losing your job (without debt) ain't that bad

The last couple of days I've been thinking about the fact that despite the fact I've been laid off, right now is probably the best time for it to have happened to me.

As of 1/3/08 - "I'm Debt free!" so unlike other times when I've quit a job whilst being deep in debt - because I hated it - yet had no new job set up . This time, I have no job set up BUT I also have no debt.

My lease is up about a month after my final paycheck and I usually pay my rent early ( like this weekend) So I'll have a month to think about where I'll go. A relative has already offered to allow me to stay at their place.

And not to be a 'Negative-Nelly' but, I pretty much hated my job so it was a bit of a relief this past week going in and knowing that the angry person on the other line, or the letter from an attorney asking for $1000's of dollars for something I personally believe is B.S. - will not be my problem in about 2 months.

There is also the fact that I really don't want to spend my 30's 'working my way up the corporate ladder' I'd much rather start my own business - where the only boss to answer to is me - rather than answering to umpteen levels of management I currently have to endure.

So overall, so far, losing my job for the first time (rather than quitting) hasn't been that bad of an experience.

So I got fired today...

Well technically 'I was made aware that my position has been terminated under the new company restructuring'

It was kind of surreal, I knew the minute my bosses boss tapped me on the shoulder - there was something up. And then when he took me into the little conference room with my bosses, bosses boss in it and an HR lady I've never seen in my life, I knew exactly what the 'talk' was going to be about.

I wasn't the only one who got the walking papers today, my old boss (who got promoted a year ago) got called into the small conference room too. They said about 45 people altogether were getting the pink slip.

In a sense I was fairly relieved because they told me I could take the rest of the day off and I don't have a final, final day at work until about 2 months from now.

I've told the fiance the wedding is off until I find a new job but, she doesn't want to tell anyone until the two months is up.

So many things going through my mind right now but, one main thought is
- on a certain level, I do not want to be dependent on someone else or some corporation for my paycheck from this point forward. I need my independence.

The other thought that comes to mind is - a brother needs to eat...and pay the rent...and pay the other bills...

I know I'll get through this - I just pray I get through it sooner rather than later.