Every once in awhile, life throws a few curve balls your way. This past week, I’ve had my fair share of those curve balls.
So remember that part time job that I got to help cover the cost of going to Europe? Well…I was let go. Sigh.
I strolled in to work last week when the owner of the restaurant stopped dead in his tracks.
“Didn’t anyone call you? You aren’t supposed to be here.”
Umm..No. No one had called me. I had just come in to work the day before and everything was fine. No calls, no weird looks, nothing that would’ve led me to believe that I was going to get laid off. Apparently, the restaurant I was working at is having financial issues and they couldn’t afford to pay me. So they just let me go. Like that. No warning, no calls, no nothing.
I got back in to the car and just sat for awhile in complete disbelief. I’ve NEVER been let go from a job. Ever. I know it’s not my fault…but it still feels like low blow.
In my therapy session this week, we talked about how to deal with this type of setback. It’s been tough to deal with being let go, especially because it was completely not my fault. In some ways I feel like I failed, or that it could have been prevented. It’s especially tough because I like being in control of a situation. I don’t like being blindsided. And not to sound cocky…but I normally always get what I want. This isn’t because I act like an asshole, it’s because I bust my butt and work hard to make my dreams come true. It’s been this way my whole life. From my grades, to graduating, to moving to LA, to working since I was 15, to starting this blog…I’ve always worked hard to get what I want. Getting let go wasn’t part of the plan.
But, in true Sheryll form, I just hopped right back on the job hunt and I’ve had 3 interviews since then. No luck yet, but I know something is going to come through. I’ve come this far, and nothing is going to stop be from having the time of my life during this trip.
If anything this whole experience has made me realize is just how ridiculous it is to rely on others for my income. In addition to trying to find another part time job in the meantime, I’ve been brainstorming like crazy on ways to create my own income, on my own terms. Liberating stuff.
Have you had minor setbacks while trip planning? How did you deal? Let me know in the comments!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I waited too long to have jobs make themselves available to me and that is why I started working on my own terms, making my OWN work. Do it lady!
You are just the best. <3 you!
Oh no! That absolutely sucks!!!!! Sorry to hear but I’m sending you a Bazillion Blessings chica. I love your determination. Keep smiling!
Smiling and keeping a positive attitude have basically been the only thing that have kept me from really getting upset about it. Thank you for the bazillion blessings girl!
You are a Sagittarius, through and through. Your optimism will totally see you through this. Good for you for getting three job interviews in the meantime. That’s amazing! Intertia is death and it’s derailed me once, so I’m glad it didn’t get you down. Seriously, read astrologyzone.com. It is the BEST horoscope for this month and will make you feel better! And remember, you will have the time of your life and as it was a restaurant job, there are a million more. Have you thought about blogging for Matador.com or another site like travelettes that will give you a small stipend at least?
You are the best.
So sorry. But, it sounds like this is just reassurement that you should be working for yourself! You got this!
Thank you Annette!
Bummer! Keep your head up cause it sounds like you are already on the right track! I have never been let go but I know what you mean, you can’t help feeling hurt at first. You are going to find something great to help you save (probably something that pays more too!) and then you’ll be off!
Thank you Annie!! I know everything is going to work out. It’s just such a shock!
Honey, I’ve experienced exactly the same kind of setback while saving for going away. Back in April I was given a firm warning by my team leader that if my sales didn’t improve in the next month, I’d be let go. I’m not a sales person – I was just doing the job to pay my way until leaving – so reluctantly I handed in my notice. I was unemployed for a further 3 months after that and when you’re saving to go travelling, that’s no minor setback.
Luckily I found something I absolutely love doing now (and will be sad to leave in 8 weeks time). It’s opened my eyes to a completely different work sector and I know that if teaching doesn’t work out in Latin America, I can move onto this industry instead.
Trust me, lovely, when I say it’ll all work out in the end. This job wasn’t meant to be and the next one you get will only be the one to spur you on ahead.
*hugs*
I totally feel you on this! I have experience several setbacks this year with my move to South Korea . . . the most recent one may push my move back another month or two. Really, I used to beat myself over it and cry out the usual “Why me?!”, but the more things I go through, I just realize it just makes me stronger and even more determined to get what I want.
Since this is an older post, I see that you have make it through! I’m so proud ;D It just goes to show you that despite obstacles, if you really desire something, it will come to pass. Hopefully, I will see the same progress in my life soon.
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