For years now, I’ve feared anyone asking me what I do for a living. Losing my job was embarrassing and hurtful. I would have been angry, but I was in too sick and in too much pain. My past damaged and broke me, and I may very well have trust issues, to some extent, for the rest of my life.
I have picked myself up off the floor, and I am healing and rediscovering myself. I am starting over, and the future looks brighter than it ever has before.
What do I do for a living now? I do the best I can, and I write. Writing is therapy for me, and it is helping me emerge from the cellar I’ve been living in for far too long.
When someone asks what I do for a living, I start stuttering before they finish the question. I’m slowly becoming more comfortable & confident in what I’m doing, but I’m a ways from being able to express it to others.
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I went back to school after many years and felt I owed everyone an explaination about my current occupation and how I came to be in this situation. I’ve learned, althought I still struggle with this, that what I’m doing now to improve my situation is more important than what happened in the past.
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I dreaded that question, too, because I’m on disability; but my therapist and I decided that I would say, “I’m a writer, and I blog about bipolar disorder.” I haven’t tried it out yet, but I’m glad to have an “answer” on the back burner.
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That’s a wonderful response! I’ve spent time trying to figure out what the short answer to that question is for me. It’s a tough one but the more I do to better my situation the easier it is.
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More power to you!
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Well done for picking yourself up🤗😊 A new beginning 😎
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I’m definitely ‘rediscovering myself’! Good luck on your journey.
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Yep it can get tiring to always search for the silver lining. Thanks so much for writing about it; very helpful to me. Xo
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I struggle with this question too since I left traditional legal practice and I’m now doing ancillary legal work, which no one understands and kind of think it’s a downgrade but I’m so much happier than I was when I was working at a law firm. So now I just tell people I consult on complex legal matters. Sounds important enough until I figure out precisely what I want to do next.
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Yessss💚 I wish you courage on you journey! 👣
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This post and thread is healing.
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Thank you for this uplifting words.
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I’ve heard so many people say they’re ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid of sharing this information when asked and I wonder if it’s due to the displaced stigmas people face? I don’t know, but I encourage many people to be proud of who they are and how far they’ve come in life. I’m at a point where I could care less what anyone thinks about me. If judgment should occur, I don’t take responsibility for anyone’s behaviors or thoughts. Therefore, there’s nothing for me to internalize! 😊
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I understand how hard it is to lose a job. I’ve lost jobs, too. You’re a multifaceted person with a lot more going on than whether you have a job.
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It was a hard lesson for me to learn – that I am much more than the identity my job gave me. I spent years in school to get the job, I spent years perfecting my skills, I devoted so much time to work that I missed out on the rest of my life. Despite the hurt and embarrassment – losing that job has been very good for me.
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I’m glad that you’ve gotten something good out of it.
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Im in the process of possibly leaving my job – who I have been for the past 20 years. But even when I was still working I was always wary about answering that question. Definitely thought worthy – thank you for following my blog. I look forward to reading more of yours.
Kyla
Live Learn and Dream
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My pleasure.
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Nice to meet you Sara. My wife went through a similarly hurtful job loss so I have some understanding. Thank you for the follow which I have gladly reciprocated. I sincereky hope you find the friendship I have found via my own blog. Darren
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Hi Sara. Thanks for checking out my blog. I’m glad you found it helpful. You’re a brave woman and it sounds like you are on a great journey. Any time we’re faced with a crisis of some kind, it’s an opportunity for growth even when it’s painful. I’ve been through some huge challenges this year, but I find it’s helping me love myself and become confident in who God made me to be. I applaud you on choosing to look for positive and moving forward in life!
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