Forced Change

The strangest times in my life were when I found myself thrown into a situation that was totally out of my control, impacting me in a major way and because it was so sudden, I felt like I was left in the dark.

Laid Off as a Group

I'll start with the more pleasant situation, when I got laid off. Why was that pleasant? I believe it was because although it opened a world of unknown, I wasn't alone. I was one of nearly 200 people who were in the same situation as the company had downsized to become a much more focused team.

The company did its best to prepare us for the next step. During the notice month, the HR team organized courses, for soft and hard skills, as well as providing interview and resume help. The former managers were happy to provide recommendations and many coworkers shared leads as relevant.

So yes, we were unemployed from one day to the next, but we had each other.

That didn't make it easy or comfortable. There was still a lot of stress involved. Our stability was taken away from us without any promise to return in the near or far future. Each person had their own perspective and coping mechanism. Some people were optimistic and put forth their best cover letters, while others were totally overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.

I tried to take it day by day, because a job lead could result in a job or it could be a false hope. A second interview is great, but it doesn't mean that the offer will follow. I kept my expectations low, put my best foot forward and tried to appreciate what I got. I'm thankful for what I learned along the way.

Months later, I found out that a few of the companies that I applied to, interviewed at, etc. would not have been a good fit at all. My colleagues who were hired at those companies had regretted jumping at the opportunity just because it presented itself. Had I been in their position, my story would probably be the same. So I'm very grateful for what I wasn't offered.

Working from Home

Now if you would have told me, even six months ago, that I would be working from home for two months or more, I would have thought you totally lost it. As much as my daily commute to work was time consuming, it was so great to work in an office with an amazing group of people.

Obviously, by the time the notification came that we should all work from home, it was no longer a far fetched reality. We had been warned that it might come to that and had heard that other branches of the company had closed their offices before us. I still wanted to wait and see what would happen, which meant that I was able to cherish my last commute. I went to the office to collect my laptop and other items that I might need for the foreseeable future.

On the way home, I had a similar heavy feeling of the unknown surrounding me. I kept trying to think of what could happen, but I knew that once again, I would need to take things day by day.

I would need to appreciate the simple moments in life and the pleasures that I wouldn't have in the office. For example, my children coming to keep me company throughout the workday. Also, my lunch breaks are a lot busier at home as I prepare the food, serve, supervise and eat. However, hearing my children's conversations over lunch is something that I didn't realize I was missing out on before.

I'm thankful for technology of Zoom and Teams which allows me to have virtual interactions with my co-workers. While its nowhere near the same as being in person, at least we know that we are there for each other.

What Now?

Thank G-d, we are healthy. That is first and foremost. I'm grateful to have a job in a company that is concerned about the employees and the ability to be working from home.

There is still a lot that we don't know and honestly, there always will be. For now, I'm working on accepting that.

Sometimes we do have clarity and the feeling of security that our careers are on a clear path and we should cherish those times. When for whatever reason, circumstances change on us and the next steps aren't clear, I suggest putting on some rose colored glasses and staying positive.

How are you managing during these uncertain times?