For those who don’t know, I was laid off from my job last week. No warning, no notice, just “Your position has been eliminated, effective today.”
It felt like someone dunked my head underwater, because my mind went blank. I couldn’t focus, couldn’t think, all I wanted to do was to be left alone.
Of all the emotions that came to mind, though, anger was not one of them. I know, I know – I’m as surprised as you are. But I wasn’t angry. I was blindsided more than anything, but definitely not angry.
I’m lucky that I am one of those people who never defines themselves by the jobs they hold or the salary they make. I feel confident. In fact, I am overwhelmed by possibility. Not too many people get the chance to take some time to figure out what they want to be when they grow up. But I do.
This break in full-time employment gives me a chance to really think about where I want to take this blog and the associated movement that is The Young Mommy Life. What really matters? Where can we go next? Scholarships? Workshops? Books? E-books? Documentaries? The sky is the freakin’ limit.
But this also gives me a chance to reexamine my #1 role as Mommy. My kids mean the world to me and they are growing up faster than I would like. Can I make my own career? Can I work and still be with them as much as possible?
So on the eve of my 25th birthday, I will take the next few weeks to regroup and reflect on the new path I’m on.
Watch what happens next. 
Yes..certainly a blessing in disguise. Often times these events happen to show us what we are really called to do. I just found your blog and your platform is awesome and much needed. I have no doubt you can turn your passion into purpose. Well wishes!
.-= Mimi´s last blog ..Wordless WednesdayMy Faves from the Past Week =-.
You are absolutely FABULOUS! Your outlook and positive attitude is exactly what makes you such a wonderful young woman, mother, wife, daughter and friend. This blog has already taken you to places I’m sure you only dreamed of. Contine being consistent and The Young Mommy Life will be known woldwide! If the 16 and Pregnant show can attract as much attention as it has I know that what ever you put out will smash their efforts! You have my Full support.
I have been reading your blog the last week or two. I really enjoy it. Being laid off is scary but I bet you are excited to spend some time with the kids! Good luck and best wishes with everything!
I went through the same thing almost 2 years ago after getting laid off, it was really sudden and I didn’t know what I was going to do from there. I had just given birth to my son and at first I was devastated, but thank God my husband had a great job and I was able to stay at home with my son and focus on being a better mother and on earning my degree. Well needless to say God does work in mysterious ways because as of now I have received a full ride tuition to get my degree online and I feel like everything that happened when I got laid off was a blessing in disguise. So keep your head up, maybe this is God’s way of doing his will in your life. Good luck and God Bless!
Tara, I have been laid off since March and it has been an emotional roller coaster. The day to day of it has been hard, but when I look at what I’ve been able to do over the last eight months with my writing and with my family, I know that even the layoff has been a blessing. As much as my little one drives me nuts, I know that I wouldn’t have been able to share this time with him otherwise. Even though I plan to get back to a full time job, I’ve been able to really get my writing career underway with some exciting projects. You are much more solid in what you are doing than I was at the time so I know that you will use this time to be even more fabulous than you already are.
I’m so sorry to hear about your job…with no notice! Horrible! But I love your attitude. it really could be a blessing in disguise and you and focus on what you REALLY want to do…whatever that may be. Good luck!
.-= Jen @ After The Alter´s last blog ..My Motherhood Fears =-.
WOW WEE! So courageous and inspiring!
I LOVE your fierceness! Ouch! Yes, honey, this *is* a blessing in disguise. And you do have the opportunity to think about where you want this blog to go and how you can get it there. You are awesome, and your awesome-ness will transend where ever you go. This is the beginning to something tremendous, and I feel blessed to be apart of it.
Whoa…No notice, speechless is all I have to say. Tara god had BIG things in store for you, your family and your blog. 25 was a fantastic year for me and I believe in my heart this will be the same for you!
I am of course, saddened to hear about the end of your employment, but happy that you are seeing the positive in a situation which could have really left you down and out. You are lucky that you have the ability to take some time and reflect on your situation and the future and of course spend time with your children. Can’t wait to see what is up next!
Wow, your outlook on this is so very positive. I am so very sorry to hear that this happened to you; I know how you felt when you heard the news. I was laid off from my one of my jobs back in 2008. I was too surprized to be upset (they basically told me that my job was terminated and had me out of the door in the same 15 minutes). I was actually happy because I was bored with it and I thought of it as an opportunity to look at other things.
I wish nothing but good things for you in the future. You are right, this is a good time to take a moment and consider all the good possibilities that exist:)
As someone that has been laid off a few times, I congratulate you on your attitude. I’ve learned that being laid off really can be a blessing in disguise. You are an incredible mother and this is an opportunity to refocus your skills and abilities to other avenues. I don’t doubt that you can keep yourself busy but spend some time relaxing and recuperating. Being a working mother is hard and sometimes we have to use the break that God has given us. Congrats on having other avenues of opportunity opened for you.