Monday, February 11, 2013
I have had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.
But it’s all relative, I suppose. Today, I found out that I’ll be losing my job come May. It’s not because they’re going broke or anything sensible like that; it just seems to be a decision made by the big dogs. And it sucks. They said that they will be accepting applications from us to join their team in Houston, TX, so hey, maybe my user name was a bit of a prophecy.
I mentioned before about how I love my small town, and I do. I really do. But it just feels like everything is falling apart here, and there aren’t a lot of places to go. In the past month, three huge employers in the community have either closed or announced that they will be closing soon, ultimately displacing over 300 people here. I know there are companies in the world that have over 300 people just working logistics or whatever. I get it. We’re small. But 300 people is about 6% of this town’s population, and that’s just one month’s worth of layoffs. There are people here that have been struggling for much, much longer than that. It’s killing me; my town is shutting down.
It’s always been a running joke with my family that SoHi (that’s what I call this place since I’m coo’ like that) is a rest stop. We’re an exit right off of a major highway that runs down the east coast and we pretty much thrive off of when travelers and businessmen need our hotels and a good burger or something. I don’t know how much longer we can make it like that. The places that employ the majority of the people who actually live here just seem to be rapidly dying out.
If something big doesn’t happen soon (and I’m not talking about the new Five Guys they’re opening this year, though I love myself some Five Guys), SoHi is going to become a ghost town.
….or a retirement community.
I’m pretty young, haven’t been out of college that long, so I’m still feeling a little resilient. I’m sure I have other opportunities out there for me waiting for me to take advantage. Problem is: I’m a HUGE punk. Ain’t no shame in my game. I know this; I admit it. I don’t like new and I don’t like real challenges. But I’m being forced out. I know that I can’t stay here, but I’m not sure where to go or how to get there.
The adventure begins…
One thing I do know: my family’s 2013 is starting off with a bang, and not a particularly good one.
My girl, Kristin, tweeted this short article she found: http://www.rttnews.com/2054917/stage-stores-to-consolidate-south-hill-office-operations-to-eliminate-180-jobs.aspx
kayteawhy 
Kris,
I’m sorry to hear about the job troubles. You’re a sharp gal though. I don’t know how long it’ll take, but something will come along. You make a good point about recognizing your uncertainty. I don’t think you’re a punk, but it’s true that we never know when and how life is going to happen.
And Texas isn’t so bad…I guess…maybe.
Last comment was me, btw.
Or me.
Hahahaha, thanks bro. It’ll be fine. I’ve always said I’ll go wherever the wind takes me, so I can’t be too upset. I’ve always needed a push to get me off my ass, otherwise I’ll never move.
and Texas……woof.
Reblogged this on #52weeks and commented:
So sorry to hear about your bad news bears, KayTeaWhy.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I recently lost my job– a long story that has not yet found a happy ending– but long before that I was unemployed and out of college. I tried hacking it in a small town, and then I tried hacking it in a small city…. but there was no work for what I was educated in, and there was no happy ending to be found there either. My joblessness is in part what lead me to move my ass to the Silicon Valley where I could figure out what my thing is and do it for life.
I’m sad to see the brain drain that happens in smaller towns, where people who love them cannot always afford to build or maintain a life there. The erosion of small towns , villages, tiny communities is a loss for us all.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need an ear to vent about joblessness. I’m never more than a tweet away.
Just caught up on this and I’m sorry to hear about the job-shock. I was basically forced out of a small town I really liked living in because I was stuck career-wise. As much as I wish I could have stayed, I’ve been mad-busy in a good way learning the ropes up here and while it hasn’t generally been easy, I haven’t been depressed in a *dull* way.
Challenging ourselves and making the big move can be good for the soul. Whatever happens with you and your work, I have a feeling you’ll handle it with courage and that’s what you need the most.
By the way, that “not a writer, but gonna try writing anyway” thing? You’re doing great. 😀