Being Laid Off: How I Handle the Reality

Dear friends, we’re now in month two of 2020. I know it’s been a while and so much has transpired. So, let us get into the catch-up banter.

END Of 2019

For all those who follow me on my other social media accounts like Instagram and Youtube. You were able to catch a glimpse of my 2019 recap. Who expected a marriage proposal, 3 trips within 4 weeks of each other, my bonus daughter spending Thanksgiving home, my bonus son being home on leave for a month and, capping it off my daughter came home for a month from college.

HELLO 2020

At this point, I would say life gave me an expected, yet unwanted life event change. This change has completely given me no other words but to say, “Laid Off”. These formulae two words I have sat across a desk and in my kindest voice said to so many others. However, when it is said to you…let’s see your stomach caves in, your eyes start blinking, lips pinch together, but not too much that you can’t respond with confidence. With-in 10 minutes your life shifts.

In the following 10 minutes, you hear in a cracked voice, “It genuinely was a pleasure having you support our team. This was not a decision about you, but a business realignment.” I gather my lunch, picture of me & my Fella, and I show them where to find my files. I left as if I was just leaving for the day. “Okay, have a good liquid sunshine day I say.” The front desk associate responds, “Alright, Allenia. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

I Stopped Blinking

Now what, oh yeah…I call my fella. Ladies, he says to me, “Okay, Love. You had some idea this was going to happen and now it’s here. You can get some rest because you won’t have any problem finding another job.” Now, considering the conversation that just occurred, I’m sure he said something else profound in his church Deacon voice, but I didn’t hear that stuff. I’m glad he didn’t end his conversation asking, “Love do you understand what I mean?” Honestly, the answer would have been Nope. Lets, not dwell on those details now…that was in the past.

The rest of the day went like this. I sat and stared at a spot on the wall. Don’t ask me why that’s not relevant to this story. After the door Ring system chimed (gift from my bonus children to my Fella for Christmas) I started blinking again. I change into pajama pants, left my shirt & sweater of the day on, turn on NetFlix and click on Fuller House, opened the refrigerator and without remorse, I ate half a Lemon Meringue Pie. The pie was delicious and I laughed at the nostalgic feel I got from watching the binge-worthy Fuller House episodes. Then, I realize I wasn’t feeling anything about my loss.

WHERE am I Going Now

Plain and simple, I needed 48 hours to give myself time to be upset. Resolve with myself this may be a long process considering your age, accept that I may have to make a career change, write down and contact anyone that would be able to give me a reference, and get myself ready to ask for help from others with my job search.

Occasionally, life brings you lemons so this is me making lemonade. See this is a road I have traveled before but yet, it was alone. This time I’m not. So these crazy uneven days to come will now be shared by someone else. I write not only to encourage myself but to impact someone else’s life in the process who is going through the same transition.

If I could leave you with anything, for the one who has been laid off. Set and keep work routines, find something else to do that will give you JOY while you search, and don’t feel obligated to inform others what places you have applied to or websites you have viewed. Just do it! And, for those family and friends who are supporting do not ask every time you speak or see your loved one, “Have you found a job yet?” Trust me when they do you will know. However…if the person is lazy…do what you must.

I’ll keep you posted on my journey…let’s see where it takes me.