BLESSING IN DISGUISE

One really good question I was posed when I started selecting topics for this blog series is “What is one thing that while you were going through it, you hated, but now, you are glad that it happened?”

Probably one of the most difficult experiences in my adult life came a little over three years when I was suddenly without a job.   I had worked for the company for nearly 12 years and was in line to receive a buyout when the unexpected happened: termination.  

I had seen the writing on the wall for some time, and prayed “Ok, God, if this company offers just ONE more round of buyouts, I’m going to put my name on the list.”    And then, it happened.   One more round.   I was in a sales position and at the height of the recession, pressure to sale was higher than ever.  I was being held to a higher standard than my other teammates.  Shortly after I put in my request for the company buyout, my management team put me on a final warning, which lead to lots of hoops for me to jump through.  I was becoming painfully, miserably unhappy, but at the same time was achieving monthly and special sales goals and was signing contracts.   However, it was deemed that my work was unacceptable and merited termination.

I was informed on Monday that I had been approved for the buyout, spoke with my human resource representative later that same day.   I was informed the paperwork would be ready for me to sign the next day, and was given my final date of work, which was a couple of months later.   However, on Thursday afternoon, I was called to Human Resources and advised that they had decided on termination.  There it was:  Devastation.   Mostly unexpected.   No Plan B.  

So, I spoke with an attorney and after a couple of months of back and forth, it was settled.   I would receive the buyout, and my record was restored to state that my termination was reversed to “voluntary termination”.  

Here’s my confession:  It has been said that blessings often come wrapped up in disguise.    I believe that to be true.  As degrading and disappointing as the demise of my job, the life I had known for twelve years truly was, had it not happened, had that door not closed, other doors may have never opened.

Were it not for the series of events and their timing, I would have never gotten the contracted temporary position at The Bank, which poised me to move into a permanent position with The Bank at the end of the 20-month temporary assignment.   Furthermore, had I not spent a year in that position, I wouldn’t have been poised to move into the current position I hold.  

While I’m still disappointed in my friend who was my manager, and still confused as to why I suddenly in management’s eyes became a “poor performer” (even though I was making my goals), I’m moving beyond it.  I don’t think you ever totally get over something of this nature, but it’s still there, living in the back of my mind.  

I believe when a window is closed, a door is opened.  I’ve seen it, and I believe it.