Down, But Not Out

A calculated gamble is probably the best way to describe it.

My employer of 23 years had filed bankruptcy back in October, and I could have taken the approach that all was lost at that point, and immediately set about trying to find another "situation".

But I didn't.

The time invested was probably the biggest factor in my decision to stick it out. A desire to see things through. Maybe a chance to help re-establish a good company on more stable footing. I still believe in the fine people there.

There is also the practical points of seniority, of a certain comfort in familiarity which of course, I did not want to leave.

Unfortunately, now I'll have to deal with that loss anyway. A new company takes over this week, and I have been informed that I will be let go in the transition. I suppose that it would have been smarter in 20/20 hindsight, to have started my job search immediately upon the bankruptcy notice. Maybe then, I would have found something before time ran out. Maybe not.

I'm expecting this to be difficult. No illusions there. The state of my industry has never been more challenged, more competitive, more cutthroat, to put it bluntly.

So, a new chapter opens for me this week. Family and friends will help me to keep a positive outlook. That I already know.

Church today was, as usual, a shot in the arm for my wife and me. "Family" almost always is. Hugs, a lot of kind words, and smiles, all offer comfort and support.

And while I haven't been in the best of moods this weekend, I was given the opportunity to offer support of my own to the family of a friend who is near death. And to other friends who just lost a brother at way too young an age. Very sad, both of these.

There is no better therapy for your own troubles that to try and offer help to others with much larger issues to deal with. The truth is, I only lost a job.

Today, my good friend and Pastor, Fr. Chris, spoke in his sermon about the challenges of faith. How it is sometimes very difficult. Not always comfortable. He also talked about the rewards. That was all too relevant for me on this particular Sunday as I had good doses of both these things.

Life has delt me a blow. Faith will stand me up.