It has been a while since I last posted. I’ve been following this community for ages. I’ve even almost written a post a few times. Today, I’ve finally plucked up the courage, and I’m sharing some news with you.
A week ago, my husband and I returned from a long-awaited holiday in Spain. Before that, he had been away on a military deployment for six months, and when he came back, there had been some changes in his life. Even more changes lay ahead. He had put off making that decision until after he returned from holiday. But the changes in my life came sooner. We were on our way to Toledo when my manager texted me saying there was an important conversation to have. I called him back straight away, as the tone of the message didn’t bode well. Sure enough, they had decided to let me go. Incidentally, him too, and a few other staff members as well.
Well, shit happens. I knew it would happen sooner or later, but it was still painful news. My husband’s military pay isn’t enough to support the two of us. On top of that, we have two mothers who constantly need financial help. Equally unpleasant was the way the company chose to inform us of the contract termination – via a letter sent through the Zoho People HRMS system. This is despite the fact that there are very few people in the company’s Ukrainian office – fewer than 30.
So, my last day at work will be 13 May. Just a few days before my birthday, which will be just as gloomy as my holiday. Or not... 🤔
I have mixed feelings about leaving. Part of me feels a great sense of relief at the thought that I will no longer be working in this toxic, male-dominated environment. All this time, because of the war, I lacked the courage to leave on my own. Now I am free! Another part of me thinks that now a potential employer has experience on one side of the scales and my age (50+) on the other. Which will tip the balance? I don’t know. I feel tired, sad, but also excited. Maybe I should change careers? Try something completely different? There are so many thoughts running through my head.
I don’t know if I can afford to take a break or a tiny pause, or start preparing for interviews. Meanwhile, I will definitely have more time for Hive. Wish me good luck, and stay tuned for more news. As my favourite character from the series "The Marvelous Mrs Maisel" says – "Tits up!"
