For the last 2.5 years, I’ve had a job I enjoy, and colleagues I dig, and an awesome boss. The next 2.5, in which I intended to get my Master’s degree and grow professionally, are up in the air now.
About two weeks ago, I realized that pouring my heart into my career doesn’t guarantee anything. About two weeks ago, we got the news that layoffs were coming to our hallowed halls. I know that losing my job, especially at 24, isn’t a death sentence. But it is sobering and I’m feeling disillusioned about all the things I thought were true. The things I used to believe, like: if you’re lucky enough to find a job you love and are good at, everything will work out to your advantage. Now I sound like my parents: no matter how cool you think your job is, it’s still just a job. When push comes to shove, there is a constellation of things more important to your company than you.
I wonder what other lessons the U.S.’s Gen Y, who grew up in a time of unprecedented national (if not personal) prosperity, will take away from this recession.