Ch-ch-changes...

I'm going to be real with you all today and talk about changes. Changes are a natural part of life, change occur whether you want them to or not, whether they are a good change or unfortunately a bad change. They happen. You can't stop them, you can't prevent from occurring and you can't wish they would never happen to again. 

My change has been a big life change, going from employed full-time to nothing. It was strange the first morning I woke up unemployed, the first day being after the holidays because they don't count and felt like vacation days anyways. I was a funk, I suddenly didn't have somewhere to spend 40 hours of my week. I wasn't too happy about it. Fortunately, I had plans to see my beautiful friend, Katie and her 1 day old baby, Bennett. Then the next day I was a bit better, the following day I had an interview, the next day was my birthday so I had events to look forward to but then Friday hit. By Friday, I was over it, I was beginning to get frustrated. Then the weekend came and the routine was a normal weekend, Sean was home, we went dolphin and whale watching with our friends, Stephanie and Jon, church was part of the normal weekend routine, etc. Then Monday commenced my second week of unemployment and I wasn't getting frustrated anymore, I was getting angry and upset. 

So I prayed and read my Bible. I prayed that God would take control of my emotions and that I wouldn't be upset. You know what, I immediately felt better. Later when Sean got home and we were hanging out, he said I was a happy and fun Meg, the type of wife he enjoys being around. 

So here is the thing, yes I knew my change, my job ending, was coming, I sent out my resume, I had a few interviews but still unemployment came. An unintended and very much unwelcomed change that I wish wasn't here. Yes, I get to sleep in a bit later each day, run a bit more, play with my dogs during the day, bake fresh bread for dinner, all the while looking for jobs. 

A lot of situations are out of our control and I am learning to accept that. I can control certain things like making sure I don't stay in my pjs until 2pm even though I can, or making sure I still get my daily runs in. I can learn to accept this change in my life, whether I like it or not because eventually another change will God-willing occur sometime soon in the future, I will be back at a full-time job.

FYI - this is not a pity party post, this is just a general observation about life, changes and what a drastic change it can be from working full-time to working no time. It is a switch having to figure out a brand new daily schedule and it is an adjustment. Life brings lots of adjustments, nothing is ever the same all the time and if it was, I honestly thought life would be boring.

So please share with me your stories of change, whether intended or not, and how you dealt with them.

35 comments:

The Pink Growl said...

I am all for changes in life - embracing the good & bad. Mine has been changing over the past couple months too, and even though some days it's soooo hard to be positive, you just have to! Change is good!

Alissa said...

Oh I have some serious changes happening as I type this. I wish I could share them with you. I honestly am thinking about you and hoping that you stay positive.

Danielle Todd said...

I used to fear change but as I've gotten older, I've realized that it's always for the best. Every big change I've ever had to face, good or bad, has always been a catalyst for something better in the future.

Stephanie said...

I continue to keep you in my prayers. I understand your struggle- I had a period of unemployment & felt the same way. Thank goodness we have such a wonderful God. And, we have a fabulous time on Saturday! Can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks!

Mellissa "Shia" Rondinelli said...

I think you are handling it great. You are are pushing through each day with a power of determination to not let the situation get you down. I know that it is easy to get defeated but everything will be back to normal before long and you'll look back and think ... that wasn't so bad ... and any other time you have a major change you'll hit it head on because you grew so much from this one. I wish you all the luck and keep up the positive thoughts ... we are all rooting for you!

Shia

Jen said...

I had a job loss that was unexpected and difficult for me to understand why. I was able to keep busy and search for a new job. What I wasn't expecting was how long it would take me to find one. I had interviews and applied for jobs, but it took about 5 months to find one and now that I'm in it I realize it isn't the job for me and again I'm having a hard time finding another one. I am grateful to have one, but again the waiting game, the interview call back or not game is very difficult. I hope it happens fast for you, but know that you're not alone. Good luck.

Kara Renee said...

Change is tough. Especially when it comes with unemployment! I just moved 12 hours across the country, and with that, I went from having 3 jobs, to 1. I got scheduled for 9 hours this week. 9. So I've been out and about throwing my resume at anyone who will look at it, but boy has it sucked! I'll remember you and your job hunt in my prayers sweet girl. :)

Jenny N said...

Good for you, Meg! I am sure that was/is really hard to process. But sounds like you're really taking steps to get a new position and not sitting around feeling sorry for yourself! :)

BeckyJo606 said...

