In these hard economic times, we are all affected at least once in some way or another. Funny thing is I really did not think I would ever be affected by the downturn. I worked as a Contract paralegal and throughout the worse times when everyone else was getting laid off or having their hours reduced, I felt sheltered for some reason for such threats and really went on with life as normal. I was a hard worker, very dedicated to my job, and knew that my bosses loved me. It seemed that our workload, while slowing down some, would continue to keep us all busy.
That was until January 2010. The one big case I had been working on settled and I suddenly realized that everyone in our office was slow. I was assured we would be fine and I had nothing to worry about, but that feeling still lingered inside.
A vital part of my story you should know is the fact that in that same month I told my bosses I would be relocating to Washington state with my husband probably sometime in August or September. While some thought this was premature to give such an extended notice, I felt confident I would continue to work at this firm until my relocation, and I wanted to give plenty of notice to ensure a good replacement could be found.
Much to my surprise, they found one in March when an old paralegal moved back to town and needed a job. They hired her back and her first day was April 1. It was the perfect situation for the firm, but not necessarily so perfect for me. While I know the decision to hire her back was not personal but business, it was still quite alarming to learn that my secure job I had for almost five years was no longer there. Since I was contract, it made more sense to take the cases I had and transition them to the new paralegal.
I am not going to lie, initially there was the shock that with the blink of an eye, I could lose my job and be unemployed, looking for work. But once I finally got past that fear, I took this opportunity and made it just that... an opportunity with new beginnings.
Things happen in our lives that we have no control over. I did not have control over the workload being so slow. I did not have control over the paralegal moving back to town and needing a job earlier than I was ready to leave. But I do have control over how I react to being let go. While I could have been bitter and hateful (and most probably would have agreed I had a right to after all I had done for the firm over the last five years), I decided to take the high road and trust that God has a greater plan for me that I just cannot see yet.
Life is full of surprises. How we react to those surprises will define who we are. If we chose to follow the negative feelings, they will continue to fester in our heart and follow us for many years to come... affecting our lives without us really knowing how much. However, should we decide to focus on the good that can possibly come from the opportunities that we are given our lives will be filled with encouragement and strength.
God wants us to stretch our wings and fly but sometimes we ignore the subtle hints from Him and remain at a place in that we feel safe. Now that I look back, I believe God had been giving me several gentle nudges that it was time for me to venture out into another opportunity, but I chose to stay in my nest to feel safe and secure. I am sure everyone has been in this same situation before... you stay at a job or in a relationship longer than you should even if you are unhappy because there is a sense of security in what you know and the thought of change scares you to death.
I am here to tell you if you have those feelings that you need a new start, it is time to take that plunge out of your nest and stretch your wings wide to fly. Who knows what you can accomplish if you trust in God, believe in yourself, and have passion in your heart for what you are doing.
Here I am three years later in the mountains of Washington State and finally I am working from home with a successful virtual assistance business. I live life to the fullest each day and my husband and I couldn't be happier here.
If I had stayed at that job in Texas, I would still be working 50 to 60 hours and I would still be monitoring my blood pressure. I am so glad I took the opportunity to focus on the positive opportunities in my life and move forward.
My wish for you is to dare to dream the unimaginable and spread your wings to do what you have always wanted to do. Believe in yourself, trust in God, and you can accomplish anything!
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