What a World

So, I've been laid off, as of 2 days ago. A friend pointed out that it's like being dumped by a work, which has never happened to me before since I ALWAY end things on my terms. I guess it's the abruptness that hit me more than anything.

I come to work at 3pm, and am out by 5pm same day. They have my final check for me, count my bank, take my hotel-affiliated possessions, and send me on my way after I say goodbye to all my collagues. One cries, but most are just stunned. They eliminated my position at work, which means that the other person with the same title (who had been at the hotel for 14 years) was also gone. However, my severance check is SIGNIFICANTLY lower than his, since it's 2 weeks' of pay per year of service, and I've only been there for 1.5 years.

I still have to return to the scene of my career de-pantsing one more time to complete a severance contract. But this happening to me? I'm still stunned. Those who know and have worked with me know that when I'm on the clock, business is business and I definitely take care of mine. I'm told that it's not based on performance, that I will get unemployment benefits, and there is opportunity in the future, but that doesn't make it any better. It's actually worse. It's like saying, "we're not firing you because of something you did, but in spite of your service to the company." Great.

What's next? Who knows? I'm almost certain LA isn't in my future, but I have to figure out what is. Going back to school for my Master's? Going back to Vegas for more hotel madness? Doing something completely unrelated?

This is one of those rare times for me when I'm left with no direction to go, no path to pursue. I've had a plan since senior year of high school, but now I'm stagnant, lost, confused. But, it may be the push I need to get where I'm going (wherever that may be).

Maybe I need to stand at a busy intersection wearing a sandwich board that lets people know I need a job, and let chance determine my next move. Until then, it's summer break like back in the good old days!