Everyone worries about turning thirty. Especially women. The should-have-my-career-sorted, should-be-married-by-now, should-have-gone-to-the-gym-for-the-last-10-years, only-have-a-few-years-for-baby-making panic.
When I was under twenty, I thought getting to thirty was the be all and end all of life. The way the ‘adults’ would go on about turning that dreaded age, it seemed like maybe that was the age you’re supposed to have your shit together. Career, marriage, children, house, nice car. Over the next few years, I realised that wasn’t going to happen, and I didn’t really want it to just yet.
Despite my stand against the typical, I fell in love at 22 and am still with him now. We were in the process of buying our first property. I had a job that I was great at and enjoyed. I was nowhere near marriage or children, but after 7.5 years in a relationship, all was pretty good that end. I’d also just began losing weight that I’d piled on throughout my 20s.
I was killing this almost-30-year-old stuff!
Until January. Bloody January.
On the 12th January, 12 days before my 30th birthday, I was called into a meeting. Telling my boss to hold on while I grabbed my notebook and pen, I went in ready to discuss my role and plans for the company, which I was aware was struggling lately.
What actually happened? I was told to think about redundancy options. Sheepishly picking up my notebook and pen, I knew it was for the best, but still somehow hadn’t expected it. I knew my role was being stripped down and less likely to be a priority there, but still thought I had time to consider my future.
It’s an odd feeling. I realise it must be so much harder if you’re completely unaware that there have been changes, or if you’re completely satisfied where you are. However, even though I thought I should think about my career in the long term and start looking for something new, after 4.5 years, it was difficult to hear that I was no longer needed. In a company that you are dedicated to, work hard for, and feel like you’ve given so much to, you are redundant.
By the next week everything had been agreed and I was given my official redundancy (31st January). It was a week until my 30th birthday. The biggest worry, aside from needing to look for a new job was our pending property purchase. After some discussion we decided to still go ahead with it. That same week, we got a call to say the deal was done. I don’t think I could have possibly fit more adulting into one week!
Luckily, the flat has been a great distraction, but I don’t think I had a chance to really take stock of everything going on. I also had friends up on the weekend and we all went to see Green Day, which was super fun!
It’s now been one week since I became unemployed, and while getting work on the flat done and more time in pyjamas has been great, job applications, difficult renovation work and socialising have probably taken their toll a bit. Last night, I ran the Twitter chat, but then sat with pizza and a beer watching reruns of Fresh Prince on Netflix, and I didn’t realise how much I needed that!
It’s now been one week since I became unemployed, and while getting work on the flat done and more time in pyjamas has been great, job applications, difficult renovation work and socialising have probably taken their toll a bit. Last night, I ran the Twitter chat, but then sat with pizza and a beer watching reruns of Fresh Prince on Netflix, and I didn’t realise how much I needed that!
Despite this, I am feeling in quite high spirits and pretty optimistic. It’s going to take some turning around, but I’ll feel amazing when I manage it! I’m looking forward to seeing where this all leads, and definitely think I’ve coped well with some massive changes so am a little bit proud!
I hope you’re all having a less crazy week! How has yours been? Have you ever lost a job?
You have had a long week! So many ups and downs, but hopefully more ups 🙂 It’s funny how we’re all made to think that 30 is this big deal. But, thankfully, the closer you get to it, the more you realise how silly that fear is. And you don’t even had to get /that/ close to 30 to get to that mindset! Good luck with your moving in process!
Erin | Explore, Refresh
So sorry to hear that you lost your job, I can’t even begin to imagine! But from a 40-something year old, you are still young! Doors will open up for you in no time! Thank God for your health and your relationships!! Also just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award 💖!
http://wp.me/p2VJ6R-2HR
I was made redundant, about two years ago now, and it’s a horrible feeling. Then the endless job applications, being turned down or worse, hearing nothing back. It’s not nice. But I always think it’s for the best – there’s a reason behind everything. Being made redundant gave me time to work on my mental health, and then I landed a really great job with a really great team of people and a fantastic boss. So I’m sure this will all work out for you too!
