So, I work very, very part time (which is rare in my field and I realize I have a vast amount of privilege to be able to do). I have been doing this since Mom died (almost 4 years ago). I thought I would go back more, and I just...didn't. I guess I could have, but my mental health was so fried, I needed the time to recuperate. I have exercise classes 4 days a week. I take long walks, I have lunch with a couple of retired friends, and one of my fave things to do is find new coffee shops during the day to check out and I bring my notebook and my laptop and (pretend to) write. And I take solo day trips all the time. I LOVE to travel alone, too, so I will often escape to another town just to explore and take photos. You will find a rhythm. Give yourself time. It feels weird to not grind so hard :)
Getting to together for a mosey and some lunch with you sounds healing for my soul 🫶 maybe I'll just have to solo day-trip it to California one of these days
Uhg, Jordan I'm sorry this happened. Wishing you peace and clarity as you move into this new chapter! And also lots of grace and patience with yourself. So proud of all the ways you're already reclaiming your time and dreaming up what this could mean for your writing and creativity! I've been recently reading the Substack Laid Off (https://laid0ff.substack.com/) and appreciate the conversations they're having on there.
WOAH I am so happy to know that exists! It is WILDLY affirming. Being laid off feels so personal and isolating (like, I’m used to seeing the same people on my screen every day. And now I just… don’t?) But seeing all those other stories makes me feel held. Thank you so much for sharing!!
"I didn’t want to work there anymore, and now I don’t." Love this. I'm sorry this all happened in such a shitty way, but I bet really good things will grow from this space. Love that you're enneagram 7-ing your way to fun, new things every day. The clutches of productivity are hard to escape! (Three years into freelancing on my own schedule and still find myself sometimes sitting at my desk when I have absolutely nothing to work on because my brain is so conditioned to do that). Your gamification sounds like a great way to build an escape route. Excited to hear more about how you reclaim your time.
Boy oh boy, the universe has a way. Love you, proud of you, and it warms my freakin heart to know you're experiencing relief. Genuinely excited to hear more about how this floating exploring phase unfolds, and I MUST know if you visit the cat cafe. 🤍
I'm so sorry this happened, but I can relate DEEPLY to the sense of relief you felt. I have never felt more free than I do right now in my unexpected (and temporary) retirement. I keep joking to my friends that I'm having a hard time finding a job because I don't want one. Hoping you find what brings you joy during this time. And if you ever want someone to talk to about it, I'm free....like ALL the time lol.
Like alllll the time 😆 today I took myself out on a date to the local art museum and there were some older women there, probably retired? So it sounds like I’m doing it right.
Ugh Jordan! Even if deep down you didn't want to be working there, it doesn't take away that feeling of having the rug ripped out. Not your choice or your timing. Totally relate to how the workaholic habits stick. Proud of you for having a picnic! And embracing this floating phase. <3 It'll be exciting to watch what curiosities and creativities spring up with newfound space (once the shock wears off of course, no rush.) Sending hugs.
Thank you, Sara!! Yeah, not being able to make the choice myself stings. (But the universe knows I was never going to… and I needed to get the heck outta there)
I hear you about keeping the same calendar even after you've been laid off. I am currently on mat leave, awaiting baby's arrival. I've been on mat leave for almost 8 weeks now and I still use a calendar to schedule my "to dos". I still follow the same routine every morning (get up, workout, shower, get ready, coffee, breakfast) and I sometimes chuckle at myself because I don't have to do any of that. I just can't get out of this loop of doing things this way. It might be me holding on to something I can control before everything will be outside of my control once baby arrives. What a wild ride!
And it makes so much sense to try to hold some of that control! I think for me, I'm trying to release the calendar in order to TAKE control, if that makes sense? Like, I choose how I spend my days. I don't have to be dictated by a calendar (even one I add to myself!)
I can totally relate! I, too, am in the "floating phase" and love exploring new ways to get back in touch with myself and my needs/wants. Can I recommend finding a local park, farm, or the like and trying a day of volunteering? Some trial maintenance, habitat restoration, or animal care could be fun!
