My regular readers will know postings have been pretty sparse since the new year began. The reason being there was a lot of change going on and to sum it up, I was just exhausted. My longtime boss and mentor had resigned after over 40 years and in entered a new one. As with such things they have their own agenda and all one can do is their best, even if they haven’t been given the tools they needed for a long time to do it. So you plug along in a job essentially set up for failure and do your best to placate and partner with the angry loyal clients who have been given the short end of the proverbial stick along with you.
Yesterday was my last day of working for a much beloved company. You always wonder and fear when it will happen , and one day it does.As I faced the cold new boss and the HR manager , who seems to be doing this chore more and more these days, I felt nothing but cold emptiness. I didn’t say a word and just took the manila envelope proffered to me , held my head high and walked out of there forever. All I cared about was the pictures of my mother , Certain Someone, and my scrap books and photos of my dear colleagues , many who are gone, that worked and toiled along with me to make my accounts successful and viable. Current friends and colleagues were shocked with disbelief as they let three of us go that afternoon. I have never felt more loved than I did yesterday afternoon and evening. When you are made to feel invisible and worthless by management, its nice to know others appreciated and valued you, as I valued and loved them. Even the security guard was visibly upset who greeted me every day since 1998.
A few weeks ago a colleague and friend of Certain Someone asked him why I blog, cook, and dabble in all sorts of things. Certain Someone explained how I had a job that treated me and my accounts like crap, but I stayed on to pay the bills and believed things would get better. My release came at night when I could explore my creativity through my cooking and writing, and now soap making. It was in these areas I found value , worth, happiness , and most important MYSELF. Don’t get me wrong. I admire and respect the company that took a chance on me many years ago. It was an honor to work for legends in Black America. I have learned so much there. The negative change really didn’t occur until a major management shake up years ago. From then things were never the same for all of us, as with the rest of corporate America, along with the challenges of reviving a brand that was dated and lacking innovation.
So now I sit here typing this with sadness, but a sense of relief. As Certain Someone pointed out I haven’t been happy for a long time with my treatment, and they underpaid and used me. Its time to find something I love and will be paid my worth. I can now focus on the things that I couldn’t working a 9 to 5. I will still seek that 9 to 5 , but one that values me and recognizes my worth. My mother always said throughout her short life that there was no greater feeling than being your own boss. I see the young professionals now moving on to a new company every few years. One no longer stays and makes a career or really create anything of lasting value. Loyalty to employees and employers is dying trait. If it’s one thing I learned is this:
- You can be up today and down tomorrow, and vice versa. Know that!
- Its just a title / job and you are as disposable as anyone else.
- It’s not your company and know that.
- Give your best and and observe to the signs. When you are not happy , it’s time to move on.
- Do what you love and brings joy and the opportunities will follow.
- They can take your job, but they cant take the God Given talents and drive that lies within you.
It is true–when one door closes another one opens. Keep shining you are a star. No one can take that away from you Coco.
I’m glad this provided some degree of catharsis and will reaffirm what I said yesterday — you’ve got quite a spirit. You’re always working on a new idea, full of energy and exude a “can do” attitude that is inspirational. I know you’ll see the great opportunity that has been waiting for something like this to happen. Best to you as you move forward.
Change is always hard, even the thought of change so you’re not alone in sticking with something that long ago quit being anything more than a paycheck and a hard fought one too if you were no longer happy.
I’ve had many times in my life when something has happened that was hurtful, scary and in truth a change I would not have made. To look back and see how my life changed for the better as a result of being forced to do something different has me know you will be fine. You won’t give up and bury your head in the sand…nope…as a matter of fact maybe this will be the impetus to afford you the time to make something you love define your career path!
So congratulations it is…and I’ll throw in a ‘you go girl’ too!
You all ready know what I think.
So sorry that you had to go through this, but it seems that difficulty let’s us see what we’re really made of. You’re strong, smart, and kind and will move to a higher place because of it all. I started blogging for similar reasons and can very much identify. We’re all in this “life on earth thing” together and just trying to figure it all out. ; )
Something tells me great things are coming your way! You just needed that other door to close, so the next one could open.
Sudden change can be scary, but embrace it and watch the blessings start coming your way.
And now you have time to come visit me in California!
Very nicely said and I add my Congratulations! You are headed for fantastic opportunities ~ love every day ♥
Courtney,
I know it’s been a while since I stopped by, but I must echo everyone’s statements. You have amazing talents, and a gift to make wonderful things happen out of nothing. So congratulations!
I am a big believer in EVERYTHING happening for a reason, even the ‘worst’ things. Doors close because it’s time for others to open. And for that reason, I will not say that I am sorry for you, but rather that I am happy for what will happen for you now. And I super duper mean that. I think you’ll find that this is going to be a beautiful and perhaps trying time, but it’ll be prosperous, fulfilling and wonderfully eventful soon enough!
A new chapter in your life is beckoning you, dear Courtney. Fear it, embrace it, go with it and true happiness will be yours. “Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.”~Author unknown
Oh Courtney – with your passion and spirit, I’m sure your next professional adventure will be head and shoulders over this last one. Love your positive attitude. Can’t wait to read about your future successes.
LL
I have struggled o find my own place after my boss retired 3 years ago so I can fully understand your need to be a valued and loved employee. When it is no longer enjoyable it really is time to move on but I know many of us still need to pay the bills. Not everyone can love their jobs, and “someone has to do it” always come to mind but there comes a time when you just need to make yourself happy too. Follow your dreams Courtney. When one door closes another one opens.
your soaps and blog will rock on and you won’t ever regret leaving FF!! Trust that! Toasting to new beginnings.
Every exit is an entrance to somewhere else. This could be the greatest thing that’s ever happened to you. Here’s to a happier future
This is what I hope for you: that someday soon you will look back at this post and this experience and say THANK HEAVENS that happened, otherwise I wouldn’t be as happy as I am now. And you will rejoice and we will rejoice with you.
xo
You are a strong, creative woman and I know you’ll find a way to do work that you love with other amazing people. *hugs*
Yes change is hard but I agree with the other posts….something better is out there for you.
You are a dynamic and creative person. I can’t wait to hear what you do next.
What a well said post, sweetie! I am so sorry that you had to bear such crap at work, but I am happy that you are free from it! I wish you all the luck in the world on your new endeavors!
I believe in the saying “when a door closes, another one opens” ; plus you are a terrific person and you will bring it on!
You have so much to offer… and you’re such a talented, delightful woman. I’m excited for what lays in store for you. Lots of love to you Courtney1