Here's a handful I read like mantras. Of course the ones you'll hear the most are "When one door closes, another opens," and "Some things happen for a reason," but I'm hoping that's because they're true.
*YOU DID NOTHING WRONG! You're the same person with the same talent and (fill in name of company that dumped you) cannot take that away.
*GOOD THINGS DO COME FROM SUCH AN INSULT. You will get through this and land firmly on your feet.
*ENJOY THE HIATUS. Take advantage of the chance to rest, re-create and re-focus.
*GET SOME SLEEPING PILLS! Sleep is good, no sleep is very, very bad.
*YOU ARE IN OUTSTANDING COMPANY. Welcome to the world of the un- and under-employed!
*YEAH, THIS SUCKS They should have dumped (fill in name of lesser talented co-worker).
*WALLOW IN ANGER AND GRIEF. Then once you feel it, get up, shake it off and get going.
*NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Do not take on a rommate to save cash.
And above all, remember this:
*YOU AIN'T DEAD YET.
Posts
Lew
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On November 20 (1942) our regiment took up defensive positions at Point
Cruz west of the Matanikau (river)…A slow advance toward objective further
west is ...
5 days ago
Hi Ketzel, Thanks for sharing your human condition with us. I just discovered your amazing story today, and was moved to blog about it.
ReplyDeleteI invite you to read my blog post at http://www.dailyrover.com/ketzel-uprooted.html
and leave a comment, if so inclined.
Your grace and grit give hope to the rest of us in the unemployment line! Good luck with your next gig. Meanwhile, I expect you’ll be tilling and planting the ground you’re holding firm.
- Mike Withrow
dailyrover.com
Hi Ketzel,
ReplyDeleteDid I hear that your last "Moxie" story was about you leaving/losing your job at NPR?
Is it online anywhere? I would like to hear it....
Thanks!
Ketzel,
ReplyDeleteI was laid off in 1995. It is tough and I hope you do well. I feel like they really loved you but had no choice during this time. Anyway you are a great commentator and gave us wonderful and helpful, I always looked forward to hearing your report on NPR. I really hope that you are able to return when the economy gets better. You are sorely missed by this reader. -Terry
I read your note "Why be Anonomous?"
ReplyDeleteTerry (above) is socorrowflowercat@blogspot.com who is trying to change my URL to coloradogeologist@blogspot.com
My blog is underconstruction;0
Take care Ketzel.
Dear Ketzel:
ReplyDeleteAh, well. If it's going to be it's up to me.
Haste maketh waste.
The greatest works are born of inspiration, not consternation.
Perspiration may or may not be a part of it.
Listen!! That we may live.
Especially the oft-stifled inner muse.
Dance as if no one is watching;
Sing as if no one is listening.
Expect delights.
Follow joy where it leadeth.
Best wishes,
Ken
Sugar Creek, Missouri
May I add my favorite Zen quote? Loosely translated: "My storehouse has burned down. Now I can see the moon."
ReplyDeletegreat job is done by your effert.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your blog. I am in the same situation, much to my surprise. After 25 years in an industry that is rapidly disintegrating before my eyes, I am thinking that it's time to re-think how I want to spend the next 25. And I am so enjoying my family, friends and the calm that comes from NOT commuting 1 1/2 hrs to work each morning.
ReplyDeleteAloha, dear Ketzel,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, thank you for years of inspired service to all of us. Your impressive body of work and unique personal experiences should provide at least some measure of solace right now. Given your talents and life's work, I suspect that only the source of your paycheck will change.
At dinner last night, a friend commented that the most significant difference between a liberal and conservative perspective is fear; the conservative clings to security hoping and planning for things to remain the same, while a liberal anticipates change and values the difference that it brings.
Do exhaust the stages of grief, and then relish the ultimate peace of acceptance. Allow those who love you to nurture you, especially those with wet black noses. Sometimes it's hard to recognize that an invisible net separates your high-wire act from the unyielding ground.
I regret that, during your recent visit, I couldn't treat you to a Tropical Itch or other concoction that needs a paper umbrella to soften its landing. You'd have loved experiencing the only Vetiver farm in Hawaii!
Ketzel,
ReplyDeleteI was one of the people that worried about their jobs. I still do, to a small degree. But..
On December 15th, I was involved in a near fatal car accident. My vehicle was turned around by a semi into on an interstate. I then ran into a head on collision into an SUV. After that, I bounced off the SUV into the divider, then back against the side of the original semi. Again, back across the interstate into the divider where my vehicle came to rest.
No matter what happens, I feel blessed to be afraid to lose my job. I feel blessed to be anything.
So your last suggestion, that You're not dead yet.. that's very , very true. And if I do get laid off, I'll make it. I'll be fine. It'll be okay.
Because, honestly, my life from December 15th onward is a gift. Every aspect. A gift.
I'm going to watch your blog from now on. Thank you for your input.
Jarrod Henry
Nashville, TN
Thanks again Ketzel. You encourage others as you encourage yourself. Keep positive. You have amazing skills, a rich past, and you are developing a loyal fan base. You'll do all right.
ReplyDeleteWhere is the final installment of Moxie?
ReplyDeleteThe one about your own situation....
You can get to the final installment of Moxie from the front page of this blog, where it says "swan song" (2nd column down on right)...
ReplyDeleteJarrod, Davey, Mary - You guys are just unbelievable. I feel your support even through today's tears...
Linda Ellerby once gave everyone who ever put in some time in broadcasting some words of great wisdom: "Never trust anyone in this business who hasn't been fired at least once." Congratulations, Ketzel, you are now both trustworthy AND highly talented. Hang in there until your opportunity to triumph over these circumstances arrives!
ReplyDelete