I really wanted to get laid off. It couldn’t have come at a better time, and I think it’s Divine intervention in a way. My daughter has been having some big time behavior problems, I just started full-time graduate school, and my SO and I launched a so-far lucrative home business. This all melds together to make being laid-off almost the desirable outcome.
I’ve been a foster care social worker for 2 years (I think this is the average burn-out timeline, no cite though - sorry.), and the amount of time and emotional energy this type of job takes out of you is enormous. Then there’s the driving - between 400-800 miles each week. I helplessly watched as my child became more and more needy as I (seemingly) became less and less available.
Finally, the time came where the company needed to cut someone. I was not the low person in the hiring order, but several weeks ago I saw the warning signs and publicly (in a staff meeting) asked the Regional Director to look my way if any layoffs became necessary. The actual low person in the hiring order came up to me today after the news of my being laid-off, with tears in her eyes, and said “Thank you… you saved my ass.” Boy, *that * was unexpected. Everyone treated me great and I couldn’t have wished for a better send-off. The Regional Director actually cried as she gave me the news. I peacefully finished all my paperwork, called all my foster parents to tell them the surprise, packed my office things up, and left the office.
My graduate school assistantship, such as it is, kicks in this fall, so I would’ve been quitting in August anyway. My unemployment compensation will last until then. Unlike most assistantships, this one will actually provide a decent living. Until school is out, I plan to volunteer at my child’s school and devote my afternoons and evenings to effectively parenting her, going to counseling with her, advocating for her IEP, enjoying my SO and helping him, etc. The rest of my day will be spent working at our home business and finally! cleaning our home. I’m also going to sign up to substitute teach. This summer, I want to garden, and do things with my daughter, my SO, and his kids also. I’ve been a full-time worker and full-time single parent for nine years now, and it’s about time I got some sort of break.
Hopefully, there are those who will understand and not think I’m being selfish for wanting out of the work force. I have always looked with geniune envy at my married, stay at home sisters, some of whom appreciate their fortune, and some who don’t. Now maybe, just maybe, I will have a taste of that life for myself.
I got laid off from my job today. All in all, I thank God for it.
