Today I am unemployed.
I haven’t been unemployed since that unfortunate incident in 1999. I moved to Atlanta with my then pseudo-fiancee. I had no job and no prospects so I spent my days with my ass parked on the couch with the dog watching VH1 Behind the Music and E! True Hollywood Stories and stuffing my face with apples and caramel dip. When I finally came to my senses and moved home, I had gained 30 pounds.
In all fairness, the 30 pounds came not just as a result of the unemployment, though I do suspect it *was* a direct result of said caramel dip. In reality, there were three points in my Triumvirate of Pain. He was So. Not. The. Right. Guy. and I was in a new city with no friends. Depressed is the clinical term they use these days, I think.
It took me six months to realize how miserable I was. I got my ass home, started teaching Jazzercise again (don’t mock) and got back into shape. It took me a year to get the weight off. This time is going to be different.
First off, I’m taking a little vacation; I’m heading to the Rocky Mountains this week with my mom and oldest daughter. Girls weekend. Then I’ll drive up to the ‘Burgh to visit my dad. We’ll be doing some motorcycle riding, reunionizing with family, eating delicious pizza, etc. Then I have a social networking job fair to attend and a separate, but really cool potential iron in the fire. If that ignites, I’ll be very happy. Most importantly, I no longer eat caramel dip. So that’s something.
In the meantime, I’m considering becoming a Lady Who Lunches. And if that works out, it could be my next career move. I have my first “assignment” today.
I had a kick-ass team and a great job for five years. I’m going to miss my friends and colleagues terribly, but since the invention of this here “Internet” I know I’ll see them again. (In fact, a large majority of these people occupy space in my blogroll and in my Twitter friends and followers. Go and see what they’re doing. They are all wicked talented.)
I’m actually pretty excited about my next chapter, whatever it may turn out to be.
9 Comments
August 5, 2008 at 7:28 am
You sound incredibly upbeat, but I know you aren’t too surprised. I suppose if you’re gonna get laid off from anywhere, AOL is probably the best place, eh? I really hope your “iron in the fire” works out!
ps. I love Jazzercise, I would never mock it.
Thank you. I’ll keep you posted!
August 5, 2008 at 7:35 am
I would never mock Jazzercise…whatever gets you moving.
I love that exciting freefall when you enter a new beginning…god luck.
Close my eyes and jump! What a rush.
August 5, 2008 at 8:58 am
Lady luv, please keep in touch, I want to hang soon – maybe this fall? I’ve been contemplating quitting and embarking upon a me-time drive across country (well, more specifically, WA state across to MT and down to NM). I know you will not look back at all. xoxo, fancy
Totally, we’ll watch Lost Boys with the noise off and say all the lines. Though this time we’ll do it at home instead of at a weird conference in a bar in Atlantic City. Borgata!
Ooh, a drive cross-county. You must do it someday.
August 5, 2008 at 12:33 pm
well done, lady. I had a similar run in some 8 years ago with too much daytime TV, complete lack of focus, and nice enough guy at completely the wrong time. The wonderful thing about not being in our 20s is we’re much stronger/better/smarter… oh and we have MUCH better shoes.
anyway, enjoy your vacation. sounds divine.
now you can be headhunted without that nagging guilt, eh!?
xxx
Yes, after some much-needed downtime, I shall be headhunted without the guilt. Love it.
August 5, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Trust me, unemployment from AOL = freedom. When I left in October after 10 years there I was concerned over how I would fare dealing with the separation, especially with AOL being constantly in the news. The truth is, except for missing the people I worked with, it was an entirely liberating experience that came not a moment too soon.
So, decompress, have some fun, and face your next chapter with open arms (and mind). I see good things for you in the future.
Fortuneteller Ron
Thanks Ron, so good to see you blogging about these days. I blogrolled you. Heh.
August 5, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Eh, it’s not so bad. But caramel dip?
I know.. gross
August 6, 2008 at 7:06 am
Oh boo… and we never did get to meet in person! Enjoy the time off… must feel liberating at least!
August 6, 2008 at 2:29 pm
yay, exciting! best of luck to you. I have had an ‘unfortunate incident’ myself that resulted in weight gain – but I went the Cheez Doodle route. I vowed that next time, things will be different. And you give me hope!
cheers
September 5, 2008 at 3:42 pm
How was your trip? Sorry I’m just catching up – crazy moving summer-time!
Ren Fest/Annapolis – this weekend! cya there?