Birthday Reflections, Better at 45
A lot of
things happened this year. The whole world was shocked with the news before the
first quarter ended when most communities in different parts of the world were
locked down. It was scary. The fear of the unknown. Our lives drastically
changed before our eyes. Yet, we learned to adapt.
I lost my job during this pandemic. I
lost my job together with the 14 managers that I am working with from the
creation of the department. While I was busy making strategic plans for my
department’s operation to recover and remedy foreseen problems, I received the
news of termination due to redundancy last July 14. Nobody was prepared
nor expected the thing to happen. Even though we were aware that a lot of
businesses were closed due to lockdown and were eventually closed due to
bankruptcy, it was totally unexpected because the whole department management
team was busy in doing what we have to do to prevent further operational
damages due to the pandemic. While the company followed the mandatory labor
rules on redundancy when it comes to compensating affected staff, there
was no human resource intervention to prepare the affected staff mentally and
emotionally, both those who will be terminated and the rank and file that will
be left behind. The rank and file (around 80 in count) felt insecure about
their job tenure as well. They felt threatened when all the immediate
supervisors will be taken out of the picture. It was such an unforgettable
experience because while I was going through the pain of losing my own job that
I worked hard for from scratch for almost 4 years, I was also concerned about
my 14 managers and their families. We have to go through a number of debriefing
meetings and counselling. Yes, it was me who conducted that. Ironic? But it was
helpful for me. When you think about others more and less about yourself, you
become more confident, optimistic and focused. The circumstances led to faster
healing and to forge ahead. Also, the deed created a ripple effect. The
managers who will lose their job counseled and guided the rank and file that
will be left behind. They tell them to value their jobs while they still have
it and do the job that they were thought to do. It was sad news but it was a
beautiful story. Genuine concern, respect and trust was manifested in the
surrounding fear, distrust and insecurities. Now, we are all
striving and slowly thriving. We lost a job but we gained true friends, life
lessons and discernment. I was truly inspired by this event. I came to realize
the most important things in life. And who I really want to be. When your mind
is preoccupied with a job, you forget your dreams. With the gift of time, I was
able to do some things I only with then because “I was busy”. I learned new
ideas and strategies, connected with old friends, met new ones and spent more
time with my family. I validated who my genuine friends are. Those who are
there through thick and thin. A simple message of “How are you?” means a lot.
It reconfirms my principles and values. It made me look deeper on what I really
wanted in life.
At first, it seems that there are a
number of possible things to do. And slowly, I realized what really matters to
me. What really creates sparks in your heart. It was a good time to pause and
smell the flowers.
Yes, my 2020 was challenging. It is
flawed but imperfectly beautiful. There is so much to be thankful for at 45.