Career and Kids

On job downsizing

by elizabeth on April 9th, 2007

I used to be a “somebody” at my place of business.

I wore the suits and high heels (no, smarty, I’m not a guy, look at the byline), and, went to the meetings with other “somebodies” where we mostly congratulated ourselves on being “somebodies”, and, other such leadership rigamarole.

The pressure, and, time commitment increased by leaps, and, bounds, and, as a parent, I didn’t know what I was going to do. I was going to work in the middle of the night while the kids were sleeping, I was on call around the clock, and, I had a hellatious boss.

Then I became pregnant with my third child.

I knew something had to give, but, as the primary bread winner it didn’t seem quite right to have another kid, and, take a huge pay cut. However, I knew I couldn’t keep coming home from work each day, and, crying on the bathroom floor, either.

Turns out the decision was made for me as my job was eliminated immediately after my maternity leave.

I was scared and relieved all at the same time, and, took a job for much less pay. Though it’s a nice job, I was no longer a “somebody”, and, didn’t know what to do with myself.

As the years have gone on, it’s become more and more apparent that this job is where I’m supposed to be. There’s no way I could have kept the other one after my mother got sick, and, I can usually do what I need to do in regard to my children.

Why am I telling you all of this?

Today, while walking outside, I passed the big, big boss of my workplace. I knew him well back when, but, today he didn’t recognize me.

And, you know what? That was OK with me.

I realized I don’t care about all that anymore. Though I didn’t realize it at the time, the “lesser” job was what I needed in my life. As a matter of fact, my brain doesn’t really process administratia anymore, sometimes to the chagrin of the one employee I do have.

I know some of you are facing having to downsize in job, whether by your own decision, or, your employer’s decision. It’s hard to think that the jobs that let you be with your children more don’t pay as much, and, often they are much less prominent. In fact, it can be downright scary.

But, I’m here to tell you that, it’s all going to be OK, and, not to go all cliche on you, but, the 3 times it’s happened to me (job elimination), another door was opened, and, each time, it really did turn out to be for the better.

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