My story over the past several months involves the loss of a job I love and a department that I built over the last 18 years. I never imagined when I was furloughed, that my position would be eliminated.
I have faced significant challenges at work, worrying that I was exposing my staff to COVID-19 when they were redeployed to the swabbing team, testing others for COVID 40 hours per week. I worried that I would bring COVID home to my family, which resulted in anxiety and lack of sleep. Then I was furloughed, which is like being put in Limbo; My feelings fluctuated between hope, loss and despair, but my daily worry and anxiety was significantly reduced.
The layoff was shocking and very final. I now find myself in the midst of a mid-life crisis, trying to figure out how to “pivot” into a new field, after spending 30 years caring for others in an acute care medical center. I am now overqualified for positions in my field, and I have no experience working in the companies where my skill set would be beneficial.
Being at home with my husband & two of my daughters over these months has brought me strength. We adopted a siberian husky puppy and we have partnered to train him well, such that he loves being around people, and is especially good around young children and other dogs. He makes me smile every day, which brings me joy.
