A Cue from the Cats – Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary
Well, once again I have been presented with a new chapter in my life. At 55 years of age, I must admit this one was not one I had particularly hoped for, but as they say, “it is what it is” and there’s nothing I can do about it except move on. Briefly, my day job, the one that helps keep the household running, is no longer to be. I was put in the proverbial, “it’s not you, you’re an awesome employee and extremely valuable, but we need to let you go because we are downsizing and you are no longer relevant to our company” scenario.
At this point, all I can do is try to be positive. Is it the best news? No. Have I cried over it? Yes. A lot. But is it the end of the world either? No. Perhaps as all of my dear friends and family have been telling me, maybe there is something far better around the corner. In the meantime, I still have my writing to keep me going – granted, I have not garnered overnight fame and success from it, but it is my passion and now I can concentrate on a few projects I have milling around in my head.
In the meantime, I’m taking a cue from my cats and trying to find the extraordinary moments in the ordinary of each day I am blessed to have. You know what I mean – for a cat, it is those glorious moments that come out of nowhere – for example, a sunbeam to lie in or a lizard on a window to look at.
For a cat, it doesn’t get much better than the joy a sunbeam can bring…
I love this shot of Jazmine enjoying the random visit of a lizard! Her ordinary day absolutely became extraordinary when she saw this little guy!
I have already been enjoying many of those moments. Rather than sleep the day away in doom and gloom, I have been getting up bright and early every morning to take a walk. Being glued to my computer for years, writing and blogging, along with my previous desk job, made me sedentary and it feels great to be active again. I love the early morning – it is so beautifully serene and I am greeted by not only the rising sun, but birds, squirrels, cats, dogs, and other walkers who are also enjoying the beginning of the day.
I see cars pulling out of driveways, thinking to myself, that used to be me heading to work. Now I am walking, wondering what the future holds and when I get home, I have seven cats waiting by the door who are very happy to see me. I give them a morning treat, then make myself a cup of coffee and settle in to look at the job boards. The cats stick to me like glue and I think they are silently cheering me on.
My office… I think the cats are glad I am home…
I have also taken to wrapping up loose ends around the house – filing paperwork that was years old and cleaning out my closet and drawers. Here’s a perplexing one for you in that regard – why is it that as you get older, your body shape expands, even if you aren’t eating anymore than you used to? I came to the jarring realization that most of my jeans don’t fit me any longer. Sigh… I am not young anymore.
And it’s not like dieting is going to help. I honestly have barely a bit of fat to spare on my body, yet my jeans don’t fit. Life is funny like that. It makes you realize that when things don’t fit, like my previous job, you can’t force it to happen; rather you have to figure it out and move on. I subsequently went to the mall and treated myself to a new pair of jeans that do fit with some birthday money I had been given and I will do the same with my life. I will figure it out.
Wise, exciting, and encouraging words to live by…
I have my ups and downs. I’m trying to be positive, but I know the reality – someone in my age bracket looking for a job is not an easy hire. I know this firsthand and it has nothing to do with me not believing in myself, or not having an excellent resume, or not having years of invaluable experience. All I can do is be patient, try my best, and the lesson of it all is the one that it has always been. Life is short – enjoy the moments that you have while you have them. If life changes, adapt to it – learn and grow from it all and enjoy the process along the way.
Have a wonderful Caturday all and if you did not see the post I did on Wednesday, I hope you will take a minute to read it. Christine Michaels of Riverfront Cats is doing a fundraiser/giveaway event for the outdoor cats she takes care of (please click here for details). She has a new colony she is assisting and many of the cats are in need of spay/neuter and veterinary care. Any donation you could afford to help her take care of these cats would be greatly appreciated, and for anyone who donates, you will automatically be registered for a prize package drawing valued at over $200!
