You know that pivotal moment in the beginning of most romantic comedies where the protagonist has just been blindsided, either dumped by their seemingly perfect boyfriend, or fired by their corporate job, or failed to make some athletic team of sorts, and of course every scene following this turns out to be a defining moment for the character’s growth and ultimately that dramatic event in the beginning seems so ridiculous and far from what the character needed or wanted. By the end, they have a new guy who is down to earth and they can act all goofy together, or they found this job at a non-profit where they have fun each day, kids are definitely involved, or whatever, they start their own team where everyone can join and the world is imperfectly perfect. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, think: Kirsten Dunst’s character in Bring it On, both Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet in The Holiday, Adam Sandler’s character in The Wedding Singer, Melissa Joan Heart’s character in Drive Me Crazy, Colin Firth’s character in Love Actually, every character in Valentine’s Day.
Well, my point is, I’m there.
No, not at the end where I’ve realized everything is imperfectly perfect. No, I’m at the beginning of the movie. Blindsided. Devastated. Lost. Knee deep in a bottle of wine. Fortunately, as a huge fan of romcoms, I know what’s to come. I know this will be a pivotal moment, someday. I’ll look back and say, remember that? I’m so much better off now. Thank goodness.
But I’m not quite there.
Because yesterday morning when I got up at 5 to blog, and got ready and took the bus and sat on the train and got my coffee and uploaded pictures of my coffee to Instagram and walked into work where I put on my mascara because I hate to put it on before my train ride since I sleep on the train most days and walked into my office and sat down at my desk and sent a picture of myself sitting at my desk to James to be cute…..
I had no idea that in 15 minutes, my boss would ask to speak with me and I would be laid off. No, not because of my outfits, thank goodness, but because at a start-up, these things happen and we’re sad to see you go and anyone would be lucky to have you, please sign here, now go get ‘em.
It’s funny last week when I wrote “maybe it’s because I’m in a better position financially that I’m so much happier now”, I had no idea that I’d have to reconfigure my plans for an August trip to Paris. Or wonder where my next month’s Invisalign payment is going to come from. Or sadly, in an attempt to show how well I was doing, I signed James and I up for a gym membership, coming straight from my bank account, as I proudly handed him his key tag, smiling, thinking, look at us… I’m finally helping out. And today, James is going to go to that gym and put the membership on his account, no matter how hard I fight him.
These things happen and they happen all the time and at least I’m healthy and at least I don’t have 5 kids to feed and a mortgage, and was that job even for you? I get it. But man, you have no idea what I went through this past year, and what a job meant to me, and what financial independence meant to me. Four months. That’s all I got. Someday, October to January will be a blink of an eye and it won’t mean much to anyone. But woah, it meant something to me.
All I can say is I’m really happy I didn’t buy my February commuter pass, and I’m really happy for this blog. Because until I find that wonderful, inspiring, creatively brilliant, rewarding job that I know is waiting for me, you guys are going to be seeing more than your fair share of this girl. The girl who in this photo, and from now on, has no idea what’s ahead.
Bring it on.
I never comment but follow and read pretty regularly and I just have to say you are one strong woman. This comment –
“I know this will be a pivotal moment, someday. I’ll look back and say, remember that? I’m so much better off now. Thank goodness.
But I’m not quite there.”
– has SO MUCH depth to it. So many emotions bundled up in one, I’m sure. Because of your attitude, you ARE going to get there and come out on top.
I really am lacking words for what I’m wanting to say this morning… just know that I highly respect you and your positive outlook on what is definitely a shocking event.
you are amazing. you will continue to do great things. i think you were meant to write a blog and have all these events happen. if anything its making you a stronger person and an inspiration to others, certainly me. love you
I’m sorry to read of this :l I know we are strangers to one another and will probably always be but I’m quite confident you have grand happenings in your future. Your near, right-around-the-corner future. You seem to be very determined, motivated and have a go-getter way about you. I know everything will work out just perfect for you.
Side note: I love reading your words. I attempted to start my own blog but just find myself comparing it to yours and those similar and then I get all frustrated and bash myself for being talentless in blogging. Ha. Thanks for your posts
I’m so sorry for your bad news! But you have such an amazing attitude about what this can mean for you. I’m so impressed by your perspective, even though I know you’re mourning the loss and are stressed out right now.
I had my own similar pivotal moment about 10 years ago. I was working my first job out of college and it was okay on some days, but other days I hated it. I knew I was going to go to law school, so I decided to stick it out rather than find a new job. Then they laid me off. I was devastated and terrified, but also kind of elated that I didn’t have to go back there. I wound up finding a job a couple months later that I was so much better. I was still doing the same kind of work (admin. asst. stuff), but it made such a difference to have bosses who appreciated the work I did. I discovered what it means to be in a good work environment, and to recognize that feeling when I’m not where I belong. I know our situations aren’t exactly the same, but I took my lay off as God or fate, or whatever you want to call it, intervening and opening up a door for me, when I was content to sit on my bum and just deal with the situation I was in.
