As we go through the joys and challenges of life we build resilience or hopefully we do.
This week I had a test of my resilience when I was told on Monday, September 20 that my part time position at my company was being eliminated effective October 4, 2021.
Starting in September 2019 I converted to part time status to begin my phased retirement which I called my Encore Career. Encore is actually part of the URL for this blog.
I was planning to continue working at this part time position until early next year, so this was started a little early, I got two years working with the team and mentoring them so they could continue to develop and have success in the future. I think I accomplished that and I am extremely proud.
I have worked with the Xerox Client for the better part of 11 years, from the earliest implementation days to the early ongoing period, then I was off to a few more assignments and four years ago I rejoined the team to be the Defined Benefit Manager, when I went part time my title was Consultant.
My manager told me at my review and yesterday that the team “loved” me. I am humbled by that but I “love” them too their dedication to the participants in the pension plan and the client are excellent, that is why I know they will be successful in the future.
I continue to train for my half marathon in two and a half weeks, I ran ten miles on Sunday and four miles today.
Sunday’s Run 
Tuesday Run
I also continue to bake weekly, this week I made Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and gave them out to the neighbors and handed out at the support group meeting on Monday night
I also like to do puzzles, the latest butterfly puzzle was very challenging and I had put it aside a few times when we had company over.
We visited my Mom on Saturday, September 19, 2021, she has recently been doing good which is a joy to see, we took her outside to enjoy the beautiful garden and waterfall in the back courtyard of the facility she is in.
As you go through the challenges that you run into you build your stamina and resilience we use that resiience to get through the challenges you encounter in the future. I believe that the resilience helped me get through the shock of being laid off. It is hard to leave the job but more importantly the people on such short notice but I am sure I will continue to enjoy my Encