The Benefits of Losing Your Job

First the bad news.

I got laid off at the end of February. I know. It sucks. I went through several weeks of changing emotions. Depressed, angry, sad... ok, so maybe I just changed between those three. I've never been laid off before. Or even fired. I understand why. We just didn't have enough work. Even knowing and understanding the reason, I still felt terrible. I felt worthless, like I didn't have anything to contribute. That I could be gone just like that. One second, gainfully employed. The next, fffttht! Gone! That it had to be me, I just can't describe how that felt. If you've ever been laid off, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.

I've been looking. But in my line of work in this area? Forget it. There's nothing. I've got six years of education, two degrees, over 15 years experience, and I can't find a job in my field. I may have to move to a larger city. I guess my attitude should be whatever work I can find, take it. Maybe it's pride talking, but how can I justify all that time and experience to wind up not doing the thing I've invested so much into? I've thought about going into business for myself. My field is so staturated in this area though and I'm not sure I'm competitive enough to succeed.

Am I whining? I'm whining, aren't I? Sorry. I hate it when my kids at church do that. I refuse to talk to them when they whine at me. I'll try to do better.

I said bad news first. That must mean there's some good news.

Yes! My parents promised my sister and me a new computer for Christmas. Fast forward four months and I have a brand new MacBook Pro 17" laptop in my hot little hands. I don't believe I've left it for very long yet. I love this thing!!! They even got me Adobe Creative Suite 4 and Micorosft Office. I am so grateful I can't even begin to express how much. So, technically, if I wanted to go into business for myself, I have a great start. I have most of what I need now. If only I were good at sales... Anyone need a graphic designer? Throughout this job search, I have discovered that I may need some more education. Most people looking for a graphic designer, expect someone who can design for print and can design web sites. To me, they are completely different animals. And to be honest, html and codes and all that kind of stuff intimidate me. I've already forgotten more about printing than a lot of graphic designers will ever know. I'm just not sure I can learn that web site stuff. (oops! on the verge of whining again.)

How did my good news turn into whining and panicking? Ok, maybe not panicking, but mildly concerned.

After the first few weeks of sleeping all day, watching TV all night, gaining back all the weight I lost and not caring, I got over the depressed, feeling sorry for myself attitude. I'm trying to let the Lord be in control. I know He has something out there for me. Somewhere. I am learning to be patient and lean more on Him.

I had an interview with Murray State a few weeks ago, but I haven't heard anything. I should call them to find out. I've also applied to Lifeway and am hoping for something there. It would be in Nashville which is fairly close to home and I think it would rock working for a Christian organization. That's not to say my previous employers were bad, quite the opposite. But I've never worked in a Christian atmosphere and I think it would be very nice to work there. I got an email from Human Resources that said I qualified for several positions and they were forwarding my app to the managers. I haven't heard anything yet but I'm not sure what to do. I don't have a name or contact number. I guess I could scour the website to see what I could find. I'd really like to interview with them.

There's another benefit to being unemployed. I've watched all 5 seasons of Lost on the ABC website. Well, the first 14 episodes of season 5 I had to read the extended recap because for some reason they don't have the videos available. Just #15 through the end of the season. On the bright side of that I read them faster than watching. Otherwise, I'd still be watching. By the way, is anyone else a fan? Have you seen Lost? I'm not even sure how to describe it other than it's addictive. My brain is reeling from all the twists and turns it's taking.

I've also been watching My Boys and Harper's Island. Has anyone seen this show? It's on CBS on Saturday nights. Check it out http://www.cbs.com/primetime/harpers_island/ They've also got this website that parallels the show. It's got separate characters but some of the storyline connects. It's odd but pretty interesting. The website for that is http://www.harpersglobe.com/

Not only that, but I've discovered Doug Fields' youth ministry Podcast. They started the podcast back in 2006 and I've listened up through mid 2007. I want to just skip on up to the present but I'm afriad I'll miss something good. If you haven't heard of Doug Fields, he's the youth pastor at Saddleback Church in California. It's called Simply Youth Ministry. He's written a bunch of books including "Purpose Driven Youth Ministry". The website is http://www.simplyyouthministry.com/. If you're a youth leader you should check it out.

Well, if anyone hears of a graphic design job available in western Kentucky let me know. Or if you know someone who needs design work, leave me a comment. (Assuming there's more than one person reading this.)

Thanks for visiting!!