Got laid off.

[baseline]

Originally Posted by mleighp1

I would be open to starting my own business someday. The timing doesn't seem right for me now. I can't explain why. Its more of just a gut thing. I feel drawn towards something right now and I cannot pinpoint what it is, but I feel that I am being pulled towards something very strongly and I don't feel that it is starting my own business.

If its not right- its not right. Follow the instincts on that one. And don't dismiss the firm so quickly- they may have high standards, and don't keep mediocre talent around, just the good ones. They are getting work, so clients must think highly of them. Reputation is a funny thing- I've been told a lot things by ex-employee's that were not true. Sometimes people blame the biz for their own shortcomings............

But sometimes a rep is deserved. Again, follow the instincts. Good luck!

[Corinne Friesen]

Hey, Meredith,

There are some techniques I use in yoga and in natural healing that can help clarify the mystery source behind such a pull.

Next time you have time - familiarize yourself with my Sponge exercise.

Then, sometime when you're alone a things are quiet, (like in a nice warm bath):

• Lie back and start doing The Sponge.
• As you settle into the visualization, start focusing on one body area at a time, (abs, solar plexus, heart area, lower throat, face are key places)
• Continue to do the Sponge, but especially feel the area in question softening.
• While you're still on that area, start thinking about this pull, this draw you feel.
• See how that affects the feelings of softeness (or lack thereof) in that area.
• If your mind wanders off, that's definitely OK. Just notice where you mind goes. These thoughts will later provide clues to the mystery.
• Do just one area or take time for as many body areas as you like.
• When you're done for that session, take time to just lie back and breathe in and out. Let your mind go where it likes as you come out of the session.
• At another time, come back to this exercise for more clues.

Over time, you might find things dawning on you in between session, clues to this mystery.

Sometimes, the session can bring up strong feelings. That's good when that happens. It all helps clear the path to discovering what this mysterious pull is all about.

[PhilipOnFire]

sounds to me like a wonderful opportunity to take a giant leap up the ladder of life.

you have so much talent M how could you maximise the lessons learned in the last five years to give you more money for less hours worked?

love n hugs

Philip

[Stoic_Jason]

I just want to throw it out there that the "something greater" may not involve more money or prestige (or ANY money or prestige for that matter) or a cush schedule. And if there's no urgency, why even do the temp thing?

I know you like cash and things, and you really enjoyed the work you were doing, but I also know you're not someone who feels those things define you. At least, I haven't picked up on that in, what, like 6 yrs of posts?

So here's one vote for looking for the better and not necessarily the bigger and better.

[Batman]

Originally Posted by baseline

Have you asked the boss if you could do consulting work for her (for a higher rate, of course)? Set it up, because she will get calls for you.

good advice

[Awake at Last]

Originally Posted by Stoic_Jason

I just want to throw it out there that the "something greater" may not involve more money or prestige (or ANY money or prestige for that matter) or a cush schedule. And if there's no urgency, why even do the temp thing?

I know you like cash and things, and you really enjoyed the work you were doing, but I also know you're not someone who feels those things define you. At least, I haven't picked up on that in, what, like 6 yrs of posts?

So here's one vote for looking for the better and not necessarily the bigger and better.

Interesting thoughts on this, Jason...

(and I agree that it doesn't seem that these things define her, either)

[tigerbunny]

[Corinne ~ how lovely! Sponge in a hot bath sounds terrific, can't wait!]

Mer,

I'm a little late to this party. Sounds like you're truly okay, once the shock wore off. Never fun to get laid off, and it is slightly better than plain ole' fired.

I also support you in holding out for 'better.' I really hope that's what I'm doing.

I'm looking forward to hearing about your adventures.

[joanne1216]

Gosh Mer, I never even saw this thread, I'm so sorry. Have you found anything?

[SophiaG]

Do you know yet whether or not you'll go visit your brother ?? I mean, he is going to only be around for a short while longer right? He sounds like he could use your help because your mom obviously....yeah she isnt pitching in.

[mleighp1]

Originally Posted by joanne1216

Gosh Mer, I never even saw this thread, I'm so sorry. Have you found anything?

