Again, I want to thank everyone for all your e-mails and calls! Your kind words and encouragment are getting me through this difficult time!
Although yesterday it felt strange not going to work and having a typical busy Monday, I didn't even notice it today. I wonder if I've already put that stage of my life behind me or if the feeling will come and go?
Monday evening, I read an article on what to do after you've been laid off. One thing I read was to allow yourself time to grieve, and then move on. The article recommended journaling, so here we go.
The week before I was a laid off, a friend in my department was laid off. When I told this to my younger sister, Kim, she encouraged me to find another job, especially when she found out how little I was making. I defended my former place of employment, stating that there were other benefits besides wages. When I told this to my older sister, Sharon, over the weekend, she, too, encouraged me to look for a different employer. Even with all that encouragement, I still wasn't ready to leave. Even though they both had encouraged me to start looking, my lay-off on Thursday was a surprise to both of them. Actually, there were very many people that were surprised when I was laid off, and it was an even bigger shock when another friend was laid off on Friday.
Anyhow, one of the things I miss about my former job, is the time spent with my work friends. However, it is during times like these that you can see who your true friends are. Also, I miss my former outside contacts that I used to speak with almost every day. I'll miss my paycheck being automatically deposited. Another thing I will miss is health insurance. Yes, it was pricey, but a medical catastrophe with no medical insurance is even worse. Another thing gone is life insurance. (Let's hope I don't drop dead in the near future.)
At least for the moment, I can't think of anything else I'll miss. I guess I'm moving right through the grieving process, and I'm ready to move on.
Where to, is the next question.....
Thanks for reading!
Ann Marie
