Thank-You, and Pass the Ice-Cream

Well dudes, it’s been nearly a week since I was laid off and I’m just as busy as I ever was. The whole thing makes me question how I managed before, but then I realize I’m getting sleep.

I took some days to digest it all. I allowed myself the time to absorb the fact that my life is on the road to drastic change. Problem is, I don’t really feel any freedom. I’m still broke.

I’ve learned two very important things within the last week.

1. People care. People care so much, I had to take two days to reply to all the Tweets, emails and messages on Facebook. Everybody had words of encouragement, and while most people expressed sympathy, the overwhelming majority said, “this is a blessing in disguise.”

I think I received close to 50 comments on that last blog post? Many from people who never commented before. I can’t even tell you how much those comments and suggestions helped. I feel more inspired than ever to pursue a new life. Thank-you.

2. People love drama. The spike in my number of subscribers and traffic is kinda ridiculous. I should generate drama more often, start dating abusive men and have them break up with me or something.

My 24th birthday was on Friday. My house was packed, my ex-coworkers showed up bringing consolation beers and hug therapy. My girlfriends bought me a Disney princess swimming pool to lounge in with some beers. We’ve had nothing but 30+ degree weather since I was laid off. Basically, life doesn’t stop. If I were a hippie, I’d say the universe is trying to tell me something.

Unemployment. Handling it well.

What next? I don’t know. I’m working on potential freelance gigs, testing the job market, seeing what’s out there. I’ve been sitting around the house in my underwear and eating ice-cream for two days.

People keep telling me do RTW, or go teach overseas. I spent Sunday afternoon sea kayaking in Bay Bulls, exploring a cave and inhaling Newfoundland. Clear blue water and evergreen. I don’t want to leave, but I do want to travel.

Just a matter of making it happen.

Right, so back to regularly scheduled posts involving rainbows and insane people. Literally, that’s what the next post contains.

July 13 2010

Alouise

Anything like getting laid off is gonna be a huge shock, it’s nice people have been supportive and more importantly that your handling it well (as the pool pic suggests, which I think is hilarious) Drama might increase traffic, but I think your regular posts are always entertaining enough. I’m already looking forward to the next post… as always.

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Thanks, Alouise! I’m still reeling from all the comments, hehe.
  
July 14 2010

Sabina

I’m SO glad to hear you’re handling this well, Candice. Maybe now is a time to travel, maybe not. It sounds like you’re already doing an excellent job of exploring more of your own province. Keep it up!

And I just love the attidue you’re copping in that pool photo.

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Hehehe, thanks Sabina, I still have tons of work left to do though and I’ve barely begun really searching for a new job. It’s hard to prioritize when all you wanna do is sleep in.
  
July 14 2010

Cornelius Aesop

Who knew drama would be create such an increase in traffic, I may take your advice. Maybe I should start a rap war with King Kong, yeah that would draw the people. I just need to learn how to rap, and see how King Kong is doing after that fall, Humpty Dumpty didn’t fair so well on that one.

I say to check out that WOOFING thing or some other opportunity. Not as large as a commitment as a RTW trip, especially when you didn’t get the chance to plan and save up, plus it will give you time to think….an plot.

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  GO for it! Yessss.
  
  I’d love to do WOOF, actually..but I still have bills to pay. :(
  
July 14 2010

AdventureRob

Staying in NFL and travelling doesn’t have to be an either/or choice. It’ll always be there for you when you return. In all honesty I think 98.3% of people who do extended travels end up where they started (home) rather than the more romantic notion of picking somewhere abroad to settle down. Either one will be the correct choice. You don’t have to go for a year, even 3-4months will be great, the debt can wait!

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Yes, you’re certainly right about that, and it’s something to keep in mind for sure! Thanks, Rob.
  
July 14 2010

Monica

As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. And quite frankly, you look pretty darn happy chilling in the pool. :)

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Oh it was a glorious day, nothing beats drinks at midday!
  
July 14 2010

Cammy@ClassroomConfessions

People love drama. Glad to see that things are getting a little better though. Man, I need a kiddie pool for my patio.

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Seriously, best purchase ever. DO it.
  
