It's over

Due to the economic downturn, I was asked to leave my place of employment on the same day. When this happens, it puts so much things into perspective. All those hours at work, not eating on time, working late and mentoring others do not really amount to anything in the end if the times are bad. The identity that I have associated with my work was over in an instant.

To the firm, I was just another number, maybe a very expensive number, and when profits decline, I would need to go, so as to maintain their existing level of profit.

But what they do not realise is that all of us being made to leave have to deal with so much emotions, including our sense of loss of value or shame from their actions.

There is a sense of relief from all this - my growing frustrations with my boss and the management of the firm has now come to an end. I have so much free time for myself, that I can refocus on my physical and mental health and well being.

If I have made an impact on the lives of others at my workplace, through my work ethics and personality towards others, treating all staff with respect and acting in humility, then all is not lost. The compliments I have received from my colleagues have been positive and supportive.

The other thing which surprised me about this incident is the number of friends who came to me afterwards, telling me about their past experiences in being in the same situation (which they never told others about).

The real issue now is what I should be doing from now on. This is a question I have been avoiding which I will need to address in the new year.