Changes are so hard--especially when they involve job changes I went through this last August. I was referred to a temp agency where they actually do full-time job placement. That might be an option? I am glad you are staying busy--that is so important!

Sarah said...

Changes are always hard no matter how little or big they seem at the time. It seems like you have a good head on your shoulders and are not letting this take over. I'm sure something will come along that's even better, until then enjoy some time off even if it wasn't on purpose!

Simply LKJ said...

Meg, I can relate, but on a different level. You see, I have been a SAHM for that past 22+ years (Elie just turned 23). But, this year brought about the empty nest with the baby leaving for college. While I have always been at home, I always had things to occupy my time, a schedule to keep with the girls. The first few weeks for me were VERY frustrating. After a month, I felt like I hadn't accomplished a darn thing. Felt like I was spinning my wheels. And, some days I still do. However, I am now involved in new things outside the home a few days a week and am enjoying having somewhat of a normal schedule. I will continue to keep you in my prayers!

Lindsay said...

girl, i lost my job almost exactly a year ago. i was so upset about everything but all you can do is pray about it and do everything you can to get your resume out. after about two weeks of being unemployed i got the greatest job offer and i get to work from home! everything will work out and even though you don't want to "enjoy" your time at home right now because you feel guilty...try to a little bit!

whit | Black Little Button blog said...

awe hun! keep that beautiful head of yours up! :)
-wHiT

Tiara | a Happy Healthy Home said...

Two years ago during a company merger I was laid off. At first I was angry, then sad, then happy. It's amazing the emotions that come along with change. I took a couple of "me" weeks before I started looking and before I knew it, a month later, I had a new job. Just remember we work to live not live to work. The perfect job will is right around the corner. -Tiara

Sarah Alway said...

Life is full of ups and downs, unfortunately. Losing a job is such a terrible experience, but sometimes it opens up new doors and opportunities that you didn't even realize were missing from your life. Hang in there and soon enough you won't even remember what you were feeling so down about. I promise!

Rachael said...

You really have a great attitude about this change! I would probably be the one to stay in my PJs until 2pm. I don't have any stories or advice for you, other than to say that I have a feeling something amazing is headed in your direction. :)

Bev said...

WOW... THANK YOU MEG!!!!

Thank you for sharing MY story... I am in the exact same situation you are in today. I've been in it... for about 4 months now. I just haven't had the courage to share it b/c I don't feel like talking about it all the time. I'm scared of putting it out in the universe... but you have really truely and honestly made me stronger just this very instant.

Every day is a struggle to stay upbeat and encouraged. Every day is a different emotion from the previous day. Every day I spend 5 hours (yes I keep track) sending my resume and filling out the SAME information over and over again through online applications. Every day I submit for at least 5 jobs per day. Every day I receive at least one email saying the comp decided to pursue other candidates. EVERY DAY... SOMETHING!! It's hard for me to partake in the fun things you would think you'd do in your free time b/c in the back of my mind I"m thinking what if the job I'm gonna land is being posted at this very second?!?!

My hubs is always there to lift me up with his encouraging words, but I only "hear" them at certain points in time. It's the time I'm alone that I suffer the most....

Which has brought me closer to God in so many ways. Reading the scripture each and every day... keeping a journal of positive and encouraging words.... hearing HIS message at the exact time I need to hear it... is UNREAL!!

Keep your head up and your faith strong. Lean on me when you need it. Know that you're NOT alone. And rest your mind on the fact that God has something planned for you... on HIS time ;)

Love ya girl!

Dear Boys Love Mom said...

I would be lying if I said change didnt scare the crap out of me! There have been so many times where I thought, oh my gosh, my life is over!! How will we ever deal with this?? And yet, we do. For example, getting pregnant with my first son at 20 years old and not being married. (try telling your parents that one ;-) ) The scariest changes always turn out to be the biggest blessings and I have no doubt that you have amazing things coming your way! Stay strong lovely. It will all work out!
xo

Heather said...

You are so right in saying that change can be hard, and I definitely think that attitude is everything. The past couple years have brought a lot of changes for me, from leaving my full-time job, to going back to school and working part-time from home, to losing my grandmother. There have definitely been times when I felt depressed and overwhelmed, but like the quote says, I've learned to accept what I can't change and focus on the things I can.

Discovery Street said...

change that you don't want is hard. Ironically I'm frustrated that I'm BACK to work. ugh. I'm trying to take it day by day...but really the only way I'm finding contentment is through prayer.

Heidi said...

