Today I celebrated a rather unique anniversary.

One year ago today I lost my job.

Not a rare occurrence in this economy I know, however the circumstances were…

After ten years of service, corporate America broke me. Well, more like they broke my hands. To be precise, the environment and culture caused severe bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. As it turns out, typing eight hours a day is not the healthiest of arrangements.

Right about now your thinking to self that almost everyone sits in front of keyboard for the duration of their day, right? Indeed they might, but not everyone spends their day monitoring an internet ‘Live Chat’ session. Oh and don’t let the singular use of the word ‘chat’ fool  you – at any given moment I was chatting with at least three clients at the same time. Couple that with the fact that I was required to answer & log phone calls (yep, also at the same time) – every moment of my day was spent typing.

In the beginning the corporation was supportive. However, here, in the United States – a company is under no obligation to hold your job after the timer for Family/Medical Leave expires. Unfortunately my timer ran out three days before I was scheduled for my second hand surgery. Two choices were presented: Go back to work, or loose my job. Not being one to do anything half-hearted I opted to go forward with the surgery.

After all, everything happens for a reason right?

Once I moved past the sorrow of loosing something I had worked so hard for I would face another choice. Come spring I would receive a clean bill of health and would find myself in need of employment. Should I reapply with the same company? HR informed I could. I was also informed that if a position was available – I would interview as a new hire. Yep, I would get to start from the ground up.

The right choice seemed pretty clear at that moment.

In reflection I realize that the corporation’s indifference was the greatest benefit they ever bestowed upon me. They knew I was ambitious. They knew I was independent and disciplined. They also knew that it was only a matter of time before I recognized those characteristics in myself. These days I like to think that they knew I was destined for something far more creative then a life as a technical support specialist.

As it turns out loosing my job has been the best thing to ever happened to me. Come March 1st 2012 I look forward to celebrating another anniversary – one year of being self employed.

On that anniversary I look forward to reflecting on how blessed I am to have the encouragement and support of some of the most amazing people I have had the privilege to work with, meet, and befriend. Allow me to thank you in advance. Without you, I am just some unemployed chick with a whole lot of yarn and spinning fiber.