Identity
From Dire Straits - I used to like to go to work, but they shut it down. I have a right to go to work, but there's no work here to be found.
That line has been buzzing around my head for the last few days - it's a quote in a great song from a great group, and it makes me think about the thousands and thousands of people who are now left out in the cold, wondering how life is going to change for them.
I was let go from just one job in all of my days, but I'll never forget how it made me feel. It happened on December 23rd in 1988, and I can remember the hollow feeling that Christmas brought that year. I had just spent every penny I had on Christmas gifts, and the credit card statement was still on the way.
I felt wronged, left behind, unsure about my ability to get things right, a little worried, and completely without an identity.
Which is how being 'let go' is designed to make you feel. No matter how many times people express that one door closing is an opportunity for another door to open, there is a feeling of discontent. There's certainly an opportunity to get lost inside yourself. Doubt creeps in. A fear of what is next is worrisome to anyone. Especially when you essentially did everything right.
And that time I was let go? I was working again, for another company, at the same site, three days later. I'll never forget the look on the face of the former boss when I showed up, in the same place, wearing someone elses hardhat. Was I bitter? Well, put it this way - my opening line to the former boss was - "Good morning, fat ass."
It is funny how people define themselves. We all have roles to play - currently my roles in this little play of life are defined as: Father, Husband, Son, Brother, Friend, American, Author, Worker.
In that order. It's not to say that I want to do any of my jobs poorly, but in the grand scheme of things being defined as a good worker is far down on the list in comparison to being known as a good father, or a good husband.
Maybe I don't have that quite right. We are all able to choose our own listing of priorities - I certainly know guys who would rather dominate in the business world much more than they would enjoy spending time with their children. Yet it is important not to lose sight of the fact that there are many roles for each of us to play, and that no job can clearly define you as a viable human being.
This economy surely will test us all. Story after story breaks your heart - there are people losing their life savings. There are people who are being forced out of their homes, and onto the street. The lines at the unemployment office are going out the door. It's hard times for an honest man.
Here's hoping and praying that those out there looking for work are doing so with their heads held high, and their true identities in tact. Remember too that being resilient is the true test of character. We are Americans. I refuse to believe that we won't figure this out and become productive again.
That line has been buzzing around my head for the last few days - it's a quote in a great song from a great group, and it makes me think about the thousands and thousands of people who are now left out in the cold, wondering how life is going to change for them.
I was let go from just one job in all of my days, but I'll never forget how it made me feel. It happened on December 23rd in 1988, and I can remember the hollow feeling that Christmas brought that year. I had just spent every penny I had on Christmas gifts, and the credit card statement was still on the way.
I felt wronged, left behind, unsure about my ability to get things right, a little worried, and completely without an identity.
Which is how being 'let go' is designed to make you feel. No matter how many times people express that one door closing is an opportunity for another door to open, there is a feeling of discontent. There's certainly an opportunity to get lost inside yourself. Doubt creeps in. A fear of what is next is worrisome to anyone. Especially when you essentially did everything right.
And that time I was let go? I was working again, for another company, at the same site, three days later. I'll never forget the look on the face of the former boss when I showed up, in the same place, wearing someone elses hardhat. Was I bitter? Well, put it this way - my opening line to the former boss was - "Good morning, fat ass."
It is funny how people define themselves. We all have roles to play - currently my roles in this little play of life are defined as: Father, Husband, Son, Brother, Friend, American, Author, Worker.
In that order. It's not to say that I want to do any of my jobs poorly, but in the grand scheme of things being defined as a good worker is far down on the list in comparison to being known as a good father, or a good husband.
Maybe I don't have that quite right. We are all able to choose our own listing of priorities - I certainly know guys who would rather dominate in the business world much more than they would enjoy spending time with their children. Yet it is important not to lose sight of the fact that there are many roles for each of us to play, and that no job can clearly define you as a viable human being.
This economy surely will test us all. Story after story breaks your heart - there are people losing their life savings. There are people who are being forced out of their homes, and onto the street. The lines at the unemployment office are going out the door. It's hard times for an honest man.
Here's hoping and praying that those out there looking for work are doing so with their heads held high, and their true identities in tact. Remember too that being resilient is the true test of character. We are Americans. I refuse to believe that we won't figure this out and become productive again.
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