My to-do list is a completely crazy mix of job search and holiday tasks! It just doesn’t seem possible that just 6 weeks ago I was up to my ears in work and trying to figure out when I would even think about heading home for the holidays. I feel like there is a before November 8th and an after life now.
I’ve come to terms with the layoff and a part of me is grateful for the holidays as a distraction. I am totally committed to actually enjoying the holidays this year which is a HUGE silver lining of the timing of the layoffs.
At Walgreens, I was responsible for the post-Christmas clearance events so the holidays were always stressful to make sure I had the item and store lists for each event – post Christmas, Hannukah, New Years and Three Kings – and that each promo event had the correct item discount rates and correct store lists. The lists were ALWAYS a challenge – one year, I worked on Christmas morning to make sure the Puerto Rico stores got the right items/discounts because they gave me their lists late on Christmas Eve! So while I always go home for the holidays, I was always working and missed out on a lot.
This year, I’m all about being fully present with my family for a change. I’ve made plans to lunch with cousins I recently reconnected with. I’m doing a 5K with another cousin – just the 2 of us! We ordered finishing medals online and everything! I’m hoping to take my nephews bowling. It’s going to be a joy to be able to go to all the Christmas activities with everyone and not be so distracted.
And while I have been seriously looking/networking for the job search for the last 4 weeks, after the holidays, I’m going to double down. So look out – if you need a great marketing person, I’m heading your way!
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