The “L” Word.

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Layoff.

Boo. Just to even say the word–layoff– gives me shivers. My heart races, palms sweat. I stutter– become awkward right before your very eyes. It freaks me out. And with today’s economy every other news story and word seems to involve “layoff.” 2,000 people let go today, 30,000 tomorrow. Massive, historical layoffs. It’s becoming an epidemic– and working in the client service industry– this is all quite terrifying.

Yes– I feel bad for all the thousands of people laid off with families and their enormous list of dire responsibilities. I feel bad for unnecessary struggle– infuriated at this mammoth economical problem. And believe it or not, I do feel bad– sorry– for those Wall Street CEO’s and executives because golden parachutes can only take them so far in this life– you can have all the riches in the world– but if you’re not respected and righteous– than who are you?

At twenty-five, I feel like I don’t have the right to complain. I am not a baby boomer who lost her 401k. I am not a parent who is struggling to make ends meet. I am not a homeowner who took out an unrealistic loan. Nor am I small business owner who can’t afford to stay open. I am simply a young professional who is extremely passionate about the company I work for and my career. I am a young adult who is trying to save-save-save a down payment for a home. And I am a young woman who wants to begin a life– together– with my one and my only, Ryan.

Although, I am very fortunate nothing has happened to my career or my financial stability to date, I still want to kick and scream at the utter absurdness of this economic plights because it’s just not fair. I don’t want to lose everything I have worked so extremely hard for (who wants to). And all I can hear in my mind is my Mom saying– but life isn’t fair, Jo.

So what does a twenty-five year old do in this unique situation? Well for starters, I am done being anxious over all this (well kinda). Worrying about all the “what if’s” and the things I can’t control is emotionally and psychically exhausting. Pointless. I don’t know what will happen, but I do know whatever the outcome is, I will be okay. I will continue to watch and read the news– paying close attention to market trends and industry happenings– and of course listening carefully and asking questions accordingly. This is– after all– an economic and historical learning experience. I am taking a well-deserved and affordable trip to the Bahamas for some rest and relaxation. I’ll continue to clip coupons. And of course I’ll continue working oh-so incredibly hard, trying to stay focused.

Hard work and ambition can’t be laid off.

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