Economy 101

I've taken to the throngs of coffee shop callers and daytime dealers. I've been stripped of my posh office space and forced to do business from mobile wireless connections. That's right, I've be laid off. I've been assured that this is strictly a sign of the times, not personal and so on. The director who I assisted has apologized profusely over the phone, in person, sober, inebriated, backwards and forwards. The fact remains though, that I am jobless. I am like so many Californians (and Americans) trying to apply for unemployment, trying to reach out in every direction for help.

So what? Do I decry what millions have done before me? Am I ashamed of having my days to myself, to the sun, to the world around me? Well, actually, I kind of am. I actually think this is the first time I wish I was back at school. But, that stops now! This isn't personal and I'm a damned good worker. I went from intern to 2nd executive assistant to director's assistant - all the while working in freelance production, starting a new production company and getting my acting career started. I won't be forced to focus on the grave, but on what I have accomplished already.

Frankly, I do not have time to worry and have a pity party for myself. I acknowledge my circumstances, pick up the pieces and forge a new path. This isn't the first time I've had to do so and I'm sure it won't be the last.

So, as I sit in a coffee shop a few blocks from my apartment at 12:20 pm, listening to Beyonce over the loudspeakers, watching a dozen or so pair of hands feverishly type on their Macs and PCs, I'm pushing aside thoughts that will bring me down. There's no point to fret, because this simply is not in my hands. I will work my hardest to put one foot in front of the other. I will be proactive and use my support system to seek out new options. I will pray and trust that God has a bigger plan than I realize. This is the only option I have.

I already see a few glimmers of hope, catching the draft from a few doors that are starting to open. Change, again, has happened into my life and I'll welcome it to the best of my ability.