The Long + Short of It

PHOTO: Alyssa Monks

Last Thursday a not entirely unexpected nor unwelcome event occurred. I was let go from my day job.

This isn’t about the details, more about the reality of the situation. Because after the immediate shock subsided, what followed wasn’t regret but relief. I’d been unhappy and wanting to leave on my own for so long, months now, that it actually feels as though a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

There’s also a part of me that’s freaking out about money, naturally. And obsessing over what’s to come next, what the next chapter should be. Do I make the blog my full time job? Become a freelance designer? Or go in the direction I’ve been pulled towards over the past few years – social media for a company I really believe in. They say that you should be paid to be spending your time on what you would be doing regardless, and for me that’s interacting with the wild wonderful internet. So it would seem as though the decision isn’t really a decision at all.

On the heels of that there’s the thought that my next job most likely won’t be here in Oklahoma. I’ve been wanting to head back east towards my family (with the exception of my mom and stepdad, they’re all in Pittsburgh) for some time now. The vast majority of my contacts are in New York and I’ve felt the pull for months to move back. But I own a home, a car, a dog. How are all of these things going to be effected? I’ve already started making mental lists of what I’ll need to get rid of in order to downsize once again. A part of my life I honestly thought was over and done with is suddenly staring me in the face. There’s also the idea that timing is everything, I may end up with a rent and mortgage for a few months and that won’t be any fun.

But even after all of the possibilities, lists, and what-ifs are said and done I’m left with an overwhelming sense of optimism. This is going to be good. It’s going to be just the kick in the ass that the doctor ordered that pushes me towards my dreams. And I know the road isn’t going to be easy, that would be silly. But I also know that if I take it step-by-step it’s going to be entirely worth it. So bright and early tomorrow morning the search commences, contacts and leads will be followed up with and on, and my resume will be updated. Onward and upward and all that jazz.

PS: Thanks to everyone who’s emailed and tweeted their concerns and incredibly uplifting thoughts, your words are more appreciated than you’ll ever know.

31 Comments
  • Addie

    September 19, 2011 at 8:29 am Reply

    wow, how crazy.. but I hope this is only the start of some wonderful new beginnings for you!

  • jen

    September 19, 2011 at 8:31 am Reply

    Hi, Sorry to hear about that; it’s not easy when your position has been made redundant. But there’s a lot of better jobs out there. The same thing happened to me a year and a half ago after being at a company for 2.5yrs, and on the same day I signed a mortgage for my first house and really wanted the stability and to be settled with a company for a few years. Since then, I realise that we must look after our own best interests and regularly evaluate our situation and see changes before they happen.) You should read ‘Who Moved My Cheese’ for some inspirement! I see a lot of people who get stuck in a job, or who are conservative and lazy. Over a year and a half on, I’m on my second job and am using my skills a lot more and on much better pay, but I am also keeping my eyes open for my perfect role – in this company or another one. You never know what opportunities lie ahead.

  • rooth

    September 19, 2011 at 8:37 am Reply

    I also believe this is the start of something new and exciting – way to look at the possibilities!

  • hattie

    September 19, 2011 at 8:48 am Reply

    congratulations and good luck on your new start! with your creativity and your positive outlook, good things will surely come your way!

  • Jaime from Design Milk

    September 19, 2011 at 9:42 am Reply

    Happy to read this! Sounds like you’ll be making lemonade in no time.

  • Amy@OldSweetSong

    September 19, 2011 at 9:45 am Reply

    Do your thing. Be awesome. Hooray!

  • Mel

    September 19, 2011 at 9:47 am Reply

    Great post. Love the image too. Perfect.

  • Amy

    September 19, 2011 at 9:49 am Reply

    Best of luck in your venture! Sounds exciting and as if the world is your oyster. Life is too short for anything else, much happiness!

  • Pam

    September 19, 2011 at 10:07 am Reply

    You are going to rock it at whatever you do. Go for it!!! We’ll be rooting you on.

  • adele

    September 19, 2011 at 10:48 am Reply

    Sorry to hear you’ve been let go, but the world really is your oyster now, don’t waste this amazing opportunity. Good luck my friend xoxo
    http://www.intotheblonde.com/

  • Melanie

    September 19, 2011 at 11:20 am Reply

    Whatever you decide to do, I am sure you are going to rock it. You have all that it takes to be successful: optimism, talent, dedication, and hard work . . . I can’t wait to see the good things that come for you! xoxo.

  • Annie

    September 19, 2011 at 11:34 am Reply

    Kelly, you will do great.

  • alicia

    September 19, 2011 at 11:56 am Reply

    Sorry to hear about this – thinking of you!

  • Randi

    September 19, 2011 at 2:01 pm Reply

    I am so sorry to hear about all of this, but I certainly know how you are feeling. I was let go from a job about 6 months ago and as chaotic as my emotions were about it, I mostly felt free. My job was not healthy for me and kept me away from spending time with my family and friends. I knew that it was in my best interest to leave, but I was still scared out of my mind about the uncertain future. But, in the end, I ended up precisely where I should have been all along and you will too. Everything happens for a reason, even if you can’t see that reason for awhile. Best wishes for a beautiful and adventurous future!

    wildmagnolia9.blogspot.com

  • danielle (elleinadspir)

    September 19, 2011 at 2:57 pm Reply

    Isn’t it funny how things happen? Sounds like this might be a good thing in the end? Change can be fun and exciting. Can’t wait to see what opportunities unfold for you.

