I love this. I have had this open in my browser for A WEEK. Like I knew I had to get to it... this is my first time reading it. You are doing it and you are succeeding at doing it. Going through all of that is not for the faint of heart, and you have a big strong heart.
One foot in front of the other. Instead of, "I'm gonna shoot myself..." say, "One foot in front of the other today...one more step." Because you wrote this less than a year ago and look how much it's all changed and how far you've come.
Jen, thank you for reminding me of one foot in front of the other. It's crazy to think of where I was before all this and how hopeless everything felt.
Anytime I wake up feeling off, I mindfully remind myself that I now have exactly what I wished for a year ago. I created it, it's working, and I have so many wonderful people to thank for joining me in the journey. YOU included!!!
OOF I feel this So Hard. One day, if I get enough followers who care lol, Imma tell a very similar story. I'm older and have been a freelancer for 10 years now. The bit about 67 applications, 8 interviews, 0 jobs? Yeah. I gave up. And I'm a bit sick of it, tbh. I've been thinking lately about trying the cleanse. Thank you so much for this beautifully-written, naked post.
Joanne, thank YOU for sharing this little bit of your story as well. This post ignited SO much more than I expected it to and I have really been in all the feels about how everyone is sharing their truths. I feel so vindicated lol.
I 100% feel your pain and panic over getting fired while on recovery. It happened to me back in 2021. But for me it was legal because the business was a small business and I guess in the US if there's less than 50 employees you can fire the person on doctor ordered recovery from major surgery. Then hubby learned he had to get a new job because the company he worked for was closing. Good times 2021. But it was for the best as it gave me the ability to completely focus on healing, which I needed, and hubby being a software dev found a better job almost immediately.
If I didn't have humor and dogs, I would see no point in walking this earth 😁 Sounds dramatic but that dog part is true. Even though she had a hand in this catastrophe she has also saved me so many times.
Thank you for this. My job went from pretty great to effing bananas very quickly, and I suddenly and unexpectedly found myself not just unemployed, but in a financial mess because behind the scenes, sneaky nonsense had been going on for months. It has been entirely terrifying, and it took me so long to realize it wasn’t my fault. And reading this is a reminder. We can try to do what’s “right” and be responsible, and still end up in a mess. I really, really appreciate you sharing 🩵
Thank you for being so vulnerable. I'm stepping away from the classroom for the first time in five years and into (I have no idea what). I'm scared, and this read gave me so much more confidence!
I've been running on fumes for years and trying my damnest to piece together a creative life. Through soul sucking hospitality, living at home (as a very independent person), and unraveling chronic pain. It's like moving through sludge but I'm slowly starting to see progress. Trying and failing even when I've been down is crucial. It's forced me into new creative pursuits like writing and photography which has led to more community and more friends and people to lean on and grow with. I've had some wins and every time I reach past my comfort zone...when I have that minute of courage that day... it's been positive. It gives me faith that when I have momentum again I will be full speed ahead in no time.
Nodding my head in solidarity over here. Same same. On so many of the things you’ve written. I too was terminated without cause while on medical leave. I too am involved in legal action. And and and. Feeling you on all the levels Kristi. I read you all the time but I didn’t realize I wasn’t subscribed until now. You must be in my notes all the time so I just assumed I was subscribed. And I’m also in the @Donna McArthur mutual admiration society. ❤️
Wow Kim, I'm sorry you're going through all this junk too! When we both get settlements we should go show up on Donna's doorstep and have a girls night with champagne 🍾
Sending you all the good vibes! And thank you for subscribing 😊
Serena, thank you for the reassurance. It's tough to see the end and realize we WILL be okay. It sounds like it was a long road for you and your husband. I'm glad it all balanced out in the end.
And thanks for the lovely compliments about my writing! 😊😊 That made my day!
Thanks for being so honest! At the risk of sounding insensitive, can I just say that your title and subtitle for this piece are amazing? And you're so funny! I'm so sorry about the horrible year you've had and the crazy injustice of getting fired while being injured, by a dog pack of all things. And I hear how stressful this is. But I love your writing!
I haven't been self-employed but my husband once lost his job, could not find another one (and he was in his 20s, we were newlyweds). He gave up and changed careers to landscaping. Got a job, lost a job. Convinced me that he had a calling to start his own landscaping business. Four years of his self-employment left its scars on me as well. And then we got pregnant while he was making no money... and we had just found the cheapest grocery stories and gasoline and toliet paper! Anyway we did make it through. Eventually he changed careers again and found a job. But this whole thing is not for the faint-hearted. Rooting for you!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us so openly and keeping things real, Kristi! Your strength and funny outlook on your circumstances are refreshing and inspiring ❤
I love this. I have had this open in my browser for A WEEK. Like I knew I had to get to it... this is my first time reading it. You are doing it and you are succeeding at doing it. Going through all of that is not for the faint of heart, and you have a big strong heart.
One foot in front of the other. Instead of, "I'm gonna shoot myself..." say, "One foot in front of the other today...one more step." Because you wrote this less than a year ago and look how much it's all changed and how far you've come.
Really love our collaboration!
Jen, thank you for reminding me of one foot in front of the other. It's crazy to think of where I was before all this and how hopeless everything felt.
Anytime I wake up feeling off, I mindfully remind myself that I now have exactly what I wished for a year ago. I created it, it's working, and I have so many wonderful people to thank for joining me in the journey. YOU included!!!
