The air smelled heavy today. Could have been the fresh tones of spring, a musky scent accentuated by blooming cherry blossoms.
Blossoms were not to blame.
It was 9:30 a.m., I sat at my desk, nestled in the familiar grooves of my chair – the same chair I’ve called “home” for 7 years.
My boss D. sauntered over. “Jeannie, can I talk to you for a sec?”
An escalating sense of foreboding gripped me. In the 7 years under his employ, I can count on one hand the amount of times we’ve had a private, impromptu meeting.
This felt wrong. I knew it before the HR director swooped in behind him, shutting the door to the meeting room and my corporate life.
“We’re not doing well this quarter and had to make some hard decisions. Unfortunately this means we have to initiate some lay-offs, and you’re one of them.”
All I could muster was an “hmmm…” waiting for more.
“H. has a package here.”
H. cleared her throat. “Jeannie, in this envelope is your severance package. We’ll offer two months pay, plus an extra week for the years of service. During the two months, we’ll still honor your extended benefits. Here’s a firm that deals with career transitions. They offer a wonderful seminar and I highly recommend them. We cover the cost of the seminar.”
“Okay, does the package follow Canadian employment standards??”
Vigorous nods all around.
“Oh yes, the amount is the maximum that the law allows, and that extra week is on top of it,” said H.
D. piped in, “This was a very hard decision… you’re not the only one to go. 7 more people will be laid off today and 8 more in Calgary. I had the hardest time coming to this decision, I don’t like to let anyone go. I mean, I didn’t sleep last night.”
“I know how hard this can be. And I understand, know that we’ve been slow. Out of curiosity, why me?”
“We lost a lot of key deals lately, your chargeability has been lower than the rest of the group. It’s been like that for a while.”
“Right, suppose that makes sense. ”
It unnerved them. My calmness. Afterward, I spoke to a work friend - the rumors circulated on how I would handle it. Drop to the carpet tile in an epileptic fit? Wail? Burst out into waterworks?
H. interjected, “Well Jeannie, why don’t you go home and think over everything. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call me directly.” That was subtle – LEAVE NOW.
“That’s fine, but can I remove some personal items from my computer? I would appreciate that latitude.”
Code for “Uh, I left some blog stuff on my computer and need to wipe the evidence.”
D. said, “That’s fine, you can do that.”
He rose from the chair, extending his hand. “Thank you for all the years, it was a pleasure working with you.”
I dreamed about this moment, pinning him down with vitriolic words about their anti-humanistic policies and ridiculous business practices, but I stopped. His eyes bled with distress, even sadness.
I clasped his out turned hand. He changed gears and grabbed me, pressing my smallness against his tall frame. Somehow, it was fitting, D. is a good man underneath the management veneer, and after 7 years, our parting felt like a divorce.
The show would begin once I exited that meeting room. My cheeks mottled red, as though poppies burst all over my face. I felt dazed, drunk on the knowledge I would never have to step foot in this place ever again.
The next few minutes were rapid fire. I tried to print benefit forms to claim the contact lenses and glasses that I just purchased at $377.00. No dice, IT had already severed my access. How easily I’m wiped from existence. Meanwhile, HR director strolled by more than once to hurry me. I nearly lashed out. There’s nothing worse than a person who just spelled your doom standing over your shoulder.
Until that point, I was eerily calm, but heat began to travel from my toes to the tip of my head, spraying my cheeks even redder. I wanted to ring up Jason Reitman, tell him he forgot to film one more piece to Up in the Air. How bizarre to be living a stereotype of a movie.
If I had been someone else, a person intensely dependent on this job, what you feel is a loss of dignity while the people you once joked with by the microwave stare in discomfort, look agog, but observe the proceedings silently, most likely frightened that they will be next. I classified myself as untouchable, yet being surrounded by suffocating gazes and pitying judgments still stung, leaving me isolated – terribly alone.
Despite my current fear of the unknown, as I gathered personal files, scooped medical receipts, I made a pledge to myself right there, to never be beholden to a static entity again. We put so much of our soul, our spirit into these corporations, always hopeful they’ll do the same in return. I’m here to tell you, they don’t.
The second you’re handed that severance package, years of service are swiped from your old desk, loyalty is insubstantial, and respect is a paper tiger you grasped onto for purchase.
I met a co-worker in the lobby who befell the same fate, she was stunned, looking out of place clad in a wool coat and scarf – balancing an archiving box of her personal files.
