Eliminated

October 1, 2012      

Today at 3:45 my boss stopped by and said "Come down to my office in like five minutes, no in two minutes. You don't need anything, just come down." I was on my computer and a minute later it just shut down. When it restarted I tried to log in and I got a message that said my account had been disabled. I immediately called my good friend and coworker Jenn and told her I thought I was being fired or laid off. She said "No!". I explained what happened and she told me to let her know.

I went into his office and the president of the company was sitting there. He asked how I was doing and I told him about my computer. I sat down and he said effective immediately my position was being eliminated. He said it had nothing to do with my performance. 

I went back to my office in tears and on the walk I knocked on the wall of Jenn's cube. She knew what that meant. When I got back to my office I actually laughed because there were three cardboard boxes sitting on the floor. I packed everything I could think of, but hadn't saved any of my files or work. I had to give back my iPad. I was very calm and laughing and being kind to Frank as I packed my boxes. I can't believe eleven years of stuff fits into three boxes. 

Jenn and my former boss helped me out to my van. He gave me a hug and told me if I needed a reference or anything to let him know.  Then I gave Jenn a hug and got in the van and drove off for the last time. I called Chris on the way home to tell him and I started crying.

It didn't take me long to understand that this was the answer to my prayers. I had been praying for months now about what to do about my job. I needed guidance. I didn't want to take a risk and leave a job that I was comfortable with even though I was unhappy. I truly believe that God answered my prayers by making it happen for me. And to be honest I couldn't be more thankful. This is a good thing for me and for my family. Yes it's going to be tough financially, but if I know anything it's how to be frugal. In the meantime the kids come home to the house now after school and I get to spend more time with them.

I'm not angry with the company, but it still stings. The first time I went to the gym after it happened and seeing former co-workers was stressful. My heart was beating, but everyone was very nice. And some of my former co-workers from a competing divisions marketing department sent me this beautiful flower arrangement.