i just got fired and my self-esteem is shot to hell

[fizzgig]

i'd been there for 4.5 years and they let me go yesterday. i had wanted to be in this field since i was 6 and now i feel like i wasted the last 9 years of my life between college and working there.

i loved my work but hated the damn job...i don't even know if i want to stay in my field because i just don't think i can cut it. i feel like an utter failure right now. i know it's going to be for the better (especially for my mental health) but i still feel like this.

sigh

anyone have advice?

[hedgehog]

1. I didn't post an answer at first because I don't have an answer.

Believe me, been there, done that! I can tell you this; there are offices and companies out there with a toxic corporate culture. Once you get away from them and are around normal people you'll be better able to see that it really was them all along and not you.

[fizzgig]

3. thanks, hedgehog

toxic is a fantastic way to describe what that work environment...i dreaded going in there everyday. thing is, i was to scared to leave (the uncertainty of it), so this is going to end up being a good thing

[AngryOldDem]

2. I suggest take a bit of time for yourself.

Like hedgehog, I saw your post and didn't respond right away because I really don't know what else to say, either.

It's easy to offer platitudes but that is of little use to you right now, I imagine. Just step back, take a deep breath, and then explore all your options -- even those that seem far-fetched right now. I firmly believe that things happen for a reason, although that reason may not always be readily apparent.

I'll be thinking of you, FWIW.

[fizzgig]

4. thank you

i spent saturday through tuesday just taking care of myself, having fun and taking stock of the situation. i'm starting to get the ball rolling again for financial reasons, but i'm still not going great guns yet

eta: i also believe things happen for a reason. i can't see the reason yet, but i'm sure it will come with time

[hedgehog]

5. So, are things looking any better today?

Check out your state's Department of Labor for job listings. New York posts all it's listings on line and you can arrange dailye-mail alerts when a job you'd like turns up.

[fizzgig]

6. things are better today, thank you

i've gotten a handful of resumes sent out already and posted them on a few job boards. i am looking everywhere i can think of, but it never occurred to me to check out the dept of labor, i'll to that tomorrow. thanks for the suggestion

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

7. I'm so sorry! Can you file for unemployment?

I was let go from a job where I'd only been for 4 mos., but I was able to claim unemployment.

Good luck!