So, I work very, very part time (which is rare in my field and I realize I have a vast amount of privilege to be able to do). I have been doing this since Mom died (almost 4 years ago). I thought I would go back more, and I just...didn't. I guess I could have, but my mental health was so fried, I needed the time to recuperate. I have exercise classes 4 days a week. I take long walks, I have lunch with a couple of retired friends, and one of my fave things to do is find new coffee shops during the day to check out and I bring my notebook and my laptop and (pretend to) write. And I take solo day trips all the time. I LOVE to travel alone, too, so I will often escape to another town just to explore and take photos. You will find a rhythm. Give yourself time. It feels weird to not grind so hard :)
Getting to together for a mosey and some lunch with you sounds healing for my soul 🫶 maybe I'll just have to solo day-trip it to California one of these days
Uhg, Jordan I'm sorry this happened. Wishing you peace and clarity as you move into this new chapter! And also lots of grace and patience with yourself. So proud of all the ways you're already reclaiming your time and dreaming up what this could mean for your writing and creativity! I've been recently reading the Substack Laid Off (https://laid0ff.substack.com/) and appreciate the conversations they're having on there.
WOAH I am so happy to know that exists! It is WILDLY affirming. Being laid off feels so personal and isolating (like, I’m used to seeing the same people on my screen every day. And now I just… don’t?) But seeing all those other stories makes me feel held. Thank you so much for sharing!!
"I didn’t want to work there anymore, and now I don’t." Love this. I'm sorry this all happened in such a shitty way, but I bet really good things will grow from this space. Love that you're enneagram 7-ing your way to fun, new things every day. The clutches of productivity are hard to escape! (Three years into freelancing on my own schedule and still find myself sometimes sitting at my desk when I have absolutely nothing to work on because my brain is so conditioned to do that). Your gamification sounds like a great way to build an escape route. Excited to hear more about how you reclaim your time.
YES! That is absolutely another chain, the one to the computer. I keep finding myself opening it up just… because?
Boy oh boy, the universe has a way. Love you, proud of you, and it warms my freakin heart to know you're experiencing relief. Genuinely excited to hear more about how this floating exploring phase unfolds, and I MUST know if you visit the cat cafe. 🤍
You’re going to hear all about it in person!!! And I have tickets to the cat cafe for Friday 🐱 will take many pics!
Omg omg omg
😍😍
I'm so sorry this happened, but I can relate DEEPLY to the sense of relief you felt. I have never felt more free than I do right now in my unexpected (and temporary) retirement. I keep joking to my friends that I'm having a hard time finding a job because I don't want one. Hoping you find what brings you joy during this time. And if you ever want someone to talk to about it, I'm free....like ALL the time lol.
Like alllll the time 😆 today I took myself out on a date to the local art museum and there were some older women there, probably retired? So it sounds like I’m doing it right.
Absolutely!
🫶🫶
Ugh Jordan! Even if deep down you didn't want to be working there, it doesn't take away that feeling of having the rug ripped out. Not your choice or your timing. Totally relate to how the workaholic habits stick. Proud of you for having a picnic! And embracing this floating phase. <3 It'll be exciting to watch what curiosities and creativities spring up with newfound space (once the shock wears off of course, no rush.) Sending hugs.
Thank you, Sara!! Yeah, not being able to make the choice myself stings. (But the universe knows I was never going to… and I needed to get the heck outta there)
Proud of you! <3 And yes... the universe is always listening ;)
She sure is! Grateful for you!
I hear you about keeping the same calendar even after you've been laid off. I am currently on mat leave, awaiting baby's arrival. I've been on mat leave for almost 8 weeks now and I still use a calendar to schedule my "to dos". I still follow the same routine every morning (get up, workout, shower, get ready, coffee, breakfast) and I sometimes chuckle at myself because I don't have to do any of that. I just can't get out of this loop of doing things this way. It might be me holding on to something I can control before everything will be outside of my control once baby arrives. What a wild ride!
And it makes so much sense to try to hold some of that control! I think for me, I'm trying to release the calendar in order to TAKE control, if that makes sense? Like, I choose how I spend my days. I don't have to be dictated by a calendar (even one I add to myself!)
Yes, what you’re saying makes complete sense to me! Isn’t it interesting how we sometimes have to let go of tools in order to take back control?
It's a bit of a mind trip 😂 the nonsense helps me make sense
I can totally relate! I, too, am in the "floating phase" and love exploring new ways to get back in touch with myself and my needs/wants. Can I recommend finding a local park, farm, or the like and trying a day of volunteering? Some trial maintenance, habitat restoration, or animal care could be fun!