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A Seasonal Recap
Answering the questions no one asked
In the United States, the month of November is viewed by many as a month of reflection and gratitude, thanks to a holiday with arguably dubious origins. I was raised with the white-washed version of the celebration of the harvest with new friends in a new land. It has become a time for often gluttonous feasting with family (for better or worse) and friends. But, despite some of the more questionable aspects of the holiday, it affords us a time and the poignant reminder to be actively appreciative — to say thank you for what we have — and for that reason I will always celebrate this special occasion.
I am thankful things that I didn’t expect to be experience this year. But, we’ll need to back the story up to September…
It was then that a position became available with the American Cancer Society on the very event staff team I supported as a nearly full-time volunteer last year. As soon as our dear Olivia announced that she had accepted another position in the organization, I expressed my interest in her vacated one.
Having taken a long and needed break from paid work starting in September 2019, due to a chronic pain condition, I felt at last ready to return to the workforce — especially in light of the opportunity to do most or much of what I’d been doing as a volunteer. I was hired fairly quickly — with me, apparently, being the only one unsure if they would indeed cast me in the new role. Everyone else were “sure I’d get it” and rejoiced in my appointment.
Just a few days before my set start date, my wife was devastated to be on the receiving end of one of those calls — the “we’re making some changes in the organization by eliminating your position” call. After more than 27 years in various roles with her organization, she was unceremoniously dumped. Not just her, but a myriad of similarly tenured people with higher salaries and larger amounts of annual paid-time-off. It was obvious to everyone (except her) what they were doing: lowering costs in the fourth quarter at the expense of sacking long-time loyal employees.
Our excitement of being a two-income household once again after a long break of just scraping by to accommodate both my physical and mental health crashed. I watched the woman I love crushed by…
