The Journey to Unemployment

January 1, 2010

Today is the first day of the new year, the first day of the new decade and hopefully the first day of a new life.

I enter 2010, like one of many million Americans, whose office door was slammed in my face, through no fault of my own, leaving me unemployed and unhappy.

There are a lot of ways to fight back, but in the best interest of sanity (and staying off the top 10 most wanted list), I am taking a different approach -- writing a daily blog.

This desire to express myself has been burning inside of me like a forest fire from the moment I was told, over the phone, 13 months ago, that my services were no longer needed.

For me, it took a $1 movie rental to help me find my way. I’m not sure that “Julie & Julia” will ever make its way into my DVD player again, but to see how one person’s choice of expression inspired her was enough for me.

Unfortunately for you, and me, there will be no Beef Bourguignon on this blog, but the recipe here is to connect with you, as I take this unpleasant journey through unemployment.

This blogesphere is a brave new world for me, but one that will hopefully be very therapeutic. The opportunity to say what I want, when I want, how I want, is one that I am very much looking forward to doing.

I am a 42-year old father of three who has accomplished a tremendous amount in my 25-years in the working world. I have been honored several times with national awards that “really didn’t matter to me”, until I won of course.

I am just as motivated as the first time I walked into the workplace, but to find that workplace doesn’t want me anymore and that the people I once called friends won’t respond to me anymore is what really hurt.

With so many new colleagues in this same broken down boat, I am hoping we can keep our head above the water until the Coast Guard arrives, and stay motivated to find the new world of happiness.

For some of us, that may someday mean a return to the industry that we have called home for most of our life. Even if that industry has left us battered and bruised, like an abused spouse who can’t manage to leave the comfort zone of their battleground home.

For others, it may just mean a new world. A new job. A new industry or perhaps, just a new direction.

On this, the first day of the new year, I am joining a new year’s day movement that is more deep in tradition than watching the Rose Bowl Parade -- I am making a resolution -- to write a blog.

Welcome to my new journey. I hope you enjoy the ride.


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