Good luck!!!
Aw Jenna, I’m sorry! The lessons life teaches us can be so cruel, im glad you are able to see it will just be a small blip in your story. Your outlook is phenomenal. Xo L
I am so sorry to hear about this.
I have to say though, that I love the way you honestly write about it, and the clarity you seem to have. Like another person mentioned in a comment, the way you can recognize that ‘someday’ you will see it differently, but that RIGHT NOW you are so not there……wow. Yes. Exactly.
Acknowledging fully where you are right now, without losing sight of the uncertain future…. It may be uncertain, but the fact that you will have the grace and poise to handle it is apparent to anyone.
No matter what comes, you got this.
That sucks girlfriend. Forget being positive, how about a drink? Let me know when your back in Boston.
xo
I love how positive you are about the situation. I hope everything works out for you love.
I’m sorry this happened to you. I had a couple really rough things happen to me earlier this week and I watched the movie 50/50 later that night with friends and it threw my whole life into perspective. You seem to already have a good perspective on the situation, but it can be really tough to pick yourself up from. Stay a fighter!
Wow. I’m so sorry. This post really struck a chord with me–gaining financial independence and starting to do things for yourself and others can feel so good…and totally devastating when it all goes away.
Getting that gym membership was a big deal! Especially because you were able to TREAT James. I know that feeling when you have to give it all back…Stay positive, lady– You’re smart and talented and the right thing will come along…
Suck! Sorry about your job, but it sounds like you’ve got exactly the right attitude about it.
I for one think it’s the universe pushing in a different direction, namely assuming your rightful place as queen of all things Paleo on the internet!
You are the best. That’s all I’m going to say. And I love you very much xoxo
i’m gonna take a minute and be completely serious here (for once):
i know this sucks. it sucks a lot right now. and you’re sad about it. and you GET to be sad about it. but i also know this wasn’t your dream job. and they didn’t appreciate the creativity, humor, and innovation you brought and will continue to bring with you wherever you go. the fact that they are laying people off is a commentary on the COMPANY, not you. i mean, they’re failing over there. healthy companies do not lay off staff; the add it. so yeah, they’re the losers, not you. (not that anyone called you a loser). the truth is, you’ll be back on your feet in no time and you’re right–one day you’ll look back and be like “so crazy how this all happened,” but you’ll do it with a smile on your face, not regret. so, drown your sorrows in wine and chocolate this week, but next week is when you get back on your feet and take the world by storm, because, in the words of Mary Tyler Moore, “you’re gonna make it after all!”
So sorry to hear the crappy news :/ Like many of the people above I only know you from your blog but I think it’s pretty obvious, from what I’ve read, that you are an intelligent, kind, and motivated person — definitely someone unique who will persevere through this rough time! So hang in there, friends and loved ones are such an important support system in these kinds of situations, and you will make your dreams come true. Sending lots of good karma your way…
jenna, love this post. you put such a positive and unique spin on this situation, esp the grabber opening with a rom-com comparison. but i love most how you see that it will empower you in the long run. as someone’s who’s been there and unemployed from sept-january of this year, i truly believe everything happens for a reason… which is a cool thought… you have something better for YOU waiting.
also love this: “James is going to go to that gym and put the membership on his account, no matter how hard I fight him.” you are so blessed!
can’t wait for even more posts from you!
Hi Jenna, I never comment on your blog but I have been reading it for a while now and I felt it was about time you knew about it! After reading this post, it made me realize you should know there are a lot of people out there who KNOW will you do great things especially since you are so inspiring and funny and you will find something you were not even expecting and it’ll be better than you could have imagined right now. So yeah be sad for today but then just prepare to kick ass and take names.
When crappy things like this happen my Grandma always says, “It’s the first day of the rest of your life!” I think thats the best way to look at it. Endless possibilities!
I love the girl in this photo- and I love that I’ll be seeing alot more of her and I’m positive that although whats ahead is unknown- she will in fact have a very bright future! work your magic Jenna- whoever employs you next is so very very lucky
Oh Jenna.. i’m so sorry.
Life sucks sometimes, but now it’s time for a new chapter, right? I know that means poo right now, but something good will come of this.. in the meantime, maybe go make some pancakes – they always cheer me up.
Omg i’m SO sorry to hear this!
Keep your head up girly, something good will always come your way. Doors close and new and better ones open up!
Oh shit!
I’m sorry to hear this! You’re so right though…all of those moments like this do ultimately end to something better. I’ve been laid off five times and fired once, ugh. I obviously went into the WRONG field. Use this time to decide what you really want! I’ve used my time off to do that, and honestly, I still don’t know, but I’m a libra and we just suck at making decisions. You’re way awesome and pretty and dress pretty and can cook and are funny and there’s NO WAY you won’t be employed soon!
I’m a new reader, but I am so sorry to hear your news! I pray something will come along soon and be even better than this last job. I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason.
Hang in there girlfriend. I’m going to take the cliche route and tell you everything happens for a reason. Because it really does! hugs! xoxo