Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Scott made me

I was laid-off one week ago today from a job I've held for almost ten years. Today was my last day.

I have no clue what the future holds for me. I have no clue what my next job will be, or when it will be, or how I will find it (exactly) or who I will meet along the way.

I haven't really had to look for a job since 1984.

I do not have an updated resume. I do not own a suit. My toenails are a mess, and I'm bruised from moving. I'm leaving for Las Vegas tomorrow - not to gamble, but to take my son back to school. I made these plans before I knew that I would be laid-off. Now I am eying the quarter-filled change cup in my husband's closet just a little differently than I did just one week ago.

It will go with me.

I love documentaries. I actually took a week long documentary course a few years ago, and it was one of the most amazing creative experiences I've had in my adult life. I love how the story kind of unfolds right before your eyes. Life is an amazing director - and doesn't think twice about killing its darlings.

I am 46. I have no clue what my next job will be. I will start in earnest when I get back from Las Vegas and finish moving. Fortunately we downsized. COBRA will cost $1,500 per month. I will save $300 on gas.

I remember in English class learning that a writer should not start every paragraph with "I."

I'm gonna have to work on that.

When I self-consciously mentioned to a co-worker yesterday that I had considered blogging about this experience - in a documentary sort of way - he said I must do it, and that I had to start it today. And he told me the same thing again today. So there you go, Scott. It's a done deal.

2 comments:

Monster Spotter said...

Awesome entry Peg. I love the stuff where you talk about the cost of COBRA and the amount you'll save on gas. I think people would be interested in the way one thinks about money and the creative ways you change your life accordingly. I hope you keep blogging. I'm interested to read about your adventures. It's definitely a way to take something unfortunate, but focus on the life experience of it all and learn from it and grow. But you already know a little something about that... I wish you the best, and I for one will follow your "documentary".

-Scott
www.monsterspotter.blogspot.com

Ginger said...

I agree - I can't wait to read about your adventure. You were an inspiration - still are. :)