Laid Off and Lost: Ground Control to Major Tom

In 1969, David Bowie released a song entitled “Space Oddity.”   The song’s lyrics speak to an astronaut who is launched on a rocket ship into space, orbiting earth, reminiscing about being in a tin can far above our planet and missing his wife when, suddenly, he loses contact with ground control and remains lost in orbit; lost in space.

I was thinking about this song soon after I was let go from my position as an Executive Director at a major healthcare firm, and then again, after a couple of months had passed by.   I missed my team, I missed the culture, I felt as if I had been jettisoned into space without a rope or safety net.  I was on my own with little direction or paths other than knowing I needed to find another job or something else to do.  Should I retire?  Do I have enough savings?  What am I going to do that is meaningful for the rest of my life? Hadn’t I paid my dues?  Why me?

Any of you reading this might relate to one or more of these feelings.  And you know what; it’s very normal!  The good news is that you will likely figure it out.  But while you are going through this process, seek all the support you can from friends and family and seek professional help if you need it.  This is a very uncomfortable place to be.  Yet, when you find your next journey many, if not all, of your fears will dissipate.  Hang in there!

 
"Here am I floating 'round my tin can, far above the moon. Planet Earth is blue, and there's nothing I can do.” - Alex