Wednesday, December 12, 2007

It's official.

I was laid off today, along with everybody else. I was actually asked (begged a little) to remain on with a tiny executive team to help wind-down on a week to week basis, and I thought about it for a nanosecond. Been there, did that at another company in the 90s, when I had a husband's backup income. I decided that this time would be far more useful getting the house ready to put on the market. They understood. I took my package, hugged my goodbyes and that was it.

So tomorrow I will be up at 5 as always, because I have a whole new mission, one that benefits ME. I will be working on the house every day from now until the end of the year. On January 2 I will make myself available for temp/contract work at various agencies, and that should stretch the severance package dollars enough to carry me a while. If a great job comes along here I'll take it, God knows it'd be a hell of a lot easier than moving to MD, but that's not likely in this market.

2007 started with a crazy boss and endless office Drama, and then a ruptured brain aneurysm that nearly killed me, followed by a craniotomy and 2.5 months on FMLA. You'd think that would be enough for one year, wouldn't you, but I am nothing if not a Type A type, so I had to wrap it up with getting laid off. To kick off 2008 I will have to sell two houses in a shitty market, relocate myself and my nutty little mother, find a new job, and maybe, just maybe, have a little fun. Bring it on.

Edited to add: My horoscope this morning.

My daily work horoscope for today: “A problem has been bubbling under the surface, and you are relieved when it explodes from out of the depths with full-blown clarity. Now you can figure out what to do. Move ahead fearlessly, Captain.”

19 comments:

Cinderellen said...

Holy Cow. I'm sorry this is not happening on your schedule, but I do hope it turns out for the best *crossing fingers*

Anonymous said...

Oh gees, Catherine - I'm so sorry. But, I"m hoping this will lead to bigger and better things for you. Good luck selling. We just bought a new house (gulp) but haven't sold the old yet. It's freaking me the hell out.

Anonymous said...

Ay, chica...what can be said? It isn't easier even if you see it coming. I am so very sorry. I think it is now officially time for the Universe to cut you a fucking break.

And fun is good and can (surprisingly) be found most anywhere...and if you want a wee diversion, come on out here and explore the redrock for a while.

Sending you all good vibes possible.

Catherine said...

Caroline, I don't have any money for travel unless there is a job at the other end. I have to think about every bag of cat litter at this point. ("Boris! Stop SHITTING so much!") But you know, I'll sleep like a baby tonight and get up tomorrow and start prepping to paint bathrooms, because the Bullshit Is Over.

Anonymous said...

I am apparently the only one here who understands HOW WONDERFUL FOR YOU!!!!
You knew it was coming, and here it is, and now you can take it on - no more grey areas.
I'm holding my virtual paintbrush up and offering you all the help I can give from 2,000 miles away.

Francesca said...

On the one hand -- that sucks. On the other -- yep, move ahead fearlessly. You survived the brain implosion so this probably seems much more manageable by comparison. And at least no more tension over when/if/how.


Janet

vi said...

ok listen......
think of it this way

if you were building a house.....
you would start with digging a hole...even just to pour a slab and run the sewer lines no?

ok so no progress is made with out a bit of demolishion.....no?


this is progress you know.....

you'll see
and no at times it ain't easy
but it will propell you forward

vi

Anonymous said...

C, if you want to come out here on or after mid-March I can pretty much guarantee you a gig at Hell's Backbone Grill or the Burr Trail Grill or Outpost. And you've got a place to stay at my house, fer shure...Hey, if you're still between 'opportunities' what the hell??
If the bluebird of lottery craps on my head, hell, I'll buy you a ticket and you can play 100% not work...just sayin'...

Restless Knitter said...

I'm only sorry that this didn't happen on your schedule. I'm not sorry that you no longer have to deal with the stress or put up with any more of the crap. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for a quick house sale.

Anonymous said...

Oh Jeeze, I second the ill timing for you, but something else has to come your way. I agree with the above, it's tine for the Universe to cut you a big ol' break! Much love. Hugs!

Anonymous said...

It must be a relief to finally have the decision made. Uncertainty is hard to deal with even when you know what the final outcome is going to be. Good luck on selling the houses and getting on with your life. You're a survivor so you'll make it.

Charlotte

Vicki said...

Catherine: I'm in the same boat as you jobwise, only I'm still at the part where I don't know when it's going to happen, I just know it will. Heartless bastards! Hang in there and remember to be good to your Type A self! - Vicki

Cursing Mama said...

I'll be thinking of you....have fun painting & dreaming of the exit sign.

Mia said...

I am sorry to hear this. You need a break but not like this. And now you can focus on what you wan though. Sell the house and get out of the area.

Amie said...

Well, shit. Wish you'd been able to sculpt the timeline.

But YAY! Likely closer to me!

Don't hesitate to ask any questions that pop up, e-mail if you want my phone number. I know a wonderful Realtor and would be happy to take first looks at anything if that would help.

Catherine said...

I won't be buying anything, Amie, so no need for a Realtor. I doubt I'll end up IN Baltimore itself, but I'll be somewhere around MD.

ChelleC said...

Catherine - okay, it sounds like, as usual, you made the best decision possible for you under the difficult circumstances. Smart girl to just take the severance package and focus on the house. I'm sending selling thoughts your way. Shouldn't take long to get ready for market when it's your main focus.

One question - why did you say TWO houses to get ready to sell?

Anonymous said...

Good Lord.

If anybody can move ahead fearlessly, it's you. I'm thinkin' about ya.

Catherine said...

Chelle, I will have to manage the process of selling my mother's house as well. I can't leave her here in FL, she has no network of friends or life of her own (a separate rant) so she will have to be relocated. That's going to be another F-ing drama I don't need.