So happy to be on the journey together...what a ride huh? 🎢
Love this omg
Right? When I read it back now I can’t believe it’s where I came from.
You're still a badass. It ain't all swagger, sistuh. You've got the chops to keep this all going. That's badass, baby. 👊
OOF I feel this So Hard. One day, if I get enough followers who care lol, Imma tell a very similar story. I'm older and have been a freelancer for 10 years now. The bit about 67 applications, 8 interviews, 0 jobs? Yeah. I gave up. And I'm a bit sick of it, tbh. I've been thinking lately about trying the cleanse. Thank you so much for this beautifully-written, naked post.
Joanne, thank YOU for sharing this little bit of your story as well. This post ignited SO much more than I expected it to and I have really been in all the feels about how everyone is sharing their truths. I feel so vindicated lol.
Yay! I'm glad you feel vindicated. Thank you for sharing and opening the conversation. Made me feel a heck of a lot better too!
This was a great piece. 👊🏻
Thank you!
I 100% feel your pain and panic over getting fired while on recovery. It happened to me back in 2021. But for me it was legal because the business was a small business and I guess in the US if there's less than 50 employees you can fire the person on doctor ordered recovery from major surgery. Then hubby learned he had to get a new job because the company he worked for was closing. Good times 2021. But it was for the best as it gave me the ability to completely focus on healing, which I needed, and hubby being a software dev found a better job almost immediately.
I'm glad it all worked out in your favor. I've still got my fingers crossed that I come out on the upside.
Wow! I don't even know you personally but I feel so proud of you! Although it seems like it, I hope you are proud of yourself! 🫶
Alexis, that means a lot! Thank you!
And after reading sooooo many of these comments, I feel more proud and less alone. So many of us are in this!
OMG, this is perfect - "literally just a beige crayon" tells it all. Such terrific, expressive writing!
Thank you Catherine 😊
This!! So real and relatable. I love the way you can mix your vulnerability and rawness with humor and dogs. Thank you!!💜
If I didn't have humor and dogs, I would see no point in walking this earth 😁 Sounds dramatic but that dog part is true. Even though she had a hand in this catastrophe she has also saved me so many times.
Thank you for this. My job went from pretty great to effing bananas very quickly, and I suddenly and unexpectedly found myself not just unemployed, but in a financial mess because behind the scenes, sneaky nonsense had been going on for months. It has been entirely terrifying, and it took me so long to realize it wasn’t my fault. And reading this is a reminder. We can try to do what’s “right” and be responsible, and still end up in a mess. I really, really appreciate you sharing 🩵
Thank you for being so vulnerable. I'm stepping away from the classroom for the first time in five years and into (I have no idea what). I'm scared, and this read gave me so much more confidence!
You'll be amazing, Melody. I'm so glad you found some inspiration here 😊
I've been running on fumes for years and trying my damnest to piece together a creative life. Through soul sucking hospitality, living at home (as a very independent person), and unraveling chronic pain. It's like moving through sludge but I'm slowly starting to see progress. Trying and failing even when I've been down is crucial. It's forced me into new creative pursuits like writing and photography which has led to more community and more friends and people to lean on and grow with. I've had some wins and every time I reach past my comfort zone...when I have that minute of courage that day... it's been positive. It gives me faith that when I have momentum again I will be full speed ahead in no time.
Kevin I'm sorry you've been going through so much for so long! I hope you're coming out on the other side of it feeling more accomplished. 😊
Nodding my head in solidarity over here. Same same. On so many of the things you’ve written. I too was terminated without cause while on medical leave. I too am involved in legal action. And and and. Feeling you on all the levels Kristi. I read you all the time but I didn’t realize I wasn’t subscribed until now. You must be in my notes all the time so I just assumed I was subscribed. And I’m also in the @Donna McArthur mutual admiration society. ❤️
Wow Kim, I'm sorry you're going through all this junk too! When we both get settlements we should go show up on Donna's doorstep and have a girls night with champagne 🍾
Sending you all the good vibes! And thank you for subscribing 😊
Serena, thank you for the reassurance. It's tough to see the end and realize we WILL be okay. It sounds like it was a long road for you and your husband. I'm glad it all balanced out in the end.
And thanks for the lovely compliments about my writing! 😊😊 That made my day!
Thanks for being so honest! At the risk of sounding insensitive, can I just say that your title and subtitle for this piece are amazing? And you're so funny! I'm so sorry about the horrible year you've had and the crazy injustice of getting fired while being injured, by a dog pack of all things. And I hear how stressful this is. But I love your writing!
I haven't been self-employed but my husband once lost his job, could not find another one (and he was in his 20s, we were newlyweds). He gave up and changed careers to landscaping. Got a job, lost a job. Convinced me that he had a calling to start his own landscaping business. Four years of his self-employment left its scars on me as well. And then we got pregnant while he was making no money... and we had just found the cheapest grocery stories and gasoline and toliet paper! Anyway we did make it through. Eventually he changed careers again and found a job. But this whole thing is not for the faint-hearted. Rooting for you!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us so openly and keeping things real, Kristi! Your strength and funny outlook on your circumstances are refreshing and inspiring ❤
Thanks Milena. I can say I have never felt so validated as I have since publishing this. There are so many of us with stories!