April 10,
Laid Off
Life is pretty interesting these days. We are all adjusting to this new quarantined way of life. We’re using video chat platforms to get together with friends, working from home, going to school from home; learning how to be parents, employees, and teachers all before taking your first (much needed) sip of coffee. Life is different ... maybe even a little scary ... but we’re here for it.
Today was my last day of employment, but it didn’t come by surprise. I found out exactly 9 days ago that this would be the case. I’ve never been in a situation like this but from what I understand, people don’t typically get 9 days notice when being let go. Was I lucky? Maybe a little - I mean, who doesn’t want to have a couple extra days worked on their final paycheck? Was I angry? Not even a little bit and that’s what I came here to write about today.
I was dealt a shitty card. A card that said, “the world is in a frenzy and now you’re out of a job!” You know what I did with that card? I worked harder than ever. I pulled together transition documentation, an easy-to-follow filing system, and a whole bunch of other things that none of you really care about. The point is, sure I was laid off, but I was given 9 days notice which was 7 days more notice than other employees. I was dealt a shitty card but that card had a golden ticket attached to it.
I know I am rambling and if you’ve gone this far you’re waiting for me to make a valid point. Here it is. In life, whether we’re in the middle of a pandemic or just a normal day, it does not matter what cards we are dealt. What matters is what we do with those cards. Our happiness, positivity, determination to keep moving forward lives within us and cannot be defined by whatever life throws at us.
In the last 9 days, I have grown as an individual more than I thought possible after being told I was getting let go. I have learned to be grateful for all that I have, proud of who I am and all that I do, and excited for all of my new beginnings ahead - whether I am dealt cards that are sealed with diamonds, or, pardon my French, covered in shit, I am looking forward to whatever is next on this journey we call life.
It’s so important, maybe now more than ever, that we train ourselves to see, feel, hear, taste, touch the silver linings. I promise they are there.
Sit Back & Enjoy Your Cup Of Joe
-Alyssa Marie
Comments