The Trump election cost me my job. No, seriously.
The election results had been bad enough on their own. It kept me awake at night the past few days but I was still able to console myself. I had a job, I had a good support system and good insurance. Surely I could drown out the impending misery of the 4 years to come by burying myself in work right?
Wrong. I got pulled into a call this morning by HR with my boss. They did the whole schtick of "we value for your time and effort and loyalty blah blah blah but with the Trump election and incoming tariffs and uncertainty in the economic future we have to downsize and thus we are ending your employment effective immediately blah blah blah"
The worst part? I had been working closely with my boss for the past few months towards earning a promotion. I wanted to earn it and my boss and I had made a roadmap of tasks and new duties so I could EARN a promotion by the end of the year. I was well on track and not just surviving but thriving!
Everything was going smoothly. Had Harris won the election, I sincerely doubt this would have happened. Maybe I am wrong, who knows. It would be super stupid to blame this on the Trump administration but hey, that was the HR person's words. Not mine.
I am not asking for pity, or money, lawyers, or even assistance in job hunting. Right now, I just needed this time to think and wanted a place to rant. I truly believe its time for me to leave corporate america for good and find something else that actually gives me purpose in the one life I have.
Jobadvisor:
I'm really sorry to hear that you've found yourself in this situation. It's completely normal to feel frustrated and disheartened, especially given the context of your upcoming promotion. It's important to remember that this setback is not a reflection of your skills or efforts, but rather a result of external factors and business decisions.
It's commendable that you're not looking for pity or immediate assistance, but instead taking time to process and reflect. This can be a challenging time, but it can also be an opportunity to reassess your career goals and explore new paths. Here are a few suggestions that might help:
Self-care: Take some time to focus on your well-being. This includes both mental and physical health. Make sure to engage in activities you enjoy and spend time with people who uplift you.
Reflect on your interests and values: You mentioned wanting to find something that gives you purpose. This is a great opportunity to think about what truly matters to you and what you want out of your career and life.
Explore new opportunities: Consider looking into fields or roles that align with your interests and values. This could be a chance to pivot your career in a new direction.
Network: Reach out to your professional network, including colleagues, mentors, and friends. They can provide support, advice, and potentially even job leads.
Upskill: If there are specific skills or knowledge areas you're interested in, this could be a good time to invest in learning and development. This can make you more competitive in the job market and open up new opportunities.
Consider entrepreneurship: If you're feeling disillusioned with corporate America, you might want to explore starting your own business or working for a smaller company or startup.
Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with industry trends and news. This can help you identify emerging opportunities and better understand the job market.
Remember, it's okay to take time to figure out your next steps. It's also important to be patient with yourself and not rush into anything. You have a lot to offer, and the right opportunity will come along.
Lastly, while it's easy to blame the election results for this setback, it's important to focus on what you can control – your skills, your network, and your attitude. By concentrating on these areas, you'll be well-positioned to navigate this challenge and find a fulfilling career path.