Aw thank you! It’s good to hear from someone who’s been in the same position. Im glad you’re in a much better place now.
I’m remaining hopeful and think it’ll be a good move for me. Definitely disappointing not hearing back about jobs, but I remember that from last time I was searching so wasn’t too hopeful. Thanks so much for this comment xx
Hey hey, Fresh Prince ♥ 😀
Wow, you had a lot going on there. I’m sorry you lost your job, but hopefully you’ll find something even better soon!
Also, getting the apartment with your bf has to be both terrifying and so exciting.
Just enjoy every day 🙂
and yes, I’m 22 now and already worried about my 30s hahah
Haha, loving the Fresh Prince catch up! Yeah, it was a mad week! I’m excited about everything, but it’s also so stressful. Ooh, you have plenty of time to prepare hehe. I’m ready to embrace this age (I think!) xx
Oh hun, what an emotional rollercoaster! So sorry to read about your redundancy. I’ve been through it – once expectedly (I requested it) and once unexpectedly and it’s a weird time. On the plus side it’s giving you time to work on making your new home look and feel amazing, and who wants to go out to work in winter anyway? 😉
Seriously though, I hope you’re doing ok and you’re not too down about it. Hopefully you’ll have a redundancy payment to tide you over, and something else fabulous will come along soon.
I’m exhausted haha. I’m remaining positive, but it’s been a month now so starting to worry me. I realise it takes so much longer to find a job for many, but what a time to be running out of money!
Thank you, I’m sure it’ll be okay – keeping the hope alive! And not getting dressed in the mornings has been bliss! xx
Oh hun, what an emotional rollercoaster! So sorry to read about your redundancy. I’ve been through it – once expectedly (I requested it) and once unexpectedly and it’s a weird time. On the plus side it’s giving you time to work on making your new home look and feel amazing, and who wants to go out to work in winter anyway? 😉
Seriously though, I hope you’re doing ok and you’re not too down about it. Hopefully you’ll have a redundancy payment to tide you over, and something else fabulous will come along soon.
I’m exhausted haha. I’m remaining positive, but it’s been a month now so starting to worry me. I realise it takes so much longer to find a job for many, but what a time to be running out of money!
Thank you, I’m sure it’ll be okay – keeping the hope alive! And not getting dressed in the mornings has been bliss! xx
You have had a long week! So many ups and downs, but hopefully more ups 🙂 It’s funny how we’re all made to think that 30 is this big deal. But, thankfully, the closer you get to it, the more you realise how silly that fear is. And you don’t even had to get /that/ close to 30 to get to that mindset! Good luck with your moving in process!
Erin | Explore, Refresh
I was made redundant, about two years ago now, and it’s a horrible feeling. Then the endless job applications, being turned down or worse, hearing nothing back. It’s not nice. But I always think it’s for the best – there’s a reason behind everything. Being made redundant gave me time to work on my mental health, and then I landed a really great job with a really great team of people and a fantastic boss. So I’m sure this will all work out for you too!
Aw thank you! It’s good to hear from someone who’s been in the same position. Im glad you’re in a much better place now.
I’m remaining hopeful and think it’ll be a good move for me. Definitely disappointing not hearing back about jobs, but I remember that from last time I was searching so wasn’t too hopeful. Thanks so much for this comment xx
Hey hey, Fresh Prince ♥ 😀
Wow, you had a lot going on there. I’m sorry you lost your job, but hopefully you’ll find something even better soon!
Also, getting the apartment with your bf has to be both terrifying and so exciting.
Just enjoy every day 🙂
and yes, I’m 22 now and already worried about my 30s hahah
Haha, loving the Fresh Prince catch up! Yeah, it was a mad week! I’m excited about everything, but it’s also so stressful. Ooh, you have plenty of time to prepare hehe. I’m ready to embrace this age (I think!) xx
So sorry to hear that you lost your job, I can’t even begin to imagine! But from a 40-something year old, you are still young! Doors will open up for you in no time! Thank God for your health and your relationships!! Also just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award 💖!
http://wp.me/p2VJ6R-2HR