Master has given Ducky a sock.

Rather than wait for a specific date to roll around, I’ve found that just getting started on making a change when the inspiration hits is more effective and longer lasting. I’ve made them before, but they didn’t stick; as usual.

This year however, I’m being laid off.

Why is this happening?

Simple. The company is reorganizing. My position, and the positions of everyone else on my team here in Seattle, are being moved to the company’s headquarters on the other side of the country.

So, yeah…change is being forced upon me.

Now, I have all the emotions that come with this change. It would be easy to word-vomit all over this page; after all it’s my blog. What are they thinking? After all I’ve given to this company… blah blah blah.”

Yes, it would be easy, but I won’t.

I still love the company. I’ve been here for over 5 years, and that’s a pretty good run, especially for a writer in this day and age. Through those 5 years, I’ve made lasting friendships with amazing people, grown exponentially as a professional, faced some serious fears such as flying and had some amazing adventures.

I’ve even taken full advantage of its historic location and explored the area fully. Like a tourist. I regret nothing.

This company has been good to me, even now. The gentleman who made the decision flew in from the East Coast just to give us the news face to face. Class. Act. All the way. I’ve been let go by people who work in the office next to my cubicle and they didn’t have the spine to even look me in the eye. Here, we’ve been treated with dignity and sensitivity, and I appreciate it.

Yes, I’m sad, but it’s not all bad news.

It’s time for a new professional adventure.

The first time I was laid off from a company (seems like a lifetime ago), I heard one of my colleagues, who was also being laid off, say, “I was looking for a job when I found this one, and I’ll be looking for a job when I find my next one.” And that’s true.

Who knows what the future holds?

Maybe I’ll freelance for a bit. Maybe I’ll find a new fit sooner rather than later.  When I started at this company more than 5 years ago, it was supposed to be a simple 6 month contract to proofread disclaimers. I never expected to rise through the ranks and help define a brand.

You never know where you can find an awesome fit.

It’s time to move forward. I’m grateful for my years at this company. I’m walking away with a level of professional polish and experience that I’m not sure I would have earned anywhere else. I’m also walking away with lasting friendships, the likes of which I’ve never known before. Hardly empty-handed.

I’m not who I used to be, personally or professionally. I’m changed in all the right ways, and I’m thankful for it.

Does this in any way help with my aforementioned depression? Nope. Emotionally, I’ll have my good days and my bad days. That’s how being human works. But I’m looking forward to my next adventure.