What a difference a year makes

It's been one year now since I was laid off from the care center.

At first I was sad-- angry. Then... after quite a long time, I was suddenly really grateful.

I've not been back there since that fateful day. But I can imagine that its pretty much the same way it was when I left. Some things just never change.

I had wanted to move on for a long time. I felt trapped. Stuck.

Loyal? Maybe.

It took a boss (who disliked me, regardless of if he'd ever admit it) finding a loop-hole to get rid of me in order for me to be gone. And its okay. Really. They couldn't fire me for work performance (though I'm sure I made a convenient scape-goat for things that wrong the first few weeks) and that comforts me. I took pride in what I did. Tried to improve things. I was able to provide tons of information to my employer before I walked out the door. Left them without any un-finished business, undone assessments, etc. My data was current. My splints were clean and organized. My paperwork was solid!

My only fear now is that my personal file is in a cardboard box in a bathroom somewhere. Please, for the love of all that is holy, let someone have filed last year's employee files in the organized cupboards I created before I was canned.

This past Monday I received a "bling" for my name badge in honor of my upcoming one year anniversary at The Lab. How fun to think its already been that long since I found my way to them. A year full of constant positive feedback, monthly 1:1s with a supervisor, endless oportunities to expand my knowledge-- the list could go on and on.

I feel bad for others who have experienced that same 'trapped' feeling and don't know how to make a break for the sweet freedom that could await them. Fear is a powerful emotion. It can really keep someone from reaching for the stars.

And, in my opinion, the stars are the best place to be.

Ms.B