Last week it was my turn to get laid off at my office job. It has been in the air since February last year when the company started their cuts by laying off 8 people. Since then many colleagues have retired or given their notice, been moved to other departments or released from work for different reasons. And last Tuesday 6 more of us were asked to leave, including myself.
Even if it was expected i still reacted very strongly. I should mention that my office job has been everything but a fun and fulfilling job, but it has been a job where I come in to work, do my thing, leave and go home without dragging it with me...
It has been flexible and perfect for someone like me with 3 young children in a foreign country. I stayed longer than I ever believed I would, 4 years in total, and I made good friends. It has been a social platform more than anything else. It has been an everyday routine for that Stay At Home Mum who finally got out there after 9 years of housework and childcare. It made me feel that I can do different things. I count in my team. I do well. I provide, a small amount at least.
I get up in the morning, get dressed nice and put make up on. I smile at my colleagues and gossip about grown up things like troubles, travels, Switzerland, Sweden, life, husbands, children, home, friends, food... It was a place where we made small collects and signed birthday cards, bought bouquets of flowers for every one's special day. We laughed and we cried and whined and we were there for each other. Always.
But all that is over now. I am moving on. It has taken me a few days to stand up strong. Change is good. Change is scary. I see opportunities. Time to devote myself to My Rose Valley, to my crafts, to my writing and designing. I am ready to take on a new direction, more fulfilling and more challenging than before. A new direction in my direction within crochet, crafts, writing and designing. This is only the beginning of something new. It is time to make all my dreams come true!
Kärlek
Annette
Follow your heart it won't let you down you have proven to yourself you can do anything raise a family work inside and outside of the home. Follow your dreams what makes you happy and what fulfills you as a mother wife and a woman have fun,remember the small things.Deal with the large and enjoy life.
ReplyDeleteBonne chance Annette, Good luck !
ReplyDeleteJ'ai de bonnes pensées pour vous.
Lucie xxx
Everything happens for a reason. Just believe.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your new direction, Annette! It sounds full of new ideas and, most of all, doing all the things you love to do!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your future!
ReplyDeleteI experienced a huge change 8 months ago and am still coming to terms with it so don't worry if it takes time to adjust!
Sending you loads of good luck in your new adventures! xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you got laid off Annette! I hope you can keep your positive attitude, I really believe in all the 'when a door get's closed another window opens' and stuff like that. Who knows where you'll be a year from now, imagine all the possibilities that have suddenly opened up :)
ReplyDeletex Kirsten
Hi annette, hanf on those good memories and moving on will be a lot easier. Two years ago, i left my job ahead of actual retirement. I did not exoect this but i had to do it for myself. Since then, i've moved on, embarked on a new joyrney of learning a new language and crichet. I've never been happier.
ReplyDeleteAnnette, yes sometimes these things make you go a bit wobbly for a few days, but after a little while you realise that change can be good for you, opening doors, allowing you to try other things and new adventures. I have just had 18 months off after running a company and its been very weird being at home for the first time ever! But Ive embraced it and loved it, although I am now looking for something new to keep me occupied. I wish you luck in your new life and I'm sure everything will be just fine x
ReplyDeleteAnnette - I have been laid off before so I know that sense of loss - not so much the money but the routine and the social aspect of going in to work. I have no doubt you will transition well but do allow yourself time to miss it.
ReplyDeleteHello Annette, I was recently laid off from a company where I'd been employed for 15 years. You are right, this is a time for opportunities and change. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteGo for it! You can do it :-)
ReplyDeleteGinMummy xxxx
Be strong, and believe in yourself.
ReplyDeleteBest of Luck x
That was me a few years ago. I also reacted quite strongly and even got sick for a while. Looking back I can say: it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I guess, having some kind or secureness sometimes makes us afraid to chose what we'd love to do best. When I got sick, I realised that I wasn't doing what I love, that I wasn't following my heart. The troubles at work were just a kick up the bum to get me in the right direction. I am very sure that for you, now this door has closedm a window will open somewhere.
ReplyDeleteStay strong!
Do not worry Annette - you will come through this period of transition better than ever. I look forward to seeing you progress with My Rose Valley!
ReplyDeleteI am a bit of a 'lurker' as I don't normally comment but I couldn't read your post without saying something. I can only dream of being brave like you - relocating from your home country, raising children in a different country, and working there, and speaking different languages - my mind boggles!
