When I was laid off 16 months ago, the abrupt change was devastating. It turned everything upside down for a time. I fought it for awhile and thought I just could not manage my sanity without having a job. I soon found that I was wrong and began to adapt. I developed a renewed interest in working outside and getting some of the larger projects completed. I started picking up books again and over this past summer I reread an entire series of Isaac Asimov books. I started using my sewing machine and began a fairly rigorous excercise program. I also found myself faced with alot of time for reflection and introspection. So far it has been somewhat eye opening and enlightening. Moreso than I needed. At any rate, I was enjoying spending time with Sean over the summer, hubby on his days off, our vacation times in Hawaii and Alaska, and sleeping in.
The hardest and most emotionally exhausting and esteem stealing activity during the entire time was looking for a job. To satisfy the requirement for unemployment I had to find and apply to at least 3 jobs per week. It was extremely difficult to find jobs that required my sets of skills that did not require a college degree or specific certifications that I did not have. It was also difficult to find jobs that paid more than 12.00 per hour.
My biggest disappointment happened when I called upon the people in the electronics industry that I thought were friends. I wasn't asking any one of them to hire me. I simply asked them to keep me in mind and if they heard of something out there to please let me know. I asked some of them if I could physically come and speak with them to pick their brains and get some advice as to where they think I should be focusing my efforts. Only a few responded positively and the rest acted as if they would be "put out" by such a request. I started in the industry in 1978 and my path has crossed with probably 500 or more people. I found out during this last excercise who are true friends and who were simply fleeting business associates. At the time it felt like a huge punch in the gut. Now I realize that I put too much importance on those relationships and it's time to leave them behind. If I ever take on the purchasing function at this new company those same people will be beating down my door for my business. hmmmm.
So, my new job starts on Monday. October 4th. It is a new function and a new set of responsibilities but I'm up for it. It is another big change in my life but I will embrace it. It's time to go back to work.
They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.
Confucius
Always remember that the future comes one day at a time.
Dean Acheson
We must cultivate our own garden. When man was put in the garden of Eden he was put there so that he should work, which proves that man was not born to rest.
Voltaire
My new favorite person to quote is Voltaire. He was an arrogant scoundrel who thought quite highly of himself but nevertheless had some interesting and sometimes profound things to say.
