Freaking Out

“Due to a department re-org, your position has been eliminated.”

HappyorSadHappyorSadHappyorSadHappyorSadHappyorSadHappyorSadHappyorSadHappyorSadHappyorSad HappyorSadHappyorSad- This is what was going through my mind as the Monique from HR, handed me my severance package.

For almost two years I have been working as a part-time freelance writer- my total profits couldn’t buy me a Kindle, but I digress.

Coach pays my bills.

Three days of every week I work as product developer for Coach’s Wearbles department- that is until April 1st.

On April 1st, I will be free of the corporate bindings that have prevented me from becoming a money-in-the-bag freelance writer.

Here’s where the freaking out comes in: Was Coach really holding me back or do I lack the drive? How can I tell my friends and family that there will be no more discount bags? Coach is a big part of my NYC identity; who am I now? What’s for dinner? How can I be even more frugal without wanting to poke my own eyes out? How long will my savings last? What’s Dr. Oz talking about? Am I at risk for a heart attack? What am I gonna do about Health insurance? How can I make $100,000 a year and like what I do? If my future household income exceeds $250,000, will I become a republican? Just kidding.

Ultimately I have always been madly in love with change, but I get the jitters, and these questions rule my brain these days, which is why, despite baking two different kinds of cookies this weekend (desperate times), I cannot muster a post about food.

Thanks for providing an ear-or should I say a content scanning set of eyes?

Watch me gasp like a fish on dry land as I try to flop my way back into the sea. Click here to have Traveling Taste Buds delivered to your email for free.

17 comments:

  1. Christ Pet, that's rotten news and I'm truly sorry for it. You are in my prayer and you have my ear, shoulder or whatever.
    Big Hug and all my fondest wises,
    Simone

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have heard the words, it is strange when the "HappyorSad" starts. I am saying congratulations on new opportunity! you go.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You work(ed) for freaking Coach and never sent me a new bag? Assholery!!! I jest. ((hugs))

    Hope you have seen Up in the Air? If not, you should. It will resonate.

    And you DO have the drive. You do.

    And no, if you make over $250,000 a year, you will not become a Republican. But thanks for the laugh this morning.

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have a friend who worked at Coach for three years... and then went back to her former company.

    So I say, let's have you celebrate this opportunity and move forward :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. When a door closes a window opens...take it as a chance for a new future!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Guys,
    I think I have given everyone the wrong impression. I know this is a good thing, but it's a huge change and I'm a bit nervous. Thanks for all the kind words. I promise to kick ass on your behalf.

    ReplyDelete
  7. sounds like the world is your oyster - good luck.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wouldn't it be lovely if we had National health care which would alleviate one concern?

    Wow, now your new adventure begins and I wish you good fortune.

    Keep cooking and sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Devon you have so much amazing potential-- and you will do amazing things. Definitely think of this as an opportunity! Write that on a post-it and stick it on your mirror and your front door and put one in your purse so you don't forget :)

    You'll figure out something wonderfully suited to you! And I can't wait to hear what that is.

    Hang in there friend.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I hate changes. I am not good with dealing with this stuff. But when I am worried about something, I keep repeating to myself, "one day at a time" and i try to take things as they come. All ends up falling into place. You will find your place daaahling, I am sure of it. We are all on your side daaaahling.
    *kisses* HH

    ReplyDelete
  11. so sad to hear the news but know something even more amazing is going to come of it! can't wait to see what you are able to pursue next!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I came to you via your listing in today's Foodie Blogroll. I can't help but think that with your writing skills, you're on your way to something better...like a Pulitzer?? Good luck.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Devon, I hope you're not wasting a minute's time looking for another job. Things are critical out there and the competition for the few available good jobs is fierce. I have been suffering from underemployment for the past four months, and worrying about paying rent, basic bills, keeping your credit, car insurance, and even food is hell.

    Taking a break while on unemployment is a trap; there is no time for a break unless you want to end up broke. You will learn who your friends are if you ask for even a small loan or minimal help, and they may be far fewer than you ever imagined. Surprisingly, his hurts more than your new poverty, especially when comes from someone you've helped before.

    And help from the government? Fuggitaboutit if you don't have a kid, and if you do, beyond food stamps, they don't give you enough cash to put a dent in the rent.

    You may have already done this, but if not, you may find it useful to tally up every single monthly bill you have. Then start thinking about which luxuries, if any, you should part with now, rather than later, to stretch your money... ie, fitness membership, extra cable service, a premium cell phone plan, taking in a roommate, etc.

    If you want some links to excellent job search sites, email me. Seriously, don't hesitate to ask. Otherwise, I wish you well.

    ~Kit

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hey,
    This is my first time here. I am so sorry that this happened to you.You know what they say, when one door closes, another one opens. I wish you goodluck on your job search.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hey Devon, I am swinging by to check on you. I hope everything is going better. Let us know if there is anything that we can do to help.

    ReplyDelete

FOOD IS ONE OF THE MOST VISCERAL ASPECTS OF A CULTURE; IT CAN BE EXPERIENCED WITH NO LANGUAGE SKILLS, NO GUIDE, AND MOST TIMES WITH VERY LITTLE MONEY.