I have two young boys (5 and 3), and my life is in transition, with my eldest just starting out on school life, and my youngest becoming more independent. I wonder how long I will be a stay at home mummy, and whether I will realise dreams of being self-employed or whether I go back to office work… Who knows. But I find inspiration in your blog (and others) so thank you, and I wish you well in your future endeavours.
Regards
Heather (based in Kent, UK)
Sorry your job has ended, but will look forward to reading about your new direction and all the new things you will be experiencing. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteEven change we WANT can be a shock to the system. Please pamper yourself as you go forward. Hugs and best wishes!
ReplyDeleteHow sad to loose your job, BUT a chance to follow your dreams!
ReplyDeleteAnd that's exactly what you are going to do.
I wish you all the luck in the world.
Have a nice evening, Jeanette.
Good for you Annette, I look forward to your new adventures in rose valley :O)
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!! Change is a wonderful thing. My chance is coming in September, when my youngest starts school, and it's going to be wonderful...once I get used to my daughter being in school full time!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that you were laid off but I have a feeling this will lead to many wonderful opportunities for you in the near future. You're totally right about an office becoming a little family over time. We here in blogland/internet world may be a very different kind of family but are just as eager to support you in every setback and accomplishment :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a blessing in disguise, you now have more time to create, design and move your brand to a whole new level. I is summer, the best time of the year to have a bit more time on your hands, it is hard I know but really you are going to fly!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meredith
This is a big blessing in disguise. You now have warm summer months to create and design. You are going to be fantastic and you will look back and be so thankful this has happened.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meredith
Gosh Annette, you are very brave! But as you say, change can be good ... your blog is wonderful, you have great talent and you teach. I always look forward to a post from you. xx Pat :)
ReplyDeleteComisserations! Change is terrifying. I am staying in my job having changed jobs 3 times in 4 years. Karma must have a higher plan for you. Good luck! Hopefully for us, readers of your lovely blog, it will mean more posts! Keep up the positivity! . X
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best with the changes and challenges you face.
ReplyDeleteAnne xx
Aww Annette I'm sorry to hear about the job. But what a strong and beautiful woman you are.... I love your attitude and outlook. Bless you!
ReplyDeleteHave loads of fun creating, crafting and writing.... Of course crochet!! I love the things that you make.... Hugs from India!
So sorry to hear about your job loss, I'm glad for you though that you are able to keep a positive attitude about it, and remember the good things about your time there :) Speaking from experience, I know what an emotional rollercoaster job loss is, but this will become another step on your journey through your life...and sometimes choices are made for us that lead us in a new direction. Take time to enjoy your freedom :)
ReplyDeleteSmiles, DianeM
I'm so sorry to hear this and know what you mean about the involuntary nature of change. I hope you feel better soon and that wonderful things are ahead.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, Annette ... I cried for you .... I hope you have good luck and you can soon return to the world of work. Meanwhile we hope enjoy with your beautiful creations.
ReplyDeletekisses and a big hug from Catalonia!
Dear Annette,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about the job loss, that must have been really tough. I do admire your resilience though for trying to turn this around into a positive thing and I am convinced that you'll be able to succesfully do this. Doing things with and from the heart, as beautifully and creative as you do them is the way to go, dear! Wishing you lots and lots of success! Love, Marianne, xx
I wish you all the best Annette!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletexxxxxxxx Ale
Tråkigt att höra att du blivit av med ditt jobb. När jag slutade (fick gå i pension 2 år tidigare än beräknat) så var det saknaden efter arbetskamraterna som var värst men jag gick med i en pensionärsförening och fick nya kamrater.
ReplyDeleteJag önskar dig stort lycka till med din nya tillvaro. Det kommer säkert att bli jättebra vad du än gör.
Kram
Dear Annette - everything has a reason - when God closes one door - He opens 7 other. I hope you will find your own door for your future.
ReplyDeleteDon't be sad!
Your works are so beautiful and now you can do it more than before :)
Hugs from Bulgaria!
Scary and exciting at the same time :) I wish you all the best, and hope you'll find even more happiness and excitement in your new situation than before :)
ReplyDeleteKlem frå Noreg :)
So sorry to hear about your job - but wishing you success and happiness in what follows next. x
ReplyDeleteAnnette, as we say in the USA.....you go girl!
