“The company is restructuring.” If you have ever heard those words or seen them in a memo you know the dread that follows. The rumors start flying and for a few days it feels like nobody is even breathing. Then I got the email. “Clear your schedule and come to my office, Friday at 11:15. ” Of course it was Wednesday morning so I had a couple days to really freak myself out. Turns out,  I had been restructured right out of a job.

Let me back up some. I’ve been in marketing for the same retail company for the last 10+ years and while it wasn’t my dream job, I liked who I worked with and the pay and benefits were good. Then about a year ago I decided that I wanted out of retail. In fact I wanted to do something completely different. I had gone as far as I could on my career path and I was burned out. I was tired of never seeing my family during the holidays and I needed a change. However, change is hard and I had no clue what I would do instead, so I did nothing.

Fast forward 6 months and the decision was made for me. I was going to be making a change. At the time I decided to take a 3rd shift position instead of the severance package. It was a difficult decision but I wasn’t sure how long it would take me to find something new and severance doesn’t last forever. I’m the only source of income for my household so having no income wasn’t a good option. This allowed me to keep my pay and benefits while I searched for a new job.

I had no idea what I was getting into. I hadn’t looked for a job since before the recession and I’ve been doing essentially the same thing for 10 years. I’m sure I could have found something in retail pretty quickly but I wanted out of retail. I wanted something new. I just had no idea what I wanted.

So it began.  A journey I’m betting will sound familiar to many of you. Starting over in your career is a scary thing and can be overwhelming and lonely. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I’m right there with you. Elsie