I have always used this blog to write about Mike and I, equality, compassion, being vegan, and our experiences of being a gay, vegan couple in the suburbs. I have shared the good and the bad in my life, and decided this morning to continue that tradition.
Yesterday I was laid off. In my professional life I am a fundraiser, a Director of Development. I had rocked it for almost two years at our local opera company. Loved my job. After a very tough year in fundraising my boss decided that cutting back would begin with me.
I wasn't surprised. Life had become dark at work in the past week. A lot of closed door meetings and no communication at all.
When my boss called me down to his office and I walked in to see him and our Human Resources guy, I was honestly relieved. He told me his story of why, my HR guy gave me some paperwork, and I headed back to my office. Tears were shed by some of my peers. I was grateful for their kindness and support, and for helping me move out of my office!
Although I never really quite fit in at this company, I did love it, and already miss a few of my co-workers. I will also miss many things around the opera performances, which kind of surprises me.
I had one job interview/chat yesterday afternoon and have another on Monday.
And so less than 24 hours after being laid off I am in my dining room surrounded by the furries doing job searches, trying to not be angry with being let go and thinking that I have a full day today to rock it.
A friend and professional peer is taking me to my favorite Mexican restaurant, Tarascos, for lunch. That's my only solid plan for the day.
I have never been unemployed, so this is new to me. I have been fortunate to always be the one who gets a call asking if I am interested in a job. I feel like I was born to fundraise but who knows what my new adventure looks like.
I promise not to inundate you with blog posts, yet I will keep you posted. Meanwhile, if you hear of a fundraising job with an organization that you think is making the world a better place, let me know.
Thank you for reading!
So proud of you, Dan. This is a brave post and I'm any organization would be beyond lucky to have you.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to hearing about your new adventures!
Thank you so much love! I am so grateful for you and our growing friendship!
DeleteYou know what I say to people when things like this happen? Congratulations! It means a new door has opened.
ReplyDeleteI think you know that I too am a professional fundraiser and have taken the independent consulting route- in Colorado, no less! Want to get together for lunch and chat? xo
JL! Awesome. Just sent you a DM and my email is fundraisingdan@gmail.com I may be going to New Mexico Tuesday and perhaps could meet you in the Springs for coffee on the way there or back.
DeleteI am believing this means there is a much better opportunity for you out there. Best of luck in your search!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. And I totally agree with you!
DeleteYou have such amazing energy and work ethic. I have no doubt you'll land another job.
ReplyDeleteRyan! Thank you SO much. I am really grateful for your support!
DeleteYou are my sunshine :)
ReplyDeleteMy brother! I love you!
DeleteI'm sorry that you're experiencing the stress of "being unemployed" and the loss of a great job and work environment, but I think your attitude is everything and YOURS IS AMAZING! I'm with my good buddy JL on this one; Another door is about to open. Can't wait to see which one you walk through!
ReplyDeleteEthan! Thank you so much. I am definitely excited about new adventures and doing my best to stay away from anger. I am so grateful for your support!
DeleteYour positive attitude is fantastic. The saying I like to think of in situations like this is "barn is burnt down, now I can see the moon". While not becoming employed, I am considering a major change. I am a teacher and have been for 6 years. I'm quite unhappy with the career as it brings a lot of stress and work outside the normal work day. I have an interview at a local animal shelter for the position of Outreach Administrator. I am very excited as it seems a perfect place to work given my interests and passions. Plus, I'm really looking to get out of teaching. The down side is that the position only pays $13 an hour! Now, I don't make a lot now, but I surely make a bit more than that. Still, I am considering taking it should they offer it to me. I can live on that salary with some lifestyle changes and think I'd be so very happy there. It's also my hope that this will prepare me for other positions in the non profit or animal areas elsewhere. I like to think that my dedication to animals has presented this to me. I might be a fool to pass it by.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nicole and I wish you the best in any new adventure you decide to take. Working with animals would be amazing and yet I totally get the pay deal!
DeleteBest of luck on your new adventure Dan. I'm sure you'll find something in no time at all!
ReplyDeleteHi Michael! Thank you very much! I appreciate you!
DeleteDrabs!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're feeling positive. Just don't be blindsided by creeping downerism, or raging resentment. It happens to the best of us, and I believe those things to be part of The Process.
Your unemployment guru,
Roxi
Roxi! Thank you so much. I am really grateful to you for taking the time to write. I'm in day 2 and some anger has definitely crept in. I was just talking with Mike about that! Thank you! Dan
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. You will no doubt find the direction of your new adventure soon. You are such a positive spirit and you will attract equally positive situations and opportunities.
ReplyDeleteMuch love and respect my friend xo
AMC
Thank you SO much. I really appreciate your sweet words! Dan
DeleteI'm excited to see what's next for you! Keep us updated!
ReplyDeleteLizzy
Lizzy! Thank you very much! I will definitely keep you posted!
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