Friday, October 12, 2007

An Unwanted Journey: Day 0687 - It Rains, It Pours

Today has been interesting!

Yesterday, just one day after having my blood chemistry taken since being discharged from the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, my employment was terminated owing to downsizing. Today, as a result, was the first day in another kind of unwanted journey, a journey of job transitions. But, like I said to family members, "I've had much worse news than this."


Oddly enough, this feeling of calm and cautious optimism lasted from the time of my meeting with my employer through last night and all day today. I don't think I'm compensating, but time will tell. I honestly think that if one has to be on the job market, now is the time.


Dealing with cancer has taught me some important lessons, perhaps chief among them being that it is best to deal with life's contingencies one day at a time, hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. I know it sounds trite and obvious, but true nonetheless.


So, why the allusion to raining and pouring? I guess it's a reference to the ambiguities of life. Bad weather is sometimes exactly what we need when we take a longer perspective on things. In my case, being forced to look for a different job may be exactly what I need in my life, a chance to move on and embrace new opportunities and possibilities.


Wish me luck!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Don, you and me are in the same boat. I just ended my contract here and am shopping for a new job. Life is a series of doors closing and windows opening. Good luck - you've got plenty to offer.

Don Spencer said...

Thanks, Lisa. Odd isn't it? I remember the time (not too long ago) when our positions seemed unassailable. But given the international market conditions for manufacturers in Canada, the writing was on the wall.

I trust you will find something that is challenging and that you enjoy doing (not to mention paying a good salary).

Keep in touch...
Don

Anonymous said...

Wishing you lots of luck. Maybe now you can get a job that will allow you to write those books!

Thinking of ya,
Kath

Anonymous said...

Hey Don,
Looking forward to hearing your PowerShell talk on Wednesday. Who knows perhaps you'll decide to take up public speaking next! One thing I know for sure...whoever you decide to work for next will be very lucky to have you.