One of the prizes is a bubble maker for cats! I know for me, that’s one of the greatest joys I get with my gang – no matter what mood I am in, watching them in awe of those seemingly magical globes of iridescent colors as they float through the air makes me smile. I went back into the archives and found a video taken in 2011 of me blowing bubbles for my gang. It was taken to compliment Chapter 19 of the book I wrote, The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey – A Journey of the Extraordinarily Ordinary (it was my cats that initially taught me about finding the extraordinary moments in life and that is what the book is about) and I gotta admit it was bittersweet – I smiled while watching it, but I also cried, as my beautiful angels, Jazz and Harley were front and center during the whole video. Oh, and just for the record, the jeans I am wearing in the video no longer fit…
Deb, I’m so sorry to hear it happened this way and not by plan and choice, but for now the day is all yours to explore. I know too well the issues of trying to find employment at our age and I’m glad I have always been able to fall back on the business that I’ve built. If new employment isn’t in the future for you I’m sure you’ll make something unique and beautiful that can sustain you out of your time and ideas. Have a beautiful Caturday!
Thank you Bernadette – I appreciate your support and truth be told, was it my dream job? No, not at all, so perhaps this truly was something that needed to happen whether it was on my terms or not. We often stay stuck in a rut because even if it is not the best of circumstances, we are comfortable with what we are used to. Finding something unique and beautiful is something to aspire to – I have to look at this as a blessing in disguise.
I take advantage of Costco this time of year they have Gloria Vanderbilt Stretch fabric Jeans for $14.99 and Free shipping, so it is great for that growing older body frame, and stock up on gifts for the other growing older’s ladies in my life !!! I too am 55 and my shape changes no matter what you do !!!
Thank you for that tip on Costco, Sandi!! That is a great thing to know!
What a sweet video and some really terrific quotes. Like kitties, I am certain you will land on your feet, Deb, and find something incredible that suits you and makes your heart sing. Look upon this as an opportunity and not a set back. Hugs, Janet
Thank you Janet – I appreciate the support and am glad you like the quotes and video!
Deb, you are such a positive person, great quote by Gildna Radner, she was a great loss. I loved watching you blowing bubbles for your beautiful fur-babies, especially your Angels Harley and Jazz.
Enjoy, things will work out, even though you may not know how right now.
God Bless you and your family?
I loved Gilda so much too, Connie. Talk about a positive person… Anyhow, thank you so much for your support and kindness… xoxo
I just loved your blog I’m 56 and can relate to a lot of the things you said.I am a cancer survivor and realize how precious life is.I’m in awe at your gorgeous feline family.I have one boy and love him to bits i also help at my local cats protection.Thank you for making my day so much enjoyed reading your blog and viewing the photos.Have a nice weekend.Christine.
Thank you Christine – your beautiful words have made my day more than you could possibly know. Bless you and how awesome that you survived cancer.
I am sorry about your job. Hugs. Very cute video.
Thank you for the hugs, Sue!
So sorry to hear your not so good news but it sounds like you are going to land on your feet.You do have a good attitude and the cats will help you through this. Take care.
Thank you Marg – I am so very grateful to have the love of my feline babies!
We have no doubt great things are in your future
Thank you Random Felines – I do hope you are right!
I loved the video, Deb. It was bittersweet as you say! I have been in your position with regard to being “let go” from a company when I was just a bit younger than you! It’s no fun and was quite a shock at the time! I found another position quite quickly and I suspect you will too, or, as others have said, there might be something better just around the corner! 55 is a good age to take stock and maybe make changes, but it can be a bit terrifying!! Sending purrs xoxox
CATachresis – the video was quite a shock – I was not expecting so much Jazz and Harley but it was wonderful to see them nonetheless. Thank you for your support – it helps knowing others have been in the same boat as me and gotten through it!
Oh Deb, we’re sorry that happened to you. You are so much like a cat though, so we know you will land on your feet! Good things happen to good people, and you’re the best in our book. We all look forward to sharing your upcoming successes with you. Love and hugs from all of us.
Thank you Brian – I do hope I will land on my feet!
I’m so sorry you’re going through this, Deb. I’ve heard those ‘you’re awesome, but…’ words before as well.
Your spirit and optimism is inspiring. I love your perspective and how you’re able to let that energy inspire you.
Sending hugs and good wishes your way.
Thanks Glogirly… I can hardly wait for those “personal” email responses I get from sending out my resume where they “regret to inform me” someone else has filled the position even though my qualifications were exactly what they were looking for. Translation – you’re old, lady, and we can hire someone at a much less salary base…
I love the let you go job thing. They always come up with something
Lily & Edward
That sure is the truth, Two French Bulldogs!
I’m sorry to read this. Since we are close in age I feel your pain and anxiety. (Even the jeans!) I love that you are being proactive and trying not to panic. Walking is great for that as you know. There is nothing really I can do for you and that feels bad so I guess just sending you good thoughts and my phone number if you need an ear. I’m a good listener, promise. 😉
Stacy – how very sweet of you to be so kind and considerate! I appreciate your offer to lend an ear and having your good thoughts means so much to me.
Deb, I was out of a job, too, about three years ago. I did what you are doing–while looking for a new job, I took advantage of the time to write stuff I always wanted to write but never had the time. Fast forward and I now have a job and am on the final edits of my novel. I have always wanted to write a novel and my time out of a job gave me the chance to do so. I know you will write some great stuff during this period! And I wish you well as you go on the job hunt. If you want any tips on searching for a job, feel free to email me. Take care, Paula
Paula – I admire your path so very much and am thrilled to hear you are on the final edits of your novel. Thank you for your kind offer to help me out and I wish you all the best with your novel!
I sure can relate to the “not young anymore,jeans don’t fit”.One woman told me her sand shifted.That’s about it.Last summer,I was without work.I thoroughly enjoyed those quiet mornings with that extra cup of coffee and I think my kitties enjoyed them too.I hope you continue to enjoy your down time and I pray that the the perfect job comes along at exactly the right time. ?
LOL Jean! That is the best comment I have heard yet… “her sand shifted!” I love that! Thank you for your support – I truly appreciate it.
Deb, I can relate to where you are! I lost my permanent job in 2008, and it dislodged all kinds of messiness inside of my head and my heart. The journey out was not easy and it was long. I did land part time contract work within three weeks, and I also adopted Coco in that timeframe–worried to my core that I would be living in a box on the streets. As I look back over the years as they unfolded since that time, I’ve met more interesting people and had exposure to culture and thoughts and growth that I could not have encountered had I stayed in that job. Did I struggle financially? Yes. Did I feel an enormous weight of pain? No doubt. I also did not have writing as an outlet.
This year, I’ve been hit with more unemployment than employment. I’ve not spoken of it in my blog because I am trying to re-craft my perspective on how I land work. I remain an independent contractor and want to find new ways to be successful. So this year has been the re-invention of me (remembering my towering strength), listening to my gut instincts even when it’s left me without paid work, and walking a sometimes scary and confusing path. While I see light I’m not in it yet.
I’m not sure how I would have remained open and positive without my cats–as trite as that may sound to others, I know you and your readers understand. They do set an example for addressing each day with gratitude. Having three former street cats reminds me that they fought hard to stay alive and they didn’t resent that they had an uphill climb. I think taking cues from your beloved crew is a great approach. And should you need to opine with a friend, let me know. I won’t tell you to stay positive. I won’t tell you it all will get better. You know both of those things. I will help you think through the steps ahead. Thanks for sharing something so personal. Hoping you know the value you bring to this life. I know in my darkest moments when the job opportunities quietly eluded me I questioned if my value had expired. Try not to stay in that space for too long….hoping you don’t even find yourself in that valley…hugs and purrs from the Squeedunk gang….
