Do you know anyone laid off?

If you know anyone who gets laid off and don't know what to say - write a note. The phone calls are awkward; no one knows what to say. This is especially true from coworkers that kept their jobs.

I got a handwritten card from someone in my bible study. She wrote that she had been through a layoff and knew how I felt. It really meant a lot to me that someone took the time to send a card. I did the same for the other person who lost her job - I found a card that said "you are fantastic". She sent me a text that it was what she needed to hear.

I have found some jobs to apply for and received my first rejection letter so I am on the road to "the next thing".

More emotions

I was texting with a friend tonight. She was also laid off so we know what the other is going through. Luckily we are both strong in our faith and know that God has a different and better plan for us. That strong faith doesn't totally stop the feelings of "I am second best" and "Why me"

I don't tell many people about my situation yet. It is too embarrassing. I don't know why I am embarrassed.

I know I can rely on my faith to get me through this and will. I need to turn to more bible verses to focus on and lean on more friends.

Last Week it Happened

Like most people I never expected it to happen to me. I knew it was coming but I kept thinking that I had done all the things to ensure I wouldn't be one of the ones. We had been warned a few weeks in advance that it was coming - but much like any tragedy you know is coming you never really think it is going to affect you. I was laid off.

The week prior the administrative offices called us all to a conference call - they told us they expected to do layoffs and expected to be done by the end of the week. We all read the local papers for our headquarters and saw the reports of 70 people losing their jobs. It was scary - but still it couldn't happen to me.

I just had the best review of my career with the company. I participated in all of the committees they said they were going to look to. I was even Vice President of a national board for the certification exam for our students. I had done all the right things. I was still unsettled.

They did not finish by the end of the week - another week began and ended. Two stressful weeks. Then I got the email from HR requesting a phone call meeting. My boss got on the line and told me I was getting the call no one wanted to get. I was devastated. I loved my job - I was told from my first professional position that I should teach and I was finally doing it. I got emails from my students thanking me for pushing them to do better. It wasn't enough.

I get to work for another few weeks because they need me. I need the job and the package I will get if I stay. I have a major surgery schedule just 5 days after I lose my job.

I know that God has a plan for me. I know that I am not where He has my purpose. I know that I will find it. I think that writing my feelings down will help me to work through my emotions. I invite you to go through this with me.