Tuesday, October 28, 2008

I'm Expendable

So yeah. I got laid off today. About 15 of us from my company did. And well, I'm disappointed. I know it's a tough economy, but my clients still existed... I only had two of them, but still. Some of the folks that got laid off were fully booked too. It's a bummer because it seems that most of the folks that were laid off had started around time time I came back from my battle with the hodge... so my cancer-cation, did slightly come into play, I'm sure.

This time of the year seems to be terribly stressful for me. This time last year, I thought I had relapsed with the hodge, only to find out it was all a fluke and then went back to work a week shy of today, a year ago. In 2006, I found my lovely hodge lump in my neck a few weeks from this time... and of course now, what I thought was my stable job, has now decided that I'm an expendable employee.

When we were being told the news the only thing going through my mind was healthcare. As a cancer survivor, with a pre-existing condition, I can't lapse in healthcare coverage -- ever. I mean, yeah, I'm bummed about not having a job but I'm more concerned with how I'll pay my bills. I still haven't even dug out of cancer debt still... I was actually considering getting a part time job because my current gig wasn't cutting it -- and now I have to figure out how to make as much PLUS more... I gotta be honest, I'm not really excited about my prospects.

This lay off will definitely make me reevaluate my goals in life... and what I want to "be" when I grow up. I'm thinking I need to find something that is a bit less corporate, a bit more interactive, and something with more goodwill... I'm pretty sure I'm going to eventually land in a non-profit.

The thing is... with the economy the way it is, PR is going to be one of the first things in every budget to go. And well that's where most of my experience lies... the other thing is Development, but again, if the economy is bad, how are people supposed to raise money for their non-profits?

I wonder if I need to go back to school... but yet, I'm not sure for what. I'm sure it won't be finance!

You all know me, any suggestions on things I might be good at? Or any people you think I should meet? I'm going to have to start pounding pavement to network, get ideas, and hopefully find a new passion.

And to think, I almost called in sick today because I'm fighting an awful cold. That woulda been interesting...

Anywho, any and all suggestions are welcome. I do, however, believe this is the end of my tech PR career.

Hopefully this is just a blessing in disguise.

XO

7 comments:

Heather said...

oh no. i'm sorry. i hope that with this door closing a better one will open. if you are looking at a complete career change have you thought about being a nurse? there is such a shortage that you can pretty much pick and choose your job. plus there are many employers out there that will pay for your schooling. hang in there.

Unknown said...

That really sucks, but you are a fighter and you will figure it out. Maybe you are right it is a blessing in disquise. But even so you got a lot of job skill from that line of work that will serve you well in the future.

How about nursing! You would be an AMAZING nurse and there is always work. It is not always glamerous, but it isn't terrible either. I really like school and I am excited about this career. Give me a call if you want more nurse propaganda.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sweetie! Keep your chin up. I am probably going to go back to school for a public health degree. I think the nursing suggestion is a good one. I have met with several nurses who are now continuing their education with master's degrees and they all love it. I'd agree that you shouldn't work in another PR agency, in my experience, the management usually doesn't do the right thing.

Duane said...

This blows. But as you said, perhaps its a blessing in disguise. It may be a great opportunity to find something that you find more rewarding. This economy isn't making it easy, but I'm sure something will come around.

Mary said...

Boo, Kelly, that blows.

I was actually looking into insurance the other day because I am probably quitting my job after this school year, and am similarly concerned about insurance. On the american cancer society's website, they have links to high-risk insurance plans for people who have pre-existing conditions. It may be helpful.

I think it might be a good time to go back to school if you're interested in that, because I think the older you get, the harder it is to go back, but I'm sure whatever you do will be great.

Mary

Mary said...

oh, and whatever you do, don't become a teacher... Haha.

Veronica said...

Ditto what Mary said ;)

Love ya Kel - and I KNOW that this will turn out to work in your favour! Choose your next career VERY wisely!!!

Vx