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Learn about best practices, get how-to’s and more for Social Media, Marketing and Web Design from Digital-Melissa. Plus an occasional article about pet care and training, and even some favorite recipes.

Last Week at My Job of 20 Years: What a Weird Week

The other week was the last week at my job of the past 20 years. I had known it was coming for three months, so it was no surprise. There was a lot of time to think about it and prepare. But boy… it was a really weird week.

Throughout the past year, many people had their “last week at work” and I cheered them on! Every person who worked for me I encouraged to enjoy their last week – relish it. How often do you get to leave a job of so many years on a good note? Granted, we were being let go not of our own accord – but regardless. It was still with smiles and encouragement. So I said ENJOY! Every last Monday I was the prime cheerleader. HAPPY LAST MONDAY!

And so, each day, I patted myself on the back. HAPPY LAST TUESDAY! HAPPY LAST WEDNESDAY! I had a day countdown I religiously tore off each day. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! (Actually, I had been keeping a countdown for about the last 30 days)

The hardest part though was that I was, by this time, very disconnected from everything going on. So some of my weekly meetings seemed very silly. In fact, I cancelled most of them because really – they were pointless at this point. Others would be taking on what I am doing so let them start. I didn’t know what was going on, no hot projects to jump on, things to fix; talk about a boring week.

Thankfully, I had reserved some jobs I could do that I knew otherwise wouldn’t get done. They were mostly mindless type of jobs, but good time fillers. So I did manage to stay busy but it just was weird.

I’m really glad that week is over. It was boring, stressful and full of anticipation and anxiety – as well as excitement and joy! But all of those things mixed together all at once.

And so now I am onto my first week off! And smartly, we scheduled a vacation, so I will enjoy the beach and ocean breezes before having to start delving into what my next job may be.

Reflections on Losing My Job of 20 Years

End of an era

Early in 2019 I was informed I would be losing my job of the past 20 years. That is basically my entire career. I only worked professionally in one other place for about a year before moving to this job in Rhinelander with Drs. Foster and Smith Pet Supplies. Over the years I wore many hats: started as a designer for the newly formed “Internet Department” and as things progressed, I eventually landed in a Project Manager and User Experience Manager Role.

Honestly, it was a bit of a relief when I finally was told it was over though.

I’ve been prepared to lose my job for some time – a year+ prior a large amount of the staff was let go and more left through the following year. So it felt my end would also be coming, eventually. I had been mentally thinking about it for almost two years. On top of that, I’d been dissatisfied for many years, and wanting to make a break – so it being forced on me was welcome, in a way.

But it is hard, really SO hard. Even though I’ve been fortunate enough to receive a nice severance package, and have had several months to prepare along with a career-building team brought in to help and workshops on healthcare, finances, an incredibly supportive family and more. . . It still looms. Every now and then terror and melancholy hit me.

20 years. TWENTY years. That is a whole lifetime really. That is so many friends made, people met, experiences had, lessons learned, tears shed, laughter shared, stress-induced sleepless nights, chaos, memories and so much more.

So I do want to stop for a moment – NEED to stop – and reflect on all of it, appreciate it and acknowledge the impact of this. It is no small thing.

But I am going to keep my head up, my energy positive, and be excited for what is to come – I think there are GREAT things to come for me. I’ve been provided an opportunity and I am not going to waste it. I will look back at these 20 years fondly and appreciate all they brought me to help me through the next 20 years!

Working From Home: Step One

Earlier this year I was informed I was being let go from my job of the past 20 years in a few months. Knowing this was coming, and that I am not able to move, I began looking into Remote work opportunities. We live in a rural community, so I believe working from home is my best option.

As I began honing in on a plan, updating my resume, understanding what roles are out there for Remote work, it became evident I needed a real work space. It’s all too easy to take a nap, or watch some TV when you are settled in, all comfortable on the couch with your laptop.

Occasionally, I work from home for my current job, and wind up with horrible back pain. At the office, I have been using a stand up work station for five years and I love it. It eliminated a lot of pain I was having. It also makes me feel energized and active. When I do sit, I feel very low-energy and find it difficult to concentrate.

So I finally made the plunge, and invested in a stand up desk, two new monitors, a docking station, and updated the office with a new coat of paint, rug and moved around the existing furniture so my partner and I can share the space.

I can’t wait to start using it as a dedicated working space! I’m excited now and really feel like I’m on the right path towards working from home successfully.

About Digital-Melissa: I am a veteran of all things internet, located in Rhinelander, WI. 20 years in eCommerce with everything from design to copy, social media, marketing, project management, website help & management plus more. Contact me today if you’d like to talk about how I could help your business.