Five years ago, shy of 10 years of service, I found myself at the wrong end of a 60 day notice. At first the world seemed to be coming to an end because my 15 year plan had been ruined. Little by little, I redesigned my goals and objectives around new possibilities; I started a blog, traveled around the world, adopted a special introverted dog named Zach and bought a rental property. By the end of 2015 I was back at the company that had let me go. My goal and highest aspiration was to retire early, before age 50, or die trying.
Last Wednesday, September 16, I got an advance notice on what is now my second 60 day notice in 5 years. It definitely says more about the company and the tines than many imagine. I wasn’t let go on the first round, like last time. No. I was able to endure, to plan ahead and be prepared for the aftermath or badly played executive decisions. Unlike the past, I now have an MBA, investment property, savings and a healthy 401k to get me through the hard times. I’m no longer a victim of circumstance, or naive. This time, I’m prepared to exploit every opportunity that presents to me instead of exiting stage right and into uncertainty.
With the 2020 election looming, and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’ passing, I must admit that I’m fully energized to meet the challenges ahead. This break in service came at an auspicious time. I’m free, thanks to the severance pay, to concentrate on what’s right, on the common good, without worrying about medical coverage and other worries of adulthood that dim the spark of creativity and innovation. This goes beyond the crisis of turning 40 soon, of losing my mother, or of losing my job. Once more, I’m free to manage my time, to reset expectations and boundaries. To rest from the monotony of corporate life and refocus on what’s best for me and my family.
Sincerely, I have every intention to let life take me wherever it needs me to be. To seriously consider all possible alternatives. To lead. To collaborate. To inspire. None of the events in my life have been coincidental or pure luck; every action has had a positive reaction creating ripples of goodwill and hope throughout the world. Yes, there has been pain, insurmountable loss and incredible defeats but we always went down swinging. Never give up, never surrender! This is yet another fork on the road, a junction, a place of reckoning, resignation and hope. The fruitful harvest of planning, discipline, blind faith, intuition and courage. Determination. Resilience.
Grit at its finest.
Stay tuned! I can’t wait to see what’s next, even if these become my infamous last words.
Mrs. Enginerd - Nerd Whisperer 