I’ve been sacked and I need cheering up.

[TheLightSideOfTheMoon]

It comes after 9 months of horrendous bullying and I was genuinely relieved when I was told I was suspended.

Causes for suspension are kind of weird (one a complete lie and one clearly a miscommunication) and there’s no point dwelling on them.

Told today I’ve been sacked. Instant relief.

Have a new job to go to, lovely weather and a supportive partner.

However, I feel odd.

Tell me lovely uplifting stories?

New job new start. Reflect when you have distanced yourself. Everyone is replaceable; I never forget that fact. Don’t allow any negativity to invade your new work place.

Do you get any time off before you start the new job? Why not plan something really nice/special for yourself - you deserve it! And spend a few minutes feeling smug about never having to go back there.

Sounds like you're leaving a very toxic environment. How lovely your future will be away from it! Allow a little bit of grief and detachment, it's ok to feel odd. For now, do little things that you enjoy (a nice cup of tea.. fifteen minutes with a good book... music or tv) and know that your future will be filled with many more enjoyable moments and no more bullying! 🥂

That was me in 2015. In my case, square peg in a round hole and they just didn't know what to do with me. And I was in the grip of peri menopause tho didn't realise it and neither did anyone else at the time.

When I was called in and told what was going to happen and handed the letter it was a relief. I knew it was in the air because of the way people had been skirting round me and simply not including me in projects.

Before I went in to the 'conversation' I privately did the Power Pose thing (stand like Wonder Woman, head up, hands on hips, smile, deep breaths) and it so helped.

I was able to maintain my dignity and stay calm and polite, even offering assistance with handover for an event the following day, which was accepted. They thanked me for how I'd behaved (well, references, possible mending bridges etc are important).

There was a severance package of several months wages in lieu of notice which helped - have a calm look at your finances and see how you're placed now and immediate future.

Not having to get on the train at 06.40 the next day and schlep to London was brilliant! Sitting in a cafe with my OH and planning what to do next 👏

And it gave me the impetus to push on with developing two businesses, and step away from the employee world - until last year when post lockdown finances meant I needed to dip a toe in again.

But I don't think I realised how it had truly affected me until I took a new contract, my first since that time, last year.

I realise I was constantly on edge wondering if I was enough, doing enough, doing well enough. With three months to go on the contract that is still a noise albeit a quieter one at the back of my mind.

So.

Congratulations on the new job!

For anyone in the same situation not yet having a job lined up:

Decide what you want.

Polish up that CV and describe your terminated role as a 'fixed term contract'. I do. It's fine. I believe it myself, now!

Look at suitable job interviews and ensure their current keywords for your field are on your CV and get it into all those recruitment sites. It will help them find you instead of you seeking them.

In parallel, look at starting your own business. You can do both as I'm doing, just tell the tax man. Never again put all your eggs in one basket and aim at multiple income streams. Your employer is not your friend.

All the best for the rest of your life!

👏👏👏