In case you missed the whole incident where my world tipped over, check out my blog post on Candice Does the World about how I got laid off from my tech writing job of 2 years last week.
Yeah, it happened. I can’t shake that sickly feeling, like mourning or heartbreak, even though I was miserable there. It’s hard to believe 2 years of work is gone. I find it difficult to digest the fact that I won’t go to my office everyday and see my coworkers, people who became my family.
But I was completely unprepared for the support that came back to me. I just spent an hour replying to over 40 comments on that blog post. My ex-coworkers showed up at my birthday party on Friday night with consolation beers and lots of hugs. This is the best case scenario I could have hoped for, in reality: I keep all my friends, and I get unemployment insurance until I’m able to get back on my feet.
I’ve been totally preoccupied. The weather has been phenomenal. My house has been filled with well-wishers, friends dropping by, and birthday celebrations. I’ve been outside soaking up the sun, allowing myself to recoup. After a twilight walk to Signal Hill on Thursday, I took a hot bath and allowed the dread of uncertainty to sink in. When I got out of the tub, my friends had left me an inflatable kiddie Disney princess pool on my bed because I had wanted one for my birthday, but decided I should probably avoid unnecessary purchases for awhile.
The unemployed life. Handling it well.
Friday was my 24th birthday (eek). Jagerbomb came over with a cake she baked for me, and then decorated the house. Vet-Lady baked me cupcakes, the roommates made me supper. I filled up my pool and drank beers in it all day. The house became packed with people, we danced and had a sing along, downed some Sour Puss. I had the most fun ever.
Yaaay, CAKE!
Until I stepped on something minor but bled profusely for like, 20 minutes, probably due to my blood being so thin from all the drinking.
Even downtown, the bar and the band sang Happy Birthday for me. I was totally on cloud nine. Then we hit up the beach on Saturday, and went sea kayaking in Bay Bulls today.
So nuch happiness and love.
In other words, life is still amazing.
But here I am tonight, it’s 12:11 a.m., and I have no need to go to bed. I know this is all for the best but sometimes it hurts, like a big raw insult. Absolutely surreal knowing tomorrow is Monday, but it means nothing for me.
I am excited. I am overwhelmed by the support I’ve received, and I’ll blog about it again on CDTW, but thank you so much. This might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Here’s hoping.
Happy Belated Birthday!! Your birthday bash sounds amazing!
Thanks, Cammy! It was a hoot.
Aww, happy birthday! What a rotten thing to have happen on your birthday. But you sound like you’re managing okay. I know what it’s like, I’ve been laid off twice in the last 2.5 years AND taken a short term contract as a stop-gap, which inevitably ended, which means I’ve been unemployed THREE TIMES in the last 2.5 years. I’m now so irritated with companies having the ability to turn my financial world upside down because it’s convenient for their budget that I’m becoming self-employed. It has its disadvantages but at least I’m in control now.
I hope you find something that works for you very soon. In the meantime, drain EI for all it’s worth. I mean, that’s YOUR money you paid into it! Might as well get some of it back now…
Awhhh I’m sorry you lost your job and whatnot, but at least you have this time to like, reflect, right? You did say you were unhappy with your job…and I don’t believe in sticking with something if it doesn’t feel rewarding.
Happy birthday again!
I want some Sour Puss now too!
PS;
i’ve moved my blog!
Stumbled across your blog by accident. (I don’t know how or even remember what I was looking for.) Great stories – I love your writing style! I’ve never made it to Newfoundland, but it sounds like I need to give it a go. Happy belated birthday, and yes, losing your job can be a blessing in disguise.
Awwww, isn’t it great when the universe just pours awesome all over you? Yay for great friends. I’m so sorry to hear about the job situation but one door closed is always another opened, and usually somewhere better for you. Best of luck – and happy belated birthday!
Not to sound all grown up but dooode shit like this happens for a reason.
That picture of you in the pool is AWESOME! I love it!
Also, happy birthday! And sorry to hear about the job, BUT it sounds like some good stuff has come out of it, no more job you don’t like, and you still get to keep the great relationships you’ve made! Let us know how the search for a new one goes!
awww.. i have a nickname in your blog! i feel special! ;D
so glad you were able to have such a wicked weekend
this will definitely turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you, I’m sure of it 
well, i just wrote you a big fat comment on your other blog.
So i guess you’ll just have to check that out. but i tell ya, it was amazing all the support i got from everyone when i lost my job and that huge heartbreak last spring. it’s pretty overwhelming. and although it doesn’t fix anything, it is pretty amazing.
love ya =)
That’s what friends are for. Thank God for them. Getting laid off is horrible, especially what it does to your mental state. My husband and I have both experienced this in the past year and hopefully won’t again FOREVER. I have the same hope for you. I was reading back through some emails that were sent to me after my husband lost his job and one of the wisest people I know said that a door had been shut, but we needed to look for the window and walk toward the light. But take time to feel how shitty it is…it’ll all make you stronger and better in the future!
Happyy belated birthday and sorry to hear about the job. I found your blog and love how you write, so imma catch up on some more of your posts.
Things happen for a reason and most likely your next venture will take you into better, greener pastures and all that… : )
Happy Birthday!! You are going to have a great year I can tell.
@A Little Coffee: Hahaha yes, that’s pretty much the plan! I mean in the way that I won’t take another shitty job just because I feel pressured to…I’ll never make that mistake again. But I would love to be self-employed, and I’m glad to hear you turned your employment situation around.
@Nashe: Thanks! You’re right, I was preeeetty unhappy. Here’s to new beginnings.
On my way to check out the new site…
@Matt: Glad you enjoyed, and thanks for dropping by! Love hearing from new peeps. NL would totally love you to visit!
@Emily Jane: Thank you kindly! I have such great friends!
@Linlah: I hope you’re freaking right.
@Hey Lady!: Thanks! And I will certainly keep everyone updated with all the details of this new lifestyle, muhahah. That’s just how I roll.
@Maggie: twas a great weekend! also, I don’t know why I gave you a nickname, as you’ve already commented here several times, hahahah
@Brit: I replied there as well, but thank you.
Glad to have someone to relate with.
@Kate: You’re right, and in many ways I’m so grateful to have this happen now rather than later…I don’t want to ever feel that way again!
@PorkStar: Woot, thanks for stopping in! Loved your blog, you’re hilarious. Greener pastures indeed!
@SFL: Thanks so much! Really appreciated the comment on my other blog post, made my day!