July 14 2010

Linda

I meant to comment on the last post. My comment was going to be, “Get it, gurrrrl,” and I typed it and then deleted it.

I just really want to say that I hope the rainbows & insane people post is going to be about double rainbow dude.

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  It TOTALLY was, but then I got distracted. Damn.
  
July 14 2010

Shannon OD

Sounds like you’re taking it in good stride though – ice cream has a way of making everything seem alright. As for the RTW – that teaching abroad idea sounds pretty awesome!

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Yeah, it’s still in t he cards! So many options to consider!
  
July 14 2010

OG

Good to hear the positive outlook. By the way, is that a beauty and the beast kiddie pool? Didn’t that movie come out 15 years ago?

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Thanks! And actually I believe it’s just a general princesses pool, Ariel is on there too. She’s the inferior ginger.
  
July 14 2010

Mikeachim

And I wished you happy birthday, not having dropped by for a week and knowing everything that had happened….

Eee.

Beer, hugs, kayaking and breathing in and out. I’d say that’s a massive improvement on Corporate life. (Especially the breathing thing).

Trust yourself to come up with a new plan. Because I do.

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Workin’ on it! Slowly, very slowly..and somewhat surely.
  
July 14 2010

Trisha

Teaching abroad can be a really cool job, but only if you like teaching, because remember, it’s still a job, just one that you’re doing somewhere else. My husband’s niece taught English in Thailand for a year, and loved it so much she would up moving there after her teaching job was done.

So I say think first about what you want to do to earn money, then secondly about where you want to do that. Otherwise, you could wind up in another job that you hate, and be far from home and friends.

I know I only met you briefly, but my chief impression is that you’re a very people-oriented person – you seem to like being around people and activity. So you might consider looking for jobs that give you a lot of contact with the public. I just know you’ll find something really great! :-)

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Thank you, Trisha! I do LOVE working with people, not necessarily in service, but I always enjoy the company. Funny because I want to work from home. Anyway, yeah, not sure if teaching is 100% for me but it’s something I’m thinking about…especially if my EI payments run out. :)
  
July 15 2010

maggie

double rainbow all the way! :D <3

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  WHAT DOES IT MEEEANNN.
  
  Yeah, I didn’t go to bed. I suck.
  
July 15 2010

Joya

I don’t think anything is better than eating ice cream all day and a Disney princess pool but I wish you all the luck in whatever comes next!

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Thank ya, Joya!
  
July 16 2010

Simone

The debt can definitely wait! Take this time for yourself; think about what you really want to do — not necessarily with the rest of your life or something. Just the next few months. It’s an opportunity of sorts. I know sometimes the whole being horribly broke thing makes it feel impossible (trust me, I really know), but you can find some way to make something work.

For now, spend some serious afternoons in the kiddie pool, eating ice cream.

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  I’m on it! Setting my alarm clock tonight to get up early and start planning, hahaha. I’ve already wasted 2 weeks.
  
July 19 2010

Leigh

I’m out of touch for a few weeks ( finding 15 mile hiking days, blogging and note taking frankly uncompatible), come back to check out your blog and I have a holy shit moment. You of all people. Smart, funny and talented. There is something out there for you. A RTW trip sounds great but more debt unless it’s teaching somwhere. You write so well that I think a freelance career (think of the writeoffs) deserves your serious attention.

- July 27 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Thank you, Leigh! I’m attempting the freelance, but so far I haven’t been offered much money. It’s a tricky career field for sure.
  
July 19 2010

Rebecca

When I lost my job last year it was pretty devastating but then I read that it’s one of those ‘must experience’ things you should do before you’re 30…the shock, disruption and chaos it sent my way made me realise how many great people I had around me! And at the end of the day – it’s just a job.
So I hope you check it off the list and go find new & exciting adventures too! Or at least consider a long-term lifestyle as a lady of leisure ;)

- July 27 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Yeah, totally one of those omg-what-do-I-do-now? kinda things. I still panic, and it’s been 3 weeks, hahaha.
  
July 20 2010

Reeti

Candice, you’re a rockstar. All the best for the future :)

- July 27 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Merci, Reeti!
  
