day one a year later

A year ago, I had a job I loved. One never feels properly compensated, but I was fortunate to make more money than a lot of people. This would turn out to be my downfall. I received an email “can you come to the conference room”. It was review time, so, since the two people involved in my review process were in the room and soon to head out of the country on business, I didn’t think too much about it. They had both continually been praising me for a job well done. That confidence changed when the head of HR came in. It must feel strange to be seen as the harbinger of doom. They politely told me they were eliminating my job and in return would give me a severance package, a vacation/sick day not used cheque, and an escort out of the building. They did offer to let me stay on in other capacities at less than half my salary. Hardly worth the 45 minute drive and I saw no benefit in stepping backward.

On the way home I called, hands free, my family. My husband didn’t answer, my son gave me a great pep talk and some great advice, he continues to do so. My daughter didn’t answer her phone and I couldn’t text while driving. Little did I know Hamilton Bennett was already at work saving the world at Moderna.

I presented my husband with my sick days cheque, which alleviated his stress regarding a nagging bill. Confession, when they handed it to me it was a relief, as we were not sure how we were going to get it paid. Vacation money is free, money given because I was not sick and did not take a vacation. Now, unemployed, I am taking both sick days and many vacation days, sort of. The company switched to a program (massive leavings from the company made it necessary) that calculates your allotted time accrued, in my case 3 weeks on a daily basis. Makes good sense from a business point of view. So, cheque wasn’t huge, some carry over from last year, but it served it’s purpose.

And this is how my life was changed. How lucky for me that I was laid off before the pandemic lock down.

Emotionally, my reaction might seem strange. A writer at heart, and hope this will be proved here, work got in the way of my creativity. While prolific, getting manuscripts to publishers is not my strong suit. It is time consuming and not always rewarding. Now, work cannot be an excuse. In the past I had two, somewhat successful businesses and got along very well with my upbeat, optimistic boss. It is time to work for her again.

Structure works well for me. Coffee and peanut butter toast in hand here I start. It is wonderful not to be rushed. No packing lunch, no worrying about getting the girls’ hay on my work clothes. Actually I never really worried about that. 6.50 ticked off, no concern that the dogs were still out, the birds needed feeding. I would not be late.

Routine is important for success. At least for me. Now, new routine. Blog with coffee, hike with dogs. Work on sending to publishers. Ride my mares, after all it can’t be ALL work, and of course, here and there a household chore as a break.

I had a job. It wasn’t a career, just a job. It was fun and I was good at it. That was not enough. There will be moments of despair, and panic, I am sure, but for now, there is giddiness and excitement for my next chapter. There is a light rain falling and my dogs and I are going for walk. Need to add to Mikicc. My trail guide.

And so began my journey. Blogs are mostly at Miki’s Picks, mikicc.org. I have amassed many followers from around the world. I Have had time to take two tracking courses with Dan Gardoqui, Lead with Nature (highly recommend). Check out my blog about it. Mikicc.org/lead.

Took a webinar; For the Love of Birds. Linked to lots of interesting people: mikicc.org/cool things discovered. So much information! Started working on a journal.

Even took a webinar on mushrooms through the Harris Center. Harriscenter.org.

And, have started my Wilderness First aide course with SOLO. If I am going to be in the woods, thought it a good idea. Dan of Lead with Nature recommended them. Soloschools.com.

My path progresses. With the help of my son and grandson,

I am thinking of starting outdoor classes for children. All you parents and grandparents let me know your thoughts.

Onward and Upward!