I'm so glad you wrote about this. I thought about writing a post when I first moved to NC and was feeling some of the same thoughts, but I just couldn't bring myself to it. Changes are so hard! When we moved to NC for my husband to go back to school I knew I would have to find a new job. I had quit a great career and company back in TX and thought I'd have no problem finding a new one. Weeelll the industry here is a bit different and I was unemployed for two months. Now I am so happy with my new lifestyle, but those two months were hard especially because neither of us were working and I was living in a new state without any close family or friends for a support system.
It always gets better; just take it one day at a time. :) You have such a beautiful and positive attitude I know things will turn out wonderfully for you! :)

Justin and Marcie said...

Oh changes....

I think my biggest change went from it being just me and my husband to having a family of 3. It was NOT easy. I had severe post-partum depression and had to take medication. But that phase passed. And I began to see the sunlight through the clouds again, which is all I was praying for. I'm not sure what God's purpose was for me to go through that, but he brought me through it and that's all that matters to me right now. God always brings us through. You may not know why unemployment happened to you and it's place in the scheme of God's plans for your life, but know that he is trustworthy and definitely knows what he's doing! Hoping that it's His plan for you to have a full time job soon :)

Lauren said...

Hang in there, girl! It'll be just fine!

Amy G said...

Hang in there sweet girl! I had a similar experience in September when my company was acquired by another firm. The put me in a role "similar to what I was doing" but it wasn't at all what I wanted. I didn't like the new job, my new boss, the new company or the fact that my entire team was remote and would never work together in the same building. It took some time sending out resumes and interviewing, but I finally found something that makes me happy. I know that you will too. Keep you spirits high and know that it's all in His timing :)

Selma @ Crazy Little World Of Mine said...

I'm happy you wrote thing because whether or not we like it, change happens. Maybe not today or tomorrow, maybe in a week or a year but it's something that will be part of all our lives. I too had a full-time job and then baaammm, nothing anymore. It felt refreshing at first but after about two weeks it just didn't feel like vacation anymore. A new routine had to start, and it did. Slowly. And then I went back to work as in going to school. Ha. I know. That was a huge change again. I had two choices and I chose to go for the educational choice. So far so good although I miss working, and having a Monday to Friday routine and then a weekend routine. I still try to keep my studies extremely focused for Mo-Fr so I have a real weekend whether or not I do something exciting. Having met you a few times I know you will soon find a great job again that fulfills you and brings you back to a new routine so the happy and fun Meg I know will be back (not that you aren't happy now as you said yourself). Good things will come your way I know it!!!
This change, struggle, unemployment phase, or whatever else you want to call it is a good thing. Yes, it'll open up doors for you you weren't thinking of before, and I know you will soon find what you are looking for. Fingers crossed Meg!!! :)

xoxo

Amy Shaughnessy said...

Change is definitely hard. I lost my job about 1 month after I got married. (The timing was perfect though.) I have a full time job ever since I was out of high school so it was very weird not having anything to do. I sort of moped around and toyed with the idea of writing a book but I hated doing that so I obviously wasn't meant to do that. I ended up taking a jazz class (first class in 3 years or so) and the teacher was quitting and they hired me. Now I teach 7 classes and stay at home the rest of the time with my boys. You never know what door will open. Something will!!

Amy

Fashion and Beauty Finds

Amy

Kate @ Daffodils said...

It sounds like you are keeping your head up and trying to make the best of the situation. I know it must be hard, but I am sure the perfect job is just around the corner!

Johanna said...

Meg - the hardest change to accept is the one you have no control over. I can relate. Kids did that to me but it was the best change yet and I learned a lot about myself. You will get another job before you know it so savor this as hard as it is and take the time to really figure out what you love and never settle!

Kristin said...

Praying the right job comes along!! Keep your head up girl

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this. All I can say about change is, the hindsight is usually where you see the blessing. Take it on day at a time, and fall back on those who love you. <3

Elle Sees said...

i was unemployed for 8 months and am at my much-lower-paying, but happiest job. it will all work out.

Darby Hawley said...

Change is always so hard for me. I think you did the best thing you possibly could to cope with this phase of transition: pray. I don't think there is a better way. You're a great inspiration Meg!

Unknown said...

Love that quote... I'm going through something in my life right now and that really hit's that vulnerable spot. *In deep reflection*
I am happy I stumbled upon your blog today. Thanks for sharing.

xoxo
Nike O.
www.eighthundredsqft.com

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

I'm so sorry about your job. I know something better will come up soon that will make you happy!

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

I'm so sorry about your job. I hope you find something soon!