July 20 2010

Michael Tyson

I’m definitely in the “blessing in disguise” camp. Although we did it voluntarily, leaving our day jobs was the best thing we ever did. It’s unbelievable the doors that open up when you just free up your time, realise what it is you really want to do then put all of your energy into that.

- July 27 2010
  
  Candice
  
  it’s true! I feel like people were hesitant to even approach me before, when they realized I worked 9-5. Opportunities abound.
  
July 21 2010

Margo

Candice! Happy late birthday! You sound as if you are doing great. I’ve seen it happen time and time again – w/ a good attitude great things eventually come out of losing a job :) That picture of you is so cute!

- July 27 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Thanks, Margo! I still have my moments of extreme panic, but sleeping in is great! Hahaha.
  
July 21 2010

Caroline in the City

Haha yes it’s facial expressions like that that are going to find me a nice husband one day, lol.

July 21 2010

John

Hi,
I just discovered this blog by accident today when researching St. Brides. It is hugely entertaining and beautifully written. It is a mine of information.
I am so sorry to see that you have just lost your job. Are there any openings in the field of tourism? Tourist guide around St. Johns? Advertisements selling Island tourism? Marketing Newfoundland tourism in the rest of Canada, Europe and China. China is now a huge potential market. It has a large and increasingly rich middle class. Is the Government of Newfoundland interested in developing Tourism? Arrange to meet the Minister for Tourism. Outline your ideas on tourist development for the island. Sales rep for school book company? Judging by your literary skills you would make a brilliant English teacher. Work for a PR agency?
Pray to God for guidance.

- July 27 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Thanks for writing, John! Don’t worry, I’m exploring all my options…breaking into the tourism field here in NL is tricky though, as it’s all government run. But there’s a lot out there, I think. I just have to figure it out. Appreciate the advice!
  
July 23 2010

Emily

I’m sorry to hear that you were laid off, but I’m so happy you’re getting some good sleep and getting to relax in a Disney princess pool :) It’s also wonderful that you’ve had the time to go explore your hometown. Best of luck figuring out what the next step is!

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Thanks, Emily! Catching up on sleep has been incredibly rewarding, hahaha.
  
July 23 2010

Lauren Quinn

Whoa, haven’t checked in in awhile, so sorry to hear the bad news. Super interesting about the spike in traffic. I think it’s got less to do with a lust for drama, and more to do with the fact that people want to see what your crazy ass is gonna do now! (Meant in the most loving of ways, of course—you’re gonna take this world by storm, lady!)

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Hahahaha, thank you, Lauren! I’m on an adventure…glad people are along for the ride.
  
July 25 2010

Akila

First of all, I’m sorry to hear about your job. But, things will be better! Everyone I know who has been laid off has gotten a better job and better prospects in the last year. A lot of people were in situations like yours — in jobs they hated but didn’t feel they could stomach a job search. Now, they’re doing what they love and so much happier. It will happen to you too.

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Thank you, Akila! I’m hoping the same will happen, I just need to figure it all out.
  
July 25 2010

Robin

Candice,
I was sorry to see you got laid-off, that really sucks. It happened to me a long time ago (when you were just a baby!) but I still remember the sick feeling. So much of our lives we tie up in our work. It hurts a lot.

BUT – the good news is (hard to believe when you are going through it); it could turn out to be a good thing. For me, I never looked at a job the same way again. I have always remembered since then that things like friends, family and children are SO much more important. That day I got laid-off I became an x-workaholic and that truely was the best thing to happen to me in my whole career.

robin

- July 26 2010
  
  Candice
  
  Exactly, and I’m SO grateful to have realized that already! I will NEVER sacrifice my own happiness to please my company again. I’m glad you confirm this theory. ;)
  
August 06 2010

Heidi

I got laid off in 2008, and have been freelancing every since.

You’ll work it out. After all, you are a redhead and we are a fairly resiliant bunch. They’ve called us witches and burned us on stakes, but we just keep coming back (because we are witches). Mwahahahahaha!

Here’s to 3 p.m. beers and Disney blow up pools!