I haven't looked for anything yet. I am going to take a vacation in April and just relax. I will go visit my brother for at least a couple of weeks maybe a month, I might also go to Boston to visit friends, and am looking into going to Costa Rica, Hawaii, or St. Lucia. Someplace tropical where I can have fun taking lots of pictures of flowers and rainforest.

After that, I will look for a job.

[Scooter]

Originally Posted by mleighp1

I haven't looked for anything yet. I am going to take a vacation in April and just relax. I will go visit my brother for at least a couple of weeks maybe a month, I might also go to Boston to visit friends, and am looking into going to Costa Rica, Hawaii, or St. Lucia. Someplace tropical where I can have fun taking lots of pictures of flowers and rainforest.

After that, I will look for a job.

I know someplace you can stay in Hawaii for a reasonable deal
Big Island is a Tropical Flower paradise

[Corinne Friesen]

Originally Posted by mleighp1

I will go visit my brother for at least a couple of weeks maybe a month ...

I like this silver lining.

[joanne1216]

Originally Posted by mleighp1

I haven't looked for anything yet. I am going to take a vacation in April and just relax. I will go visit my brother for at least a couple of weeks maybe a month, I might also go to Boston to visit friends, and am looking into going to Costa Rica, Hawaii, or St. Lucia. Someplace tropical where I can have fun taking lots of pictures of flowers and rainforest.

After that, I will look for a job.

Good for you! I'm a little envious but very happy for you

[mleighp1]

Originally Posted by joanne1216

Good for you! I'm a little envious but very happy for you

I'm a little envious of all the people with jobs! But I am a little excited to be free of any commitments for a little while.

[mleighp1]

Ok, now I am really confused. I was all set to take a vacation and do some traveling and not worry about a job for a while, but I got a phone call today from a design center in town who is interested in interviewing me for a position. Unlike the other design center who called me last week, this one has a much better reputation as an employer and is a place where I would be open to working. Only thing is that it is not a design position, but is more of a senior sales position. I'd be selling tile primarily but also other products like carpet and cabinetry.

pros:
-Its a job in the design industry.
-The pay is roughly the same as my current job.
-I would make a ton of contacts there because it is open to the public and is used by a lot of builders.
-It would allow me to gain some sales experience which could take me in a new direction as far as my career goes.
-It would be a change from what I've been doing for 5 years, and change is good.
-I LOVE tile.


cons:
- It is not much of a "design" position and my creativity would not be put to use as it was in my last position.
- 1/3 to 1/2 of the position is commission based, which could be good or bad depending on my sales skills and the market.
- I would not be able to take my month or two to travel as I had been planning on.

When I weigh all the pros and cons, I realize that I am okay with taking a departure from design for now and exploring a career in sales. Maybe it won't be a good fit, but I am excited by the idea of change and gaining some more experience to diversify my skills and resume.

My biggest hangup, I am realizing, is the not having time to travel and visit my brother for an extended period of time. I feel as though I am going into this position with the idea of quitting in six months, and then going to visit my brother. But what will his health be like in six months. Will he still be around? I think so, but what if six months at this job turns into a year. THings have a way of doing that. What if I end up loving my job?

I have a lot to think about. and maybe I'm getting way ahead of myself. Just because this guy sought me out does not mean that I have the job. My boss gave me a glowing reccomendation but he wants to spend some time with several candidates to see who is the best fit personality-wise, etc.

On a side note, I just want to say that I am fascinated by how quickly word gets out that I got laid off and I am really proud of myself for having developed a good reputation as an employee in this small town. I always heard that so much of job searches is word of mouth, but I never really believed it until now. I haven't even updated my resume in 5 years or started looking for a job, and already two prospects have landed at my feet. I'm really blown away by this.

