733 days ago
Seven hundred thirty-three days ago I was about to be re-orged out of a job. I didn't know it yet. My daughter was leaving for her first year in college, and I was about to be perp-walked out of the office on a random Tuesday. I wasn't even allowed to pack up my office - they shipped me my Target lamps, my family photos and my personal effects. It was infuriating and embarrassing. I deserved better.
I had been at the company for about 18 months. When I accepted the offer, it was presented as my absolute dream job. It had the title, the access, the salary, and I was ready. I left a great job, with a great boss, at a global giant - because it was time for me to take the next step. I was so excited. And when I got there - it was clear very early that this role was not a good fit. However, I am adaptable and scrappy - so I made the best of the circumstance - doing my best to be a change maker and help move the company forward.
There were a lot of challenges happening all at once. We made several acquisitions, we had a few re-organizations, there were a couple of lean sales quarters, churn at the leadership level was happening a lot and employee turnover was VERY high. I did my best to make changes that helped employees. I dove into several projects to boost morale and motivate the team. I just wanted to help.
I launched a core values campaign that engaged our team and made sure they were aware of our core values - I made sure to call out and reward the people who were adopting and living our core values. When employees can see how their efforts boost the company goals, they tend to care more about what they are doing and try to deliver their best. I published the company's inaugural ESG report, I worked on the annual report, I completely rebuilt their intranet - and all these things made information easily accessible. I was really good at the things I took on - even if they weren't always the things I wanted to do.
On the day that my position was eliminated, I got to join the messy job market that job seekers have been navigating for the last few years. Let me tell you - it was soul crushing. I haven't had self-esteem issues since high school. I have been working since I was a literal kid - babysitting for $1.25/hour. I've never gone more than a few weeks without a job. I have NEVER struggled to find work. This was really hard. Fortunately, I have a wonderful family - my husband is my biggest supporter, my kids are awesome, I have loyal pupper, all-in-all life is good.
Following an impromptu conversation in a neighborhood pool parking lot with a successful entrepreneur, I decided enough-was-enough. I found a workshop at the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, learned how to write a solid business plan, got my Ohio business license and launched Hardin Heights Communications, LLC.
As a woman of faith, I have always believed His plan is better than my plan. And it turns out His plan IS better than my plan. I needed the time, I had to feel the way I felt, I had to be still - and believe I was ready. Once I decided – there was an immediate distraction. I had a purpose once more & I felt productive very quickly.
Now, this [almost] 51-year-old, [formerly] highly compensated, [mostly] professional woman - has officially launched my second act and I am more fulfilled than ever before. I love my work, I adore my clients, I'm building a wonderful network, and I'm only just beginning.
Cheers to what the NEXT 733 day will surely bring.
