I Lost My Job Due to COVID-19
Even though we are in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, the reality of COVID-19 can still seem far away. Besides working from home, and the occasional trip to the grocery store, I didn’t feel the impacts of this crisis. That is until recently. On June 19 my job let me go. To say I was devastated would be an understatement. In a matter of 2 hours my current reality was turned upside down.
I worked for a family owned student travel agency since July of 2019. I was their marketing and events coordinator, but once COVID hit I turned full time customer service representative. The months between the start of Coronavirus and until I got let go consisted of building our customer service chat bot and responding to angry parent emails. That work was intense and emotionally exhausting. But, every day I showed up to work ready to defend the reputation of our company and beyond thankful that I still had a job.
I hold no resentment towards the company I worked for, and I hope they, as well as the rest of the travel industry, have a positive turn around. In a funny way, losing my job has woken me up. While of course I’m actively applying to jobs, I’m enjoying a lot of catching up. I feel reborn and centered, and I couldn’t be more excited for what my next chapter holds.
What’s Next…
Perhaps the most shocking part of this experience was the realization that I had just resigned my lease at my apartment. I’m sure you all know how much I love my little studio. That apartment shows my style and personality in a way that nothing else does. It’s my cozy piece of paradise and my safe haven. That space makes me feel inspired and creative and happy. I’m sad to say that I got out of my resigned lease, but better things are in the near future.
After 3 years of dating, I’m relocating to Madison, Wisconsin to move in with Scott, my boyfriend. We are beyond thrilled for this adventure! Of course I’m excited to merge our two styles into a cohesive design. We have quite a list of home improvement projects to complete, which will keep me busy until I land a job! (More blog posts on all of this coming soon!)
I think it goes without saying, but I am searching for jobs in the Madison area. In college, I earned a degree in media studies and marketing strategy so I’m interest in roles related to marketing, communications, and social media. I can’t wait to update you all on where my job search takes me. I’m returning to Liv Happy Liv Well after a couple months of writer’s block due to my 9-5 job, and am also spending time writing poetry which I hope to publish someday.
The Takeaway’s
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from this experience is that you can’t always plan your future. And if you do, it won’t always go according to plan. For now, I’m focusing on the short term & things I CAN control like moving and how actively I am applying to jobs. I think there are great things waiting for me in Wisconsin, and while this process will be difficult I’m so lucky to have my best friend by my side.
I’ve also learned the importance of work-life balance. The past few months I haven’t always taken care of myself. I was constantly checking emails and was still responding to questions from parents or co-workers well past my quitting time. The past couple weeks have shown me just how much I needed a break, and I’m taking full advantage of it!
The effects of COVID aren’t just medical, and I realize that now. For those of you who have also lost your jobs, I feel for you. There are better things ahead, and I have faith in you! Here’s your friendly reminder to wear a mask, and obey state regulations so that we can kick COVID’s butt!