ReplyDeleteSheila
http://sheilazachariae.blogspot.com/2014/05/knitting-technicolor-checks-blanket.html
Whoa Annette, now THAT is a change. All the best for you! Here's to good things for My Rose Valley!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for the future and many more wonderful experiences and friends. Change often gives one the chance to go in a different direction and achieve new things. I am sure you will succeed.
ReplyDeleteOh Anette, so sorry to hear this news. You are right, decisions are a little easier when we make them ourselves but maybe, in the long run this will end up being a positive thing for you. A new start. I bet you have loads of ideas up your sleeve and I certainly don't doubt you have the ability and the spirit to carry it out brilliantly!
ReplyDeleteS x
I'm sorry to hear you got made redundant, but as others have said this may turn into a blessing in disguise.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and best wishes
ADx
I am sorry to hear this as it sounds as though you have built up some great friendships at work and you will miss the daily contact apart from anything else. I hope that you can keep in touch and that things work out well. I guess that coming into this time of year at least you can take advantage of the nice weather for the inbetween looking for a job times if that is what you decide you want to do. Whatever happens I hope that it is all good in the end, you never know what is around the corner or behind the next door do you. xx
ReplyDeleteChange is always scary, but on the bright side a new creative door is opening, just waiting...enjoy and best wishes!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for you. It hurts even if you see the good things. Hopefully, everything turns out well for you. Regula
ReplyDeleteI have never commented here although I follow your posts since along time.
ReplyDeleteYou have touched a very delicate matter here.
I was gong to write about my country, Greece, where almost 30% of people are unemployed-my boyfriend since 2011.
I will start retirement in about 1-2 months, after 27 years in the same job, because with all the changes in the country, if I do not leave now, I will have to leave when I am 62 years (now I am 48).
This now life, with less than half the money, frightens me very very much. But I will make the step.
I was touched reading the comments of so many women in the same position.
I wish we overcome all these and find the real meaning in life with our parthner and our loved ones, and our hobbies, AND ourselves alone.
So sorry to hear about your job Annette. Hopefully it's the start of something big for your wonderful creative side.
ReplyDeleteJacquie x
It is sad but I think and I hope it will be good for you in the nearest future, now you can feel a bit
ReplyDeleteconfused and unsecure but when first feelings would have gone it had better time for you ,I wish you all the best, I keep fingers for you and your project, for your future, best wishes, bye and have good days,anna
I'm so sorry that you have been laid off Annette, and I'm sure you will miss the banter and fun that you get in an office where you work as part of a team, even if at time the work is less than challenging. Hopefully you'll be able to keep in touch with those that matter.
ReplyDeleteBut every cloud has a silver lining and it sounds as if now you have a huge opportunity ahead of you for something more exciting and close to you heart, as well as being able to spend more precious time with your family.
Good luck with all your endeavours Annette!
Gill xx
I believe that sometimes when we aren't going in the direction we are meant to, things happen to force us in our true direction. This has happened to me many times in my life and now I welcome it because it means something better and more authentic is on the horizon. Best wishes to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThis is a subject dear to my heart as I am in my 2nd year of a wonderful little job - not well paid but very suitable for me and kids at the moment. Before that, I too was doing the whole motherhood/stay at home mum thing for nine years which I loved. I feel for you as I am aware of the battles - the emotional ones - and the courage needed. I think though that the last few years will have strengthened you and built you and you will do just fine in whatever direction you take. Best wishes xxx
ReplyDeleteDear Annette,
ReplyDeleteAs you say, change is good and keeps us on our toes. Everything happens for a reason and I am sure your new plans will take you forward and into new exciting paths' I wish you much luck and every success possible.
Best wishes, Heike x
Oj, här händer det grejer! jag låg efter i läsningen här. Sonen konfirmerades i helgen och det var lite bestyr med det där!
ReplyDeleteMen jag tror att det här är en jättechans till att ändra riktning! Du har din fina blogg, ditt hantverk och alla oss här i cybervärlden som hejjar på! Hoppas du får en härlig dag och en bra sommar!
Sounds like exciting times are ahead! X
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to here about the job, however, now is your time to have a new adventure, enjoy the new challenges that come your way :) x
ReplyDeleteHi Anette, it always hurts to get laid off, but it's good to read on your blog that, after taking time to realize is, you are already thinking about the opportunities about how to go on. What a good thing to do! Good luck and take care.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been very good at keeping up these days but your new direction sounds great! So happy to hear you are doing so well!! Excited to follow along!!
ReplyDelete