At 5 pm on October 5 I found out that my company could no longer afford to employ me - effective immediately. I was actually given two options: I could take the lay off and they would pay me two weeks severance plus any accrued and unused vacation and sick time, or I could work part time until a) I found another job or b) they couldn’t afford to do that anymore either.

While I was shocked, I was not surprised - my company has been in financial trouble for a few months and I believed it was only a matter of time before I was let go, however I was hoping to have found a job before that time would come.  After a lot of thinking and discussing with Dustin I opted for unemployment, so as of today October 6 I am officially unemployed.

I went into the office this morning for the last time to clean out my desk and turn in my keys and as I walked to my car with my boxes and bags I was a roller coaster of emotions. Relieved to not have to go back to a job I really didn’t enjoy, scared knowing we only have so much money to tide us over, and determined to find a new, better job.

I already have the rest of this week planned out, hoping it will set me up for “successful” unemployment. Today will be dedicated to filing my unemployment claim and learning as much as I can about my responsibilities to the state of Missouri while receiving unemployment. I also hope to get a handle on my emotions and get it out of my system. Tomorrow will be a day of recovery - I expect today to be exhausting so I’m giving myself permission to sleep in and relax before hitting my job search hard and heavy. Thursday I have a 7 am meeting arranged with someone from a local advertising agency that I hope to be helpful and informative. I will take everything I can from this meeting and hit the ground running.

No one ever expects to find themselves in my situation, but I know I’m not the first nor will I be the last. If you’ve been in my situation I welcome your stories, suggestions and lessons learned. Also, please don’t be shy about telling my story to your friends and colleagues and if you hear of any opportunities please pass them my way. Prayers would be appreciated too.

I am determined to make the best of this situation but I know I won’t get anywhere alone. Thanks in advance for your love and support.

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