure, and so will your readers! 🙂
What an exciting new chapter for you! Of course, you’re a little apprehensive and uncertain, but how wonderful to be able to feel those feelings again because you are embarking on a new venture at this juncture. So much better than boredom and complacency, which are what many are battling at this point in life. Go, you!!
Reading your story brought back memories for me Jennifer. I was laid off from my job last February when our office closed. I wanted to retire and start writing more. But alas, it wasn’t the right time for me. So I started a new job after a two week break. I wish you all the best! This is an exciting new beginning for you and sounds like you’ve been preparing for it for a very long time.
It’s something I always wanted to do. While it’s scary, it’s also exciting.
It seems meaningful to me that this is happening in the midst of your creativity series.
That’s great – glad you have an opportunity to follow your dream and are taking it!
It’s a scary and exciting new adventure. Hoping the change has been as enlightening as you have hoped thus far!
I’m in a very similar situation having been made redundant late last year after 22 years working with the same department. I’m 56 so had many more years of work left in me. I was gutted at the time but now I’m doing really well and enjoying my new lifestyle immensely. I hope things are working our for you too.
This exact thing happened to me in November after 25 years. Thanks for writing this!