[Batman]

A few thoughts in red

Originally Posted by mleighp1

pros:
-Its a job in the design industry.
-The pay is roughly the same as my current job.
-I would make a ton of contacts there because it is open to the public and is used by a lot of builders. If you could "rate" the pros this would be highest on the list
-It would allow me to gain some sales experience which could take me in a new direction as far as my career goes.
-It would be a change from what I've been doing for 5 years, and change is good.
-I LOVE tile.


cons:
- It is not much of a "design" position and my creativity would not be put to use as it was in my last position. You've never been in sales? to be relly good at sales, you have to be very creative.. its called makin deals
- 1/3 to 1/2 of the position is commission based, which could be good or bad depending on my sales skills and the market.
- I would not be able to take my month or two to travel as I had been planning on.

When I weigh all the pros and cons, I realize that I am okay with taking a departure from design for now and exploring a career in sales. Maybe it won't be a good fit, but I am excited by the idea of change and gaining some more experience to diversify my skills and resume.

My biggest hangup, I am realizing, is the not having time to travel and visit my brother for an extended period of time. I feel as though I am going into this position with the idea of quitting in six months, and then going to visit my brother. But what will his health be like in six months. Will he still be around? I think so, but what if six months at this job turns into a year. THings have a way of doing that. What if I end up loving my job?

I have a lot to think about. and maybe I'm getting way ahead of myself. Just because this guy sought me out does not mean that I have the job. My boss gave me a glowing reccomendation but he wants to spend some time with several candidates to see who is the best fit personality-wise, etc.

On a side note, I just want to say that I am fascinated by how quickly word gets out that I got laid off and I am really proud of myself for having developed a good reputation as an employee in this small town. I always heard that so much of job searches is word of mouth, but I never really believed it until now. I haven't even updated my resume in 5 years or started looking for a job, and already two prospects have landed at my feet. I'm really blown away by this.

[mleighp1]

Originally Posted by Batman

A few thoughts in red

I couldn't agree more with the pro of that job being the contacts I would make. I said it before and I will say it again, I am totally blown away by how just mentioning to one person in my field (while I was at the gym of all places) that I got laid off has led not one but two potential jobs to me without me having to do anything. Network, network, network!!!! It pays off!

When I was younger I never thought I would do well in sales. But I am a different person now. Much more confident and happy. I think I could do very well in sales.

What I really want to be doing is writing about design though.

[KahunaGrande]

Originally Posted by mleighp1

I couldn't agree more with the pro of that job being the contacts I would make. I said it before and I will say it again, I am totally blown away by how just mentioning to one person in my field (while I was at the gym of all places) that I got laid off has led not one but two potential jobs to me without me having to do anything. Network, network, network!!!! It pays off!

When I was younger I never thought I would do well in sales. But I am a different person now. Much more confident and happy. I think I could do very well in sales.

What I really want to be doing is writing about design though.

I believe you would kick total ass at sales Meri, it would be EPIC. Excellent salespeople in my experience are very knowledgeable about and passionate about what they are selling - you can make educated and stylistic suggestions, and casually recall projects you designed, that will establish you as an expert, someone to be trusted - I am excited for you.

And, a sales position would add to your bona fides for writing about design, maybe even put you in contact with folks who can help with that too.

I would look into the 2nd position and mention your need to visit your brother, if they are serious about having you on the team they will wait - knock 'em dead in an interview and they will make that accommodation.

[Auswithspirit]

Originally Posted by mleighp1

I haven't looked for anything yet. I am going to take a vacation in April and just relax. I will go visit my brother for at least a couple of weeks maybe a month, I might also go to Boston to visit friends, and am looking into going to Costa Rica, Hawaii, or St. Lucia. Someplace tropical where I can have fun taking lots of pictures of flowers and rainforest.

After that, I will look for a job.

Damn i will miss ya in Hawaii by a few months....but i am loving reading about your atitude in this thread...ya one tough cookie

[mleighp1]

My last day was supposed to be two weeks ago, but things have picked up so my boss has asked me to continue to work "as needed". In other words, I don't have any benefits and am now a 1099 employee instead of being on the payroll. I still get paid the same I was making before, but no benefits and my job could end again at anytime. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the work and I like the flexibility of being able to travel when I want since I am not expected to be there every week. at some point, i will need more stability but this is good for now.