“Jeannie, were you laid off too?”
How could she not notice as my expression mirrored hers, coat and scarf, clutching a bag of shoes.
“Yup… me too,” I said, trying to smile through the awkward moment.
“I don’t know what to do… I just put my cheque in the bank. Thought, might as well while I’m here. Now I have to go home and tell my husband.. we just bought a new house, supposed to be moving in this Friday…. ”
Her soft brown eyes glistened, pleading with me to erase the last hour of her life. All I could do was hug her, and say, “I’m sooo sorry… ”
As for what I plan to do now? Not quite sure. It’s only been 12 hours and frankly, I’m still absorbing the shock. Action will come next. Stay tuned.
Photo in Feature Gallery: Pink Sherbert
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I can’t believe it’s so easy to just fire someone who has worked for them for that long..! It shouldn’t be..
I guess it’s like Dave said, this is a SIGN.
i second keith’s short but sweet posting… hurray!! i saw mine coming from a long ways away and felt mostly gratitude and eagerness to be on my way, though yeah that smack down feeling of betrayal requires dealing with any way you slice it. i hope you are mostly reveling in your freedom by now and let me know when you are coming to meet me in beautiful patagonia :)
I offer my condolensces but that just means you can hit that traveling road earlier! I know there’s a difference between quitting and being laid off- that mostly being shell-shock & pride — but they just did your dirty work for you. They gave you your (already) impending divorce earlier with a package & the opportunity to claim unemployment. That’s the perks of working corporate vs. freelance. And dunno about Canada but if “you quit” in the U.S., you don’t get to claim unemployment. Period. No free money. People are giving you tissues & I’m like- Nope, not pulling out the friend violin for you. You’re getting to go out the “wisest way” actually! LOL. ;-) The horizon is sunny. BE BEAUTIFUL
@Patty – thanks sooo much for your sentiments. Haha.. Revenge might be in the works. :)
Sorry to hear that you got laid off. :( The best “revenge” is to end up doing something bigger and better than they could ever have offered you there. I’m sure your upcoming travels will help with that! :) Best of luck to you!
@Candice – I go from shock to yeah, this is cool. :) I’ve had two crying jags so far, one was a release, waking up from the cubicle nightmare.. you mean, I don’t h ave to go there everyday? The other cry was a happy one – I’M FRACKEN FREE!!!!!! Thanks for your comment, always appreciate your support. :)
@Dave – My man, already on the EI case. Thanks!
That door closed … but you’ve already opened the next door! Ramp up your Travel schedule and … HitTheRoad ( .ca ;)
(But check into some of the E.I. programs that you will be eligible for once your package runs out …. )
Dave :)
Oh, Jeannie. I’m sorry it had to end that way, how are ya? A little devastated, or bloody thrilled? Sometimes I secretly wish for it. Sometimes it’s the catalyst we need to move on.
“We put so much of our soul, our spirit into these corporations, always hopeful they’ll do the same in return. I’m here to tell you, they don’t.”
You said it sister…I loved this post. You are a superstar. <3
Oh, response to 1 more comment!
@Darlene – I was stuck to my seat reading your account! It’s that sense you are *dead* to them. The list of activities you embarked on sound DIVINE, I’m already taking notes. Hopefully, I get to fit pleasurable endeavors in as I finagle a new travel plan. I use to believe dreams were stardust and myth – but if you focus on something, long enough, hard enough, THINGS DO HAPPEN. I’m living proof. I wish you strength in your quest to leave and commend your current polices on corporate life. You took control, sounds like you just need to take a bit more. :)
@Brooke – Too right, I found out today that they let a sweet woman go who just returned from mat leave – she has an 18 month old daughter to support. My belief in these entities was crashing & burning, the impact just hit.
@Joel – It felt raw as I wrote it. Trying to view the rollercoaster as a positive sign!
@Dave – Some kind of hastened travel plan is forming. And I look most forward to seeing you on the asphalt!
@SpunkyGirl – Thanks for all your supportive words on Twitter, Pam Really, truly. And sista, send that Peter’s milkshake by fedex!
@Adam – Exciting is in the cards, but I suspect a little rocky at first. :)
@Gerard – Cold shoulder is a mild description. They literally treated me like a felon. It was a minor humiliation. And brotha, I’m sending them the whole damn site!
