So there is good news and not so good news.
This weekend, I was flying on air. I had an extremely productive day in the studio, throwing mugs (on the wheel not at people's heads) and ramping up to share the exciting new website with friends and family). The director of the gallery suggested it was time to start featuring some of my work in the gallery. This would be the equivalent of Ghandi coming down from the heavens and telling you that you are officially enlightened.
I came home and basked in the glow with my friends and loved ones and ended what was a good weekend on a very bright note.
I woke up on Monday and decided to work from a cafe downtown. With my sister in tow, we headed downtown on a sunny Austin Monday morning and set up shop. Somewhere around 12pm, I started getting a real sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I hate that feeling because it brings on malaise and I know something is coming but I'm not sure from which direction. I told her I needed to get out of there and we packed up and headed back to my place.
When I logged in again to my work server, there was the delivery of that foreboding. An email from my boss saying that despite all of his efforts to juggle the budget, he had no choice but to....
...and you know how the rest of that goes, in these economic times.
I've never been in the position to have to seek employment. I do not say this with any ego attached. I'm just sharing the realization. Jobs have always come to me, luring and inviting me to step up to a greater challenge. Just at the right time when I might be open to a new horizon. This was the first time I was pretty comfortable with the challenges and rewards of this position when the 'change' came.
So now, all the career coaching and advisement I've offered to others turns to me. Now it is my time to face some fears, challenge myself and find the gift. Oddly enough, I know there is one. In fact, I'm fairly sure there are several.
In the meantime, I've got a few projects I can sink my teeth into. And, I'm open to new projects as well. So if you know someone looking for a marketing/communications consultant with a ridiculously cute pitbull and a penchant for playing in the dirt...you know where to send them.
Oh and the website? Stay tuned for more details on that. I dare not attach it to this post. However, if you are interested in learning more about sibbotery (my pottery adventure)...feel free to add me on twitter.
Comments
Oh noooo! Actually I was afraid it was something to do with Mecca and was cringing reading on....
You will be okay. It really stinks but just don't panic. I have a feeling something else will find you before you even have to do any hardcore looking for yourself.
You said it yourself, you've never had to seek emplyment job opportunities always just came to you. Maybe this is an opportunity that's coming to you (in an odd way). Look at this way, by being laid off, you have the opportinity to collect unemployment until the "opportunity" clarifies itself.
I lost my job in November, my unemployment is about to run out, but this time "away" has allowed me a much needed vacation and an opportunity to organize and really clear my head. I'm investing more in myself and in where my passions lie, because after all I don't have anything to loose.
Don't freak out or worry, you will make it on the otherside of this intact and better in more ways than you can imagine. You were born with that kind of spirit. =o)
But email is a crappy way to do it -- not even a phone call? Pft.