  • Annie

    September 19, 2011 at 3:22 pm Reply

    Getting let go can be a painful experience (even if you expect it) but I hope this means there are a lot of new, exciting adventures ahead.

  • Melissa

    September 19, 2011 at 4:21 pm Reply

    It’s usually that swift kick in the ass which sets our dreams in motion to becoming a reality. There is no doubt you will soar beautifully along the new path ahead…

    Here’s to chasing dreams!

  • fine little home

    September 19, 2011 at 4:39 pm Reply

    i love that you are looking at the positive possibilities that can come of this unexpected news. i wish you all the best and know that you have a lot of positive energy coming your way, even though you know you’re gonna rock it girl!

  • Boston Baked Beads

    September 19, 2011 at 4:41 pm Reply

    Kelly – Best of luck to you. Sometimes the most fantastic results happen due to events like these. Imagine all those hours dedicated to an unhappy situation just became yours again to use as you see fit. Have fun finding what makes you really happy!

  • jamie brunner

    September 19, 2011 at 7:13 pm Reply

    Kelly – I have enjoyed reading this blog for a couple of years now (and stealing ideas for just as long). I look forward to seeing what you do next…just so long as this blog continues to fit into your new plans. Best of luck to you – you’re gonna do something great!

  • People St. Clair

    September 19, 2011 at 8:00 pm Reply

    Sorry to read you were let go, but I think this change is the beginning of some amazing opportunities for you. Best of luck.

  • claire@gibsonking

    September 19, 2011 at 8:16 pm Reply

    Kelly,
    I am so sorry to her about your job. I have been there and done that and am now back on my feet again. Everything happens for a reason and it will all work out. I 100% believe in those sentiments. It just takes time and sometimes you have to go a couple of steps back. Give your self a little time to grieve and then start again.Good luck with all these new adventures you have ahead of you!

  • Kelly

    September 19, 2011 at 9:16 pm Reply

    Everyone, thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart for your words and faith and encouragement. It all means the world to me! xo

  • Kate

    September 19, 2011 at 10:11 pm Reply

    this is certainly a good for you, promise! i recently quit my job (yes, by choice) but on a whim and with no plan, no job. my gut said i didn’t belong there and i was bursting with creativity i had no use for in the role. best decision i’ve made in years. i set out on a quest to find the perfect job, and not to settle for one that made me have that ‘should be somewhere else, doing something else’ feeling. kelly- there ARE jobs out there. i only applied to jobs i really found appealing, and the people interviewing were so refreshed to speak with someone so genuinely excited. don’t settle for a job to pay the bills. i have a mortgage too- you’ll be fine. find one you love that you look forward to working at every day. you’ll figure it out! cheers- love your blog, by the way. your posts often make my days :)!

  • Molly

    September 20, 2011 at 4:05 am Reply

    I adore your blog, it’s probably my favorite. I love your optimism

  • JM

    September 20, 2011 at 12:57 pm Reply

    Sounds like you’ve got the right attitude to persevere!! All in the same breath…. sorry to hear about your job – but congratulations on looking forward to living your dreams!! Enjoy the ride 🙂

  • Cookie and Kate

    September 20, 2011 at 1:22 pm Reply

    I’m sorry about your job, Kelly. I have full faith that you’re going to turn the situation around and find yourself in a much better place. I’d hate to see you leave OKC, but onward and upward you go! Best of luck in your endeavors, and I hope to see again soon.

  • evie s.

    September 20, 2011 at 4:11 pm Reply

    Wow Kelly, I’m excited for you. Yes change is scary but looking back on this it will have been your inciting event (nod to Donald Miller) for an even greater story. If you need help moving or anything at all, please let me know!

  • George

    September 21, 2011 at 9:01 am Reply

    Hi Kelly,
    Sorry to hear about your loss of a day job. I was let go from a job in 2002 and it was both a blessing and a curse. Through the divine intervention of termination I was able to spend time with parents, aunts and uncles, helping through moving, illness and eventually death. Now I’m almost 10 years older (and I wasn’t young in 2002) and full-time jobs are much more scarce. But again through divine intervention, work opportunities have always come along at just the right times, including last week when a long sought after free-lance gig with long-term part-time potential appeared. I like your attitude and remember the unhappy feelings and desire to leave except that mine went on for years, not months before I was finally released. So, while I’ve always felt that work seems to get in the way of life, it also supports a way of life. Search for the important things in your life and find ways to support them. Best of luck!

  • morgan

    September 21, 2011 at 9:37 pm Reply

    whatever you decide to do, you are going to be great at it! I am in a very similar situation as you describe so I envy you in a way that you got the blessing in disguise you needed. I wish you lots of luck and wild success in whatever path you choose!

  • Lulu

    September 26, 2011 at 8:58 pm Reply

    What I’ve always appreciated and enjoyed about your blog is your bravery and honesty. It will serve you well I’m sure.

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