Perspective
On March 23rd, 2020, I was informed that I was losing my job—yep, you read that correctly, losing my job. A 10-year career coming to a sudden halt. I had about 5 days to figure everything out. I was stressed. I was anxious. I was worried. I couldn’t wrap my head around losing a career, in an instant, at 32 years old. I worked in healthcare. How was this even possible? I was amazed at how quickly I became “NON-ESSENTIAL”. What did this mean? What was going to happen financially? Was I going to default on my student loan payments? Would we lose our brand-new house? Could I even secure another job?
In sheer panic, I immediately started applying for jobs—anyone that was hiring. I was shocked at how many places turned me away. I have two degrees but was ok with doing literally anything, to collect a paycheck. Nothing but rejection. I wasn’t applying for CEO positions either, I’m talking about Kroger, Lowe’s, Starbucks.
I am fortunate that my husband was able to still work full-time from home, but I wasn’t carrying my weight. After about 2 weeks of woe is me and securing some sense of financial security through unemployment and part-time employment through my current employer, I felt my stress level come down a bit. A look in the mirror and some time to think was what it really took to get me going in the right direction again!
The most important take away from all of this—was my change in PERSPECTIVE. Yes, I lost my job and felt totally defeated, but that was such a small piece of what was actually happening, even though it felt like everything. I gained a new appreciation for the little things, the things we often take for granted; being healthy, spending time with my husband, enjoying ‘ME’ time. I got to spend so much more time with Nick that would have otherwise never happened had I been working. Most days we enjoy 3 meals together! Prior to this pandemic, I can’t tell you the last time that was. We were lucky to enjoy dinner together 1 night a week—but I had a job, right?! That’s not the end all, be all, even though we tend to think it is!
The saying, “there is good in every situation,” is so true. We just need to find that good. It’s usually in the simplest of things. Don’t look too hard or too far. It’s right in front of us—we need to open our eyes and choose to see things in a different light. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to get back to work—SO bad! However, I’m grateful for this pandemic, as it has opened my eyes to what really matters in life. Time is so precious. Don’t let it get away from you without even realizing it. Take a step back and reevaluate what’s truly important and meaningful in your life. I promise it will change you!
“Change the way you see things, and the things you see will change.”