Laura – Thank you so much for sharing your situation. You and I are a lot alike in that we typically keep our personal hardships to ourselves and I really struggled with whether or not I wanted to share this aspect of my life or not. In the long run, I decided to share it, because I know others have been in my boat (or are in it now) and sometimes it’s healthier to talk about it among people that understand and care than to pretend everything is okay.
I too went through this in 2008 – the difference now is my personal well-being. I like myself a lot more now than I did back then and I will not allow myself to fall into the deep, dark pit of depression I did in 2008 when it was such a huge struggle to find a job. I didn’t do anything wrong when I was let go – I was just a victim of circumstances and the blessing now is that I have far more inner strength and fortitude. Will it be difficult and will I have emotional meltdowns? Oh yeah… guaranteed I will. But having friends like you and others, along with my cats, my family, and my beloved Dan, will help get me through it.
I wish you all the best as you reinvent yourself. I admire your attitude and perseverance so very much and know it will bode well for you as forge ahead.
xoxoxoxo
there is always something new and exciting around the corner,and I am sure you will find it,xx Rachel and Speedy
Thank you Speedyrabbit – that is a great way to look at the situation!
I’m in the same position, except that I have a decade on you and several pairs of great-fitting jeans that have been my uniform. My Day Job has just gone away, too. I’ve been working at a small publishing company for six years (after my newspapers were axed, I was really lucky to land this) and now my bosses are retiring and closing out most of the business. If you had to have a Day Job, this was a great gig — short commute, they were away traveling a lot, and I often had the office to myself (hence, the jeans).
I’ve always had a lot of freelance work on the side, so at this stage I’m going to beef that up. Frankly, after being in the workplace for 40+ years, I’m tired. Despite having top-notch skills, I’m sure my age will deter potential employers.
I’ve kept up with the job boards over the years and it does look quite a bit better than when I was out of work during the Recession, so you should be in luck.
Sally – you hit the nail on the head with this one. Honestly, I’m tired too. I’m not looking for any corporate ladders to climb at this point in my life. I’ve already more than paid my dues and I don’t want to have to prove my value all over again by working long hours and dealing with grueling commutes. I just want to go to work, do a good job, and go home. We can be as positive as we want, but I know from being in this position before just how difficult it truly is. Now that I am even older, it will that much more difficult and the wind has really been taken out of my sail. The hard part is not having the right experience, it’s getting your resume to pass the filtering test because we now live in a faceless world.
Years ago, the interviewing process was so much more personal – you got to meet one on one, and more times than not, landing the job was easy. Because of the year I graduated from college and the years of experience I have, there is no way to hide my age, so I am instantly put in that pile of “nope, she will be too expensive” without any consideration that maybe I am willing to work for less money at this stage in my life.
Insurance also costs more for someone in my age bracket and it goes on and on. Not to mention, the joy of having someone be your boss/supervisor who is young enough to be one of your own kids…
Anyhow, I will beef up on freelance too and get going on some writing projects – hopefully it won’t be so bad – I have no choice but to be positive. My best to you and I pray all will be well for both of us!
Oh, Deb! Having gone through corporate layoffs twice, my heart sank when I read this. I have always admired your go get ’em attitude, and your optimism now is really inspiring. The next awesome thing really is around the corner, but it’s tough when you can’t see it yet. Good thoughts from up here. I know we’re connected on LinkedIn. If it turns out there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know!
Thank you so much Sometimes Cats Herd You – I’ve been in the boat a few times… so maybe the third time around will be the charm for me!! Thank you again for your support!
Oh Deb, I’m so very sorry to hear this! It’s so difficult – at any age, I’m sure, but especially when you’re in that “sweet spot” where you feel the jobs will go to younger people, well, that’s just an ICKY feeling. Sending you hugs and reams of encouragement. I know you’ll do well, it’s just a matter of when not if.
Tonks Tail – ICKY – yeah, that about sums it up!!