So today started like any other day. Woke up, checked my emails, had some coffee and a blueberry scone, took a shower, listened to Lady Gaga and a little Mike & Mike on the ride into work. You know – typical morning routine in the life of Matt “Chevy”.
But. Such is life. Things can change dramatically in a heartbeat.
Walked into work, had a meeting with my boss, and an hour later, walked out with two weeks severance and a “have a nice life”.
Yes, today, Thursday, January 28th, 2010, Matt Cheuvront has rejoined the ranks of the unemployed.
It’s weird…and those of you who have been there can probably relate. This is the first time I got “fired” and while it feels totally undeserved, I know that everything happens for a reason – and those of you who know me away from the blog know that what I was doing was never my passion – it wasn’t a “great fit” for me – but still good experience and I learned a lot from it (ALWAYS take something away from EVERY experience – can’t preach that enough). So my emotions are very mixed right now, as I write this. Shocked, upset, frustrated – but also relieved, optimistic, and excited about what the future may WILL bring.
I hold no grudges, and at this point can only look upward and onward. I’m fortunate enough to be doing a LOT of freelance work both now and in the foreseeable future, and I live in an absolutely amazing city filled with great people and opportunities. As always, in true Chevy style – I wanted to provide a few takeaways – things that hopefully some of you can relate and attest to, and might help you out if you’re in the same boat…
Three things I learned from getting laid off:
You may not know it’s coming: I had no idea this was going to happen – not at all, but I’ve also learned in my short time out in the career world, that you have to be prepared for anything. You have to be prepared to be expandable, because as secure as things may seem, they never TRULY are. Things change, priorities shift, and sometimes, you get caught in the crossfire.
It’s OK to be upset: I’m upset – I’m sitting here, writing this, two hours after being fired. The blogger and writer within said that this is something I need to write about, to vent, for closure, for support, and to look back on later and appreciate that every single thing happens for a reason – that it’s all a part of the journey. But it’s also OK, from time to time, to wear you emotions on your sleeve. You can’t see me right now, which is probably a good thing, but believe me, I’m a little broken down. The battle may have been lost, but not the war, right?
It’s not you, it’s THEM: OK, sometimes it might be you, but usually it’s them. Like I said, things change and sometimes you’re cut out of the mix – and that’s just the way it is. The cliche “Everything happens for a reason” saying is true. I believe it – I have to – and so should you. I know that it sucks ass to be here today – but I also know that it’s really opened up the door for a better tomorrow.
Today, I’m allowed to be a little upset. Tomorrow – it’s business as usual. Coffee, blueberry scone, Lady Gaga, “Friday Quick Hits” – I won’t miss a beat. But today I just wanted to share what was going on, because this community does mean a LOT (like, a lot a lot) to me – and if you’re out there in a similar position – keep hustling, you and I will both be better off soon.
