This past Tuesday I was told by my boss that:
#1. My hours would be cut to part time status
#2. I would no longer be covered with insurance
#3. He would no longer be contributing to my simple IRA retirement plan
#4. I would no longer have any PTO days (personal time off)
All I could say was Thanks!-sarcastically, of course. I'm sure the look on my face said more. I turned my back on him because I could not talk about it without crying. You see, I have been with this small company for 12 years and I assumed I would retire there. I have always believed that if I helped my employer succeed then I would be successful as well. Ask me if I believe that now, I'd have to say HELL NO! I'm 58 years old, thru the course of my life I should have learned this lesson by now. After the initial shock was over it didn't take me long to get back to my core belief that everything happens for a reason. So..... I went to my studio and I worked on this piece of art. There's nothing better than being in an uncomfortable position to assist you in learning about who you are. I've been uncomfortable before and I grew personally. I'd like to say that I make a pretty good batch of lemonade! You'll be seeing more of me.
Keep Smiling!
Teresa, I feel your pain. Something similar happened to me in 2008 and I've been working part time ever since. It was really hard to get used to at first, but now I LOVE it. There is time to be creative now...or perhaps I've learned through adversity what really is important in life.
ReplyDeleteLove your artwork, the colors, the words, and how it comes right from your heart! Thanks for sharing your truth, your art.
Blessings!
Deb
Teresa, I want to extend my support to you. I've also been in your position. About a year ago, I lost my job after several months of cruel, targeted mistreatment by a supervisor. I was disgusted by the lack of professionalism this person exhibited, as well as how little this "organization" valued its employees...and all of this in a service-sector job where people are supposed to be valued the most! Although I too lost my income and benefits, it was definitely my self-confidence that took the biggest hit. So many of my dreams died during the last year...and yet, this was the year that I first discovered my interest in art! If not for my art journaling practice, I know I couldn't have gotten through it with my sanity intact. If not for my art and the wonderful, kind, supportive people I've befriended through my blog (especially you!), I don't know what I would've done.
ReplyDeleteAs it has done for you and for me, art heals. I love the piece you've created here...it reminds me that people in our position need to keep the faith no matter what, and try to fight the negative by remaining optimistic about the future.
Thanks for sharing!