I was laid off from my high paid tech job about a month ago. I had been there 10 years. I was told it was because of the change in the political environment, and the company had to cut jobs to prepare for the future. My entire department of 8 people were let go. I was really upset and depressed for the first two weeks. My husband got really worried because I was angry and sad at the same time. I worry a lot, and was terrified that without my income coming in we'd be screwed financially. I got a severance package, and had a small savings that should last a while, but it was really scary. I felt like a failure, and like there was something wrong with me. It was a horrible feeling.
I've also never not worked. I was out on my own at 17, and I've worked either multiple part time jobs or full time since. I had applied at a couple other jobs but it seems like companies want to higher younger people in tech now, I'm 37. Every interview I went to, there were other applicants fresh out of college there. First time I've ever really felt old, and I definitely don't look old.
I ended up applying to go back to school. I start in 3 weeks. I've been able to turn one of my art hobbies into a business in the past 2 years, but now I have time to really focus on that, and I'll be opening up a storefront May 1st. I planted a raised vegetable garden, and have been able to landscape my yard. I'm not stuck behind my laptop 15 hours a day anymore, and I'm so much more relaxed and happy. My job was making me miserable. I worked with highly competitive women who would throw you under a bus to advance their career, and men who thought it was "cute" for a girl to be working in our field. I don't know if I ever want to work in an office again, and I don't know if I want to work in tech again.
I guess it's still early to really tell if things will work out, but I'm really starting to feel like things happen for a reason. All the bad stuff that has ever happened to me has always propelled me into a better, healthier place, and I've been made stronger because of it.
I've also never not worked. I was out on my own at 17, and I've worked either multiple part time jobs or full time since. I had applied at a couple other jobs but it seems like companies want to higher younger people in tech now, I'm 37. Every interview I went to, there were other applicants fresh out of college there. First time I've ever really felt old, and I definitely don't look old.
I ended up applying to go back to school. I start in 3 weeks. I've been able to turn one of my art hobbies into a business in the past 2 years, but now I have time to really focus on that, and I'll be opening up a storefront May 1st. I planted a raised vegetable garden, and have been able to landscape my yard. I'm not stuck behind my laptop 15 hours a day anymore, and I'm so much more relaxed and happy. My job was making me miserable. I worked with highly competitive women who would throw you under a bus to advance their career, and men who thought it was "cute" for a girl to be working in our field. I don't know if I ever want to work in an office again, and I don't know if I want to work in tech again.
I guess it's still early to really tell if things will work out, but I'm really starting to feel like things happen for a reason. All the bad stuff that has ever happened to me has always propelled me into a better, healthier place, and I've been made stronger because of it.