@Ant – Your vivid descriptions had me nodding in assent and giggling. There are folks I laughed with and shared with every day for 7 years. Losing that outlet is surreal. However, your comemnt makes me question the sincerity of those interactions.
@Stephen – Oh, so a little of how Gomadnomad was born is revealed. Can’t wait for you to tell me more. :)
@TWLH – The lack of notice is not abnormal in NA, quite regular in fact. I detest how redundancy is addressed in NA. It’s swept under the carpet, to not upset the status quo, but that leaves the laid off person feeling downright shitty. Swearing was called for there.
@Scott – Some inspiring words!!! Everything you wrote makes insane sense. Your passion is shouting off my computer screen. Thanks for that. :)
@Jetpacker – Oh, I was planning on leaving, just not this soon. I got a little overwhelmed today thinking of the gear I still lack. Ack! Just breathe, right? :-D
@Alison – Thanks for the smart and kind advice. I’m trying to sleep, eat and take it easy, but my mind is constantly buzzing. I chalk it up to excitement. :)
@Brandy B. – LOL. That dose came with the corporate brush-off. And way to assess this incident in Monopoly terms, I like you more and more!
@Craig Z. – Yup, that anger is surprising isn’t it? Even if we both secretly wanted it. It’s not cool to treat people like machines and expect them to *react* as you want them to. On that note, let’s toast to adventure!! :)
@Garrett (Hdogger) – You could do something, can you call up my ex-boss and say this: “YOU SUCK!” Quickly hang up before the call is traced. Thanks G, you’re the best! (wink wink)
@ayngelina – Hahaha, not inappropriate to say congrats at all. I envision those same feelings you describe, just need a bit more process time to get there. :)
@Keith – That you said I wrote a beautiful post spurs me on. This coming from a fellow writer I respect deeply. Ever since we connected, all you have ever been is immensely supportive. I love watching how your writing progresses! Kinda jealous that Joel gets to meet you. :)
@Raam Dev – Ooh, we are brother & sister when it comes to balance and curiosity. Right there with you, and WILL be contacting you!
@Jeff – WOW. Looks like you got a similar deal. So glad you found me! Makes me feel less freaked. Thanks for your wonderful comment.
@Kathy (MyTimetoTravel) – What you said about corporate loyalty turning to dust a couple of decades back resonates with me strongly. There was a time corporations meant a safe haven, a place to forge inner satisfaction and provide well for a family. It’s disturbing that they’ve become these dark halls of suspicion and fear. And IBM! Don’t even get me started on them.
@JoAnna – You’re a zen lady, one to be admired. Gone through this twice??? I tip my hat, fully believing this elation will arrive. :)
@Erica – Honey, I’m copying and pasting that virtual beer into multiples. Alas, I was stuck with my roommate’s nasty cooking wine last night. Best cooking wine I ever tasted. :)
@GypsyChick – Timing might be just right.. as everyone has said here, that push I needed. :)
@Monica – Excellent point about politics! Also, excellent point on devoting yourself towards something you truly believe in – all of us are proof of that. Look at the community we’ve built! Thanks for your thoughtful words. :)
@Sarah – You guys rock on the virtual drinks and hugs. And glad you found me, sorta a bad time (lay off devastation, and all), but glad just the same. :-D
@Akila – Am stoked we’re starting to connect. I’ve been meaning to park mucho comments on your blog, because your passions mirror mine! As for lay-off, breathing is hard, getting overwhelmed is easy. :)
@Michael – Mate, you might be right. :)
@Greg – Was waiting for your words of wisdom, glad they finally arrived. And laughed at how you described corporations, an icky monster is fitting.
@Angela – No sympathy, eh? LOL. Everything you speak to is true. Many people don’t have the courage, even I probably wavered.. as you said, take that chance! Thanks, and looking forward to more interaction with you! :)
@Cornelius Aesop – See, that’s the humane way to do it. 1 to 2 weeks, not send her to the guillotine and chop her head clean off. What you read from this post was disbelief. I stupidly thought my *status* was different, that I could control the fates. Wrong… off base. Travel is closer than ever now!
@Monica2 – Another Monica! I love all these congratulations pouring forth. Canada does have something to assist us *reduced* people. Thanks for your enthusiasm, it’s much needed. :)
@Alessandra – You are so my cheerleader. :)
@Marie – Don’t think anyone at my old company knows what a blog is. :) I think it was a number of factors, but frankly – seems you never know the real reason. Yeah, it WAS for the best.
@Aly – Not until I thank you in a huge post for making this site look amazing. P.S. Thanks for the tip on buying stuff in Asia versus here. Good idea!
@Gray – Absolutely. The severance package is a bonus. I am massaging a loose plan on leaving sooner, hope to reveal more in a new post. Just so overwhelmed right now!
@Colin – We are certainly overdue to connect over a beer (or 5). Your lovely comment leaves me speechless. What I hope I’ve built or conveyed is my honest love for freedom and travel. The layoff is some kind of push, how it fits in yet is vague.. but once the shock wears off, I’m sure it will dawn on me. Thank you sooo much for the invite. Are you just needing a free babysitter? :) Joking aside, it’s very tempting. Just need to mull over my options and who knows? I bet the sunsets at Angkor are gorgeous this time of year, or any time for that matter. :-D
@Jeff (Career Break) – You hit it accurately. The choice was taken from me, kinda leaves one feeling less empowered. Whereas before the scales seemed balanced in my favor. But that’s the illusion with corporate jobs, favor or balance are misnomers. Thanks for your support and glad we made contact!
@Graham – Glad to see your mug here. *Kick* is right. *Ridiculous* – hands down right. That’s what I meant by static. Why do some cultures put such value on these intangible fictions, but less value on relationships and human connections? There’s something amiss here.
EVERYONE – I can’t thank you enough for all your comments. They aren’t just 2 dimensional shapes on a screen to me, but real sentiments of support, friendship and caring. Again, you guys never disappoint, in my darkest hour or during elated moments. Those feelings of isolation from yesterday are fading into the shadows.. Right now, I feel like a nation is behind me. If I can ever return the favor, just holler!
Jeannie, I’m so sorry that this happened to you in such an abrupt way. The same thing happened to me just two years after the “corporation” paid for my move from Texas to NYC. I did not have to make an abrupt exit however the 1st day of my exit, IT removed my access by 3:00 pm and I was removed from the employee phonebook…I ceased to exist. The 1st 30 days at home was the shock & awe effect but after I grieved…I got a hold of myself and said you know, after slaving 10 to 15 hr days…I decided to do everything I had put off while everyone else was working. I went to the fantastic museums during the day when everyone else was working, I took cooking classes, travel writing classes, outdoor yoga and watercolor classes…it was like a rebirth & reclaim to my former self. Although I have returned to corporate life, I no longer sell my soul, leave at a decent time and my time after work is my own. Trust your instincts, listen to your heart and the Universe will open up the path to follow your dreams. I hope to leave the corporate world to follow my dreams of writing & traveling so I will stand her cheering in your corner, looking to see if I will get the guts to go after my dreams one day. Allow time to grieve the lost, but also know…your next “life” is full of possibilities…Keep us posted of your journey!
Sometimes the Universe decides you need a kick. I don’t know if it’s the case here, but, hell, you might as well treat it that way. It sounds like a terrible emotional experience but you WILL look back and laugh at them for their ridiculousness. You rock and will show them a thing or two.
I´ve been trying to figure out what to say. There´s no doubt these are the tough days. It´s one thing to make the decision yourself and another for it to be made for you. Keep in mind that you were already on a path to free yourself and go follow your passion. Maybe it came sooner than you expected. But, you are now there. Don´t mourn for too long because you are about to embark on the best chapter of your life so far. And, as evidenced by this stream of comments, you´ve got a big group of people from all over supporting you. All the best chica.
Wow – The support you have in the community YOU built is just fantastic. All this support and genuine emotion is testament to your writing ability, you paint such and incredible picture, albeit in this case a not so nice picture.
Why don’t you leave early and come over and visit us. We are about to travel through Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos over the next 3 months so feel free to join us whenever you want.
Cheers,
Colin
I’m sorry to hear this had to happen in such a sudden, shocking way, Jeannie, but knowing that you planned to leave anyway must help soften the blow. On the bright side, you have a severance package, which you probably wouldn’t have gotten had you left on your own, right? I have a feeling you’ll see this as a blessing in a few months (if you don’t right now). Are you prepared to hit the road sooner than you’d intended?
I don’t know what else to add to this list, but I think the consensus is that it’s time for you to hit the ROAD!! Have a crazy weekend, let off some steam and Monday morning get back to ‘work’ getting your travel plans sorted out!!
I’m wondering if they found your blog. Either way, it worked out for the best.
Jeannie!!!! OMG! I’m sorry? Although I think you know what I really want to say :)
Congratulations! I know it wasn’t on your terms, but see it as a blessing in disguise. You’ve been preparing for a long time. You were planning to leave in a month or two anyway, no? Now, you’ll have some cash to take with you! woo-hoo! Do they have unemployment compensation in Canada? (Jus’ saying)
I know it must be an emotional roller coaster so my condolences. *sniff* sniff* pack*
WOW! Well you seem to be taking it in stride, that or disbelief. Hope this is that point of never looking back and where what you’ve planned is what you live. I may be in the same boat come August when I find out if my grant is renewed, although I’m supposed to have 1-2 weeks notice at the very least. Good luck and Brooke said, happy travels.
You’re right, Jeannie, corporations don’t give us anything, WE give THEM our best moments for peanuts. And for what? For making other people, people we don’t even know, richer than they are. This is not worth it our time and our soul.
I’m prett much always broke but I don’t spend the best years of my life in a narrow office. It’s a matter of choice.
I don’t feel sorry for you, I think you are lucky, because you have your chance to give your life the turn you wanted, chance that many people hope for but don’t have, because they don’t get laid off and don’t have the nerve to quit their job!
Good luck and looking forward to reading your next posts ;-)
Mindblowing..! (your writing and the story) But be happy, the three-headed corporate monster found you indigestible and spat you out of its slime-covered mouth. :)
I’d say this is a calling to go and do some traveling :)
Sorry this happened. But, it will be okay. Deep breath and let go. This is all for the best.
Hi. I just found your blog and wanted to say hang on in there. It may be for the best! You never know what lies around the corner. *hug
Sarah
You’re right. Corporations have no loyalty to people. Just like there is no loyalty when it comes to politics. Loyalty is fickle. It’s which ever side rakes in the greens. Put your heart in a cause you believe in because it will never betray you like corporations and businesses do.
So sorry to hear you got laid off but I think it’s a blessing in disguise. The cubicle has been stifling you. You’ve got so much to offer and it’s the time the world saw it. Those four walls didn’t know what they had.
Wow…isn’t life funny!
I suspect this will be a good thing for you. Life pushes us to where we need to be. I’m sorry the timing isn’t better.
Looking forward to hearing whats next
xo
*hugs*
At least you have a supportive community behind you. That sucks. I’m sending you a virtual beer. <3
Sorry to hear it, but congratulations!! I’ve been let go twice before, and it’s always been an initial shock followed by sheer elation. Now you’re on your way to something worthwhile!
So sorry you’re having to deal with this. Even leaving voluntarily can be disorienting, and as you wrote so well, there are all those other feelings when it’s involuntary. But at least you have other plans, right? I saw corporate loyalty disintegrate a couple of decades back (I worked for IBM). That woke me up and I took “early” retirement and started traveling….
ugh….I so hate that knot I get in my stomach when I decide to hit submit first – and THEN quickly scroll up to view my post.
….only to see I typed “Nomic Chick” instead of Nomadic Chick. Sorry bud. -Jeff
Nomic Chick – talk about amazing coincidence.
I just discovered you 15 minutes ago. I read a few posts.
Then I found this one, about your layoff experience just yesterday.
I am with you 100%. I was also very recently laid off.
http://www.expatyourself.com/2010/02/got-laid-off/
So, like to team up? I want to place far more energy and time into my expat project.
What do you say about a celebratory partnership, two expats, similar blogging passion, and timely terminations? Consider it and write me.
Your friend in ‘misery’ and opportunity,
-jeff
Wow, incredibly story telling. Thank you for sharing this and I’m sorry for the loss.
While not quite corporate america (it was a startup), I left my previous job vowing something similar to you: to never again be an employee. Now I’m in India, staying in a $4/night hotel and living off of less than $250/mo.
I’m determined to make a living through a location independent lifestyle that enables me to continue traveling indefinitely. I know it’s possible because of all the people before me who have already done it.
My goals in life are to live simply, balance life, and cultivate curiosity. I feel that working for someone else, or putting all my time and energy into supporting a corporation that treats me as nothing more than a number, is the worst way to go about living those goals.
Good luck on your endeavors and please connect with me if you have any questions about minimalistic travel, living simply, or balancing life!
If there’s a silver lining, it’s that you wrote a beautiful post and have freedom to do what you will. I’m sorry it had to end like this, but the important point is that it has ended. Now you can begin.
Is it completely inappropriate to say congratulations? This is the push and funds you need to go now.
Remember that snarky email from a few weeks ago, it’s becoming a more distant memory. Don’t let the shock of it suck you into negative feelings because once you get on that plane you’ll think it was the best thing that could have happened.
That SUCKS! Even though you had plans to exit, the surprise of your employer beating you to the punch is stinging. It reminds me of a breakup – as soon as both folks know it’s coming, it’s a race to the finish.
This sucks. If I can help in any way, let me know.
Garrett
This happened to me too, as so many others. My shock was followed by a short bit of Anger (I’ll admit it) then relief. I was a consultant for ten years. Sometimes you need a kick to make a change. I did.
As with the ying and yang, see this as the opportunity and not the crisis. The world awaits and it is magical – life changing.
Stay adventurous,
Craig
Do not pass Go, Do not collect $200- collect your things and get on the road. The choice (that I am sure you would have made anyways) has been made for you! You can’t change what has happened, everything is about how you react now.
Make the best of it, take hold of your dreams and don’t let go. What a free feeling!
” A dose of the unknown may be just what I need!” You got it babe- go with it!
xoxo, much love, strength & support to you.
So sorry you have to deal with this. I know you were thinking about leaving eventually but even so, being let go is a terrible feeling. Give yourself some time to process and plan and most of all relax and take care of yourself. There’s nothing to hold you back from your dreams now!
These things always have a tendency to work out for the best. It might not be immediate, but years from now you’ll look back on this day, sitting in a much better and more fulfilling position in life, and think, “Thank goodness they laid me off because I wasn’t planning on leaving.”
Seems to me the universe is giving you a big chance right here. Just take hold and give it a ride. You have 4 months of pay in your bank account, that can go a long way in Asia. Plus if you have any other dollars saved that’ll just add to it. To travel is your dream isn’t it?
Want to know the difference between people who wish and people who do? The doers take the risk to do what they want to do, sometimes it doesn’t seem like the wisest but with no risk no reward.
So I’d say pack your apartment up, drop everything off in storage, and head out on your adventure! The time couldn’t be better!
Strange they did not let you work out the current month or the two weeks that is normal.
At least you are free now, with some pay. Don’t wait around!
Sucks. Sorry about that. You will make the most of it. The first day of your new life.
Happened to me last summer. The extra time allowed me to take gomadnomad.com and my freelance writing to the next level. But financially it’s difficult obviously…
Hey. Weird coincidence: I was made redundant on April 13th 2007, after seven years with my former company.
I’ve been travelling since June 2007. While that’s not for everyone, what I’m trying to say is that being made redundant can really empower you to follow your dreams (especially with the little thank-you envelope). This is it.
It’s also the moment you realise who in your office were friends, and who were simply bloated colleagues with their eyes on your pen holder, foot rest or god forbid, the familiar grooves of your chair.
Despite everyone yapping on about how location independent is the new office, I dare say you feel like you lost a home as well as a job. Office environments are a great social environment, so with that said — avoid diving straight into the silent voids in your life.
Kia ora… kia kaha… Ant
That’s a tough process to go through. It must’ve been a very surreal moment throughout from when they sat you down to the exit.
Companies can very easily switch you off with a cold shoulder, and it’s best to remember what you’ve said about static entities. It’s definitely a good push in the direction of travelling though, and now you have time at home to study up on the places you want to visit.
You should send them an e-mail of you on your trip. ;)
Wow, thank you for sharing your experience. All the best to you. I’m sure there are very exciting things ahead.
OMG! I’m sorry… I’ve been there before. It’s always a shock, even when you’re secretly glad to be leaving.
Congratulations! After all the soul searching you’ve been doing lately, this has got to be a sign. It’s travel time! See you on the road :)
Very emotional story. Thanks for sharing –
Sorry for the emotional roller coaster you must be on.
“I made a pledge to myself right there, to never be beholden to a static entity again. We put so much of our soul, our spirit into these corporations, always hopeful they’ll do the same in return. I’m here to tell you, they don’t.”
Right on, sister. I’m sorry this had to happen, but I guess it could have been wayyyy worse (you didn’t just buy a house – eep). I’m sure you’ll find a way to make the most of the situation. Wishing you luck, and happy travels.
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