The Next Chapter: My Layoff Story

This morning, like most mornings, I thought about what I would blog about today.

Maybe I’d blog about how I got on the scale this morning and finally hit my pre-marathon weight.

Maybe I’d blog about National Running Day.

This morning, I had planned on taking a 30/60/90 class and running there and back, but alas, I overslept.

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I made some cookie dough oatmeal and brought it to work.

I was settling in with my oatmeal and my iced coffee when my phone rang. It was HR, and I was wanted upstairs immediately.

You know how I’ve been alluded to having some rough times lately with work? Well, I got laid off this morning.

A few months ago, it was announced that my (now former) company was bought by Hearst, another magazine company. Since February, I’ve known that there was a possibility today was coming. My emotions have been a roller coaster, but I’ve kept most of that off of the blog for both professional reasons and because I didn’t want to wallow over something I had no control over. In some ways, I’m relieved. Relieved that the few months of purgatory are over.

I’d also be lying if I said I wasn’t a wee bit scared for the future, but I am also excited. (Honestly.) I have some freelance work lined up and lots of leads for both projects and positions. I also plan on blogging a lot more and putting way more effort into my blog in this interim period, partially because I’d love to continue growing it and partially because it’s such a good release. Also, there are worse times of the year to get laid off. I plan on getting a pretty badass tan, too.

So…here’s where you come in. If you have or know of any job or project leads in NYC (or telecommuting), I’d love to hear about them. You can e-mail me at theodora@theodorablanchfield.com. And thank you so much for the kind words I’ve already received on Facebook and Twitter.

And now? It’s time to get SWEATY. I am going out for a fabulous clearing-the-head run. Um, happy National Running Day??

39 comments on “The Next Chapter: My Layoff Story

  1. Katy Widrick

    You know where you can work on that badass tan? Florida. Where you’ll find sun and friendly faces 🙂

    Sorry, friend. But I know this will lead to great things for you.

    Reply
  2. Ali

    I’m so sorry that you got laid off today, but I am PUMPED about your awesome, positive attitude toward the situation. You are going to find something so great and I can’t wait to watch as you take over the world.

    Have a fabulous run, and let’s toast soon to an exciting, anything-is-possible future.

    Reply
  3. Becky

    I know that feeling. Nerves, anxiety, and excitement for the future. I actually got laid off in February, but I have to work until my current contract ends this month. Then the tanning/job searching will continue through the summer. It’s definitely not easy and my thoughts are with you today, but I know great things are around the corner. I can’t think of a better way to deal than a sweaty run.

    Reply
  4. Sana

    Please cry and let out those feelings, you are so amazing and so positive. I am soo excited for your future, but getting laid off just sucks!

    Reply
    1. Theodora Post author

      @Sana: Oh don’t worry, I got a good cry in saying my goodbyes, and I suspect that this will be a run of blood (I seem to always kick myself in the ankles), sweat and tears.

      Reply
  5. Beth @ Beth's Journey

    Corny as it may seem, everything does happen for a reason. I know for a fact that you’re going to come out of this happier and better off than you were at your job before now.

    Also, come visit DC!! I have a really sweet pool that is open from 11-8 every single day… just sayin’.

    Reply
  6. ashleigh

    Awww, that REALLY sucks that you got laid off because it seems like you enjoyed your job. You seem really positive about the situation though, so I am sure it’s for the best and that big things will happen for you soon!

    Reply
  7. mindy

    Michigan has some pretty quality beaches and lots sunshine. Just sayin’.

    Definitely lousy news, but you’ll get through this with flying colors, girl!

    Reply
  8. Meg G

    I am so sorry to hear about this. I am also a firm believer in everything happening for a reason. Enjoy your time in finding something new, I’ll keep my eyes open for you. I hope you had a great run.

    Reply
  9. Chelsea @ Go Chelsea Go

    Theodora, you are amazing! I saw your tweet earlier and was so sad that you got laid off. Then, after reading this post, I became so excited for you because with your positive attitude, so many opportunities will be opened for you. Can’t wait to see what GREAT things the future brings you!

    Reply
  10. Jenn Brigole

    Aww.. But what possibilities lie ahead of you. Be sure to take pictures and show of that tan ok? 🙂 Maybe you could even ride your bike more now. When I’m feeling a little down, I usually grab my bike and sweat all the negativities and by the time I get home, I feel relaxed and more energized. Hope you too can find the same result. The sun’s calling you. Cheers! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Laurie

    Bummer!
    But, what a great attitude, seriously, laid off during beach weather.
    Good luck, will be thinking about you and looking forward to more blog posts.

    Reply
  12. Carol Blanchfield

    Now here is a comment from your Mother,
    Let’s plan some real Mother and Daughter time,
    New York New York it’s a wonderful City,
    top down on the Volvo and down the shore
    we go, and let’s not forget traveling, maybe even look
    for a vacation house!!

    Love
    Mom

    Reply
  13. Emily

    Ugh…being laid off sucks. Despite that, I know this will lead to even better things for you. I can’t wait to read about the journey.

    Reply
  14. Ky G

    Sending my prayers that you get through this with very VERY few struggles.

    You’re awesome so I know what God has intended for you will come to you. 😉

    Reply
  15. Maggie

    Sorry to hear about your being laid off. Sounds like you have a great attitude about it, I’m sure you’ll land on your feet!

    Reply
  16. Dorry

    Great attitude, T! I’m excited for you to see what comes next in your life. I was laid off from a job in May 2009 and it was THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED! Seriously. So keep up the positivity and know that something amazing is around the corner. Hope you had a great run! xo

    Reply
  17. Amanda @ The Beauty Notebooks

    I wish you the best after today. Things happen for a reason, and almost always the outcome is better than you could have ever thought because it leads to new opportunities and learning. With your positivity, I am sure you will go far!

    Reply
  18. Fit Chick in the City

    So sorry this happened! With your made skills I’m sure there’s something fantastic waiting for you just around the corner. Also, glad that Natasha is a great resource for you. She’s one smart cookie!

    Reply
  19. Jaclyn

    I’m so sorry. Tuesday was my last day, I was laid off too 🙁 and it sucks. You do what you can/have to….keep your head up and something will come along !

    Reply
  20. LoriV. @ For the Run of It

    Hi, new to your blog! I’m sorry to hear this news right off the bat! What a bummer. My husband was laid off awhile back and while it’s a drastic and scary situation to be faced with, it’s also been a great chance for self discovery. I hope you’re able to find a bit of peace and a new (better) opportunity soon. In the meantime, try and take time to embrace this “opportunity” for it could be a great gift. Good luck!

    Reply
  21. Alison @ The Peacock Diaries

    I am so late to this post (left for vacation on 6/1)but I’m so sorry this happened! It sounds like you have the right attitude about it (and based on your mom’s adorable comment, I think I see where you get it from!) It is an opportunity for something new, maybe a bit of adventure.

    I’m looking forward to hearing about what is next for you! And selfishly, excited for more blogging 🙂

    Reply
  22. cassie

    so sorry to hear you were recently laid off.. everything in life happens for a reason.. you will have your good and bad days, but at they end of the day you will rise above it.. i work in publishing as well.. on the marketing side.. i will email you a few suggestions, not sure which dept you are in..

    Reply

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