Mid-Life Changer

So here I am turning 50 in a couple of months and I just lost my job.

My job had become a burden to me. I was deeply unhappy and I have been praying to God every day. It had become a noose around my neck slowly draining the life from me.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved what I was doing. I worked in a pediatric dental facility for children with special needs. I loved touching people’s lives and getting hugs from our little patients.  However, there were certain people who made my life a living hell.

I have been praying every morning for God to help me find something new, a career change, a way to touch people’s lives and do some good. On the day of our monthly meeting, I was in pretty good spirits. It was a beautiful day and I really try to be happy every day, no matter what the day holds for me.

An hour and a half in, I was called into the back room and told that I was no longer needed. I held it together and walked out with my head held high and my dignity intact. I didn’t fall apart until I saw my husband later on in the day. I cried on his shoulder with his reassurance that all would be fine.

I felt relief, sadness and grief all in one moment. Then the anger settled like a cloak over my shoulders. How dare they do this to me! Then it hit me like a huge slap across the face. Isn’t this the opportunity you have been praying for every day? You wanted to do something new and exciting and fun, while making a living. Here is the chance to figure all of that out!

I’m still in a panic. I’m trying to figure out what to do about health insurance, paying the bills and praying that I get my unemployment to carry me through while I figure things out. My prior employer is known for not being very nice and fighting unemployment. I’m trying not to let it taint my being excited about finding a new career.

I have been working since I was 16 years old, so for me not working is actually frightening.  Although, in a way I am working. I am working on me. I am creating a new me. I have taken up meditation and yoga at home to find clarity and gain focus.

I am going to look at careers that I never would have thought of doing – climbing into my uncomfortable zone while looking at all of my options. I’m considering what I enjoy doing when I’m not working. I enjoy fashion, makeup, jewelry, reading, cooking, travel, the beach and having fun outdoors, all in no particular order. So, how do I come up with a career that I enjoy doing and still make a decent income in order to travel around the world? Decisions.

Hello world! Bring on the new and exciting. I’m ready for you!