When Life Throws You a Curve Ball
Life loves to throw curve balls directly at you, good and bad.
I’ll never forget that phone call. It was a bone chilling cold, gray and gloomy December day right before the holidays. I took a day off work to study for my final for my master’s degree. I was deep in concentration focused on my notes and calculating solutions. Ring, ring. It was my boss. That’s odd. Why would she call me at home on a day off?
Boss: Are you sitting down? Please do so. This may be shocking. The company called an all-hands meeting announcing the recent company consolidation would move the entire company 2.5 hours north to Philadelphia. By the end of the year, we will receive notification of retention bonus and severance package and timeline for events over the next year. I realize this wasn’t what you wanted to hear on your day off. I wanted to keep you apprised of what happened today.
Me: Wow. Thank you for the head’s up.
My life went from I choose my jobs to now I may not have one. I knew little details to go on. Would I really want to move to Philadelphia? Did I want to stay with this company? Did I really love what I worked on?
My company was thriving so this was completely unexpected. Opportunity knocks at your door in mysterious ways.
Here’s how I differed from my colleagues to the news…
I didn’t over react. Most of my colleagues wasted their day with gossip and a lack of focus.
I saw this as an opportunity to evaluate my options. What was I looking for in a new neighborhood? What environment did I want to work in? What projects brought excitement to me? What type of colleagues did I want to work with? Was leaving friends and family worth keeping my job?
At least 50% of my co-workers rushed to find new jobs even though their job was secure for at least nine months. Over the next six months, I carefully considered all my options.
When life hits you with a ton of bricks, it is key to remain calm and assess your options thoughtfully without haste to choose what’s best. When we get still, we identify what’s important and what we’re willing to compromise.
Being open to new possibilities may be the exact opportunity you’re looking for. Attitude to change is everything.
We often get frustrated and frazzled when our decisions are not in alignment with who we are or what we want.
Stay tuned, I have a special announcement later this week to get you in full alignment.
Wishing you an abundant, joyful, and prosperous day!
Lora Polowczuk
Chief Energy Officer
© Priority Retreats International
Lesson 3: Have patience