Life After Downsizing

At the age of 45 years, and after 22 years of working for a major financial institution, a bank merger resulted in the elimination of more than 100 jobs, mine being one of them. However, I was one of the lucky ones. I was not a single parent, nor dependent solely on my income. But nonetheless, I had become a disposable employee, and a statistic.

From the beginning, I chose to look at this occurrence not as a misfortune, but as a welcome opportunity. I refused to become depressed or bitter. Instead, I eagerly anticipated doing something new.

First, I decided to return to high school and graduate, several decades later than I should have. Doing this at my age took more than a little courage. So with a little trepidation, but a lot of determination, I registered for evening classes, and became an adult student.

Oral presentations were often required for one class. By nature, I am a rather reticent individual, and speaking in front of people terrifies me. That first time, as I stood in front of the other adults, my knees were visibly knocking, and my heartbeat almost audible. Somehow, I found my voice and squeaked out my presentation. The next time it was easier, and soon, I was starting to enjoy it a little. Later in the year, I even voluntarily interviewed a local reporter for an English assignment, much to the amazement of my teacher. Suddenly I felt like I could accomplish anything.

I didn't stop with the completion of my educational shortcomings. All my life, I had yearned to play the piano, so I decided what better time than now to face the music? As it happened, my next-door neighbor was moving away, and offered to sell me her old upright for a reasonable sum. I purchased it, had it tuned, and began lessons at a studio nearby. Although learning to read music was far from easy, before long I was able to play simple songs, delighting in my progress. I couldn't walk by the piano without sitting down "just for a minute" to practice, that minute stretching into an hour or more.

I began to take care of my grandchild while my son and daughter-in-law worked. This proved beneficial to us all. Grandmother and grandson bonded. I felt useful, needed, and appreciated. By the time my grandson began kindergarten, I couldn't bear to be without him, so I became a volunteer in his classroom. This proved to be quite a revelation, as regular volunteering was something I never had time for before, and I fit right in. The teachers were delighted to have me there as often as I could manage it, which was usually several times a week. I was busier than ever, and loving it. Could life get any better than this?

The impetus of getting involved led to another dream of mine – writing. On a whim, I entered a humor writing contest and much to my surprise, I won. This generated many more stories and articles, resulting in a freelance contract with the local newspaper, and publication in magazines and anthologies. How different my life was as I whittled away at my "to do" list. Had I not lost my job at the bank, I might never have experienced these new undertakings.

Yes, having a fulfilling career is important, but it is no longer my reason for being. When I rejoin the rat race, it will be on my terms. Having simplified my life, I am enjoying living now, instead of just existing to make a living.

Is there life after banking? You bet there is. And, I have only just begun.

The best is yet to come.

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