I Got Laid Off... Now What?
By César Michel | December 5, 2022
Yup, that’s right I got laid off. My name is Cesar and after a 13-year tenure with a company in the retail wireless industry, I was laid off. I was angry, upset, frustrated, pissed the fuck off, and wanted to just rage toward the District Manager in front of me. I didn’t, I composed myself. He was after all just the messenger since my actual District Manager was conveniently on PTO. I had a lot of questions that he just couldn’t answer and did not have an answer for. Maybe perhaps he didn’t want to answer. Why me? Is it the tenure or the pay? Why was my position being terminated since a few months ago districts were restructured due to being short-staffed on that very position “the company” decided to now eliminate?
“It was a company decision we had no control over and you are fortunate enough to still have a job offer. You can have a Full Time position as a representative at this location and don’t worry you will have a couple of days to think about it since will put you on leave in the meantime or you can take the severance pay and August 13, 2022, will be your last day” the District Manager said with a smile. That was the biggest slap in the face. My interpretation of that is, Hey we are eliminating your position just because demote you to a rep with less pay, still get to work 40 hours a week, and still commute 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on traffic) 5 days out of the week, how does that sound?
It happened so fast and after that dreadful 30 minute meeting I headed home knowing I had a decision to make but needed to discuss with my family first. I remember thinking during that 30 minute drive home (no traffic at that time) and mentally making my decision. I was going to take the severance pay. Yes I was scared, I had doubt but I had worked 13 years for what? Complacency? I still had dreams, goals I wanted to accomplish and most importantly spend more time with family.
My mind shifting to a positive outlook and seeing the bright-side of this tragic event aligned with everything I was feeling until that point. I was feeling stuck in the work rat race and just hearing about people passing away abruptly really put things into perspective. Life is short, we live every day but we only have one life and I wanted to make it the best life for my family and I. The long drives back home looking up to the night sky I would ask god for a sign, any sign that I should do something else and what bigger sign being delivered than getting laid off right? Getting laid off would push me to pursue what I really wanted.
That day June 17th, 2022 was my last day. I never went back after that and I gave my decision via email on the 21st of June then I took some time off relaxing at an Airbnb around Sequoia National Park, spent quality time with family, worked out, and lost 13 pounds. All the things I wanted to do now I have the time to do so with nothing holding me back and it feels awesome. It’s such a stress reliever to be able to get back time to do things that actually matter. I officially got my last check on September 23, 2022 and began working on the Value Essentials blog website knowing the money I received from severance pay will last me a few months and I plan to continue working on it. I have not made any money yet but I know if I focus on bringing value and content to you guys eventually that would come and hopefully, it all goes well. I’m excited about the future, I’m not afraid to fail, I’m prepared to learn, and the worst-case scenario is going back to a regular job but I will continue to put out content until I can just survive off the website alone.
So I welcome everyone to the Value Essentials website, a self-development lifestyle blog, where I will share my journey, experiences, and helpful tips along the way. We want to educate and show people it is possible to live a better life by being physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially fit. So join the Simply Positive community to help, encourage and inspire each other via our email sign-up and social media links down below! I’m open to any feedback so feel free to let me know. If you have free time check out our Value Essentials shop in case you want to rock our Simply Positive quote T-shirts, Hoodies, Mugs, and Stickers!