Lost in Transition

I've been downsized out of a job ... and I couldn't be happier.
On October 8, my boss called me into his office to inform me that my days at the office were numbered. (A human resources executive notified the union -- in writing -- about the company's decision to eliminate my job on October 12, and my final day at the office was November 9.) Since many aspects of my job were reassigned and automated, I wasn't surprised by the move -- in fact, I was prepared for it.
I've witnessed numerous changes in my profession during the seven years I held my job, and I've seen dozens of colleagues come and go. Some of them found greener pastures within the industry, while others entered another line of work altogether. For me, being "between jobs" is an opportunity to figure out if I want to continue working in this field. Despite the office politics and crazy hours, I loved what I did for a living -- even if it didn't always love me back.
As unfortunate as my situation is, I don't consider it devastating because I never allowed my job to become my identity. I made a distinction between my professional life and my personal life, and having several hobbies unrelated to my career was the difference between being complemented by my work and being defined by it. With interests ranging from studying American Sign Language to dabbling in photography, my occupation was only one facet of what made me the woman I am.
I'm not thrilled about being unemployed, but it's better than being at a company that didn't want nor value my services. I attended countless workshops over the years to enhance my skills and learn new technologies, but it wasn't enough for management to keep me on their payroll. That act of rejection was a kick in the pants to shift my career into high gear.
William Shakespeare once wrote that "parting is such sweet sorrow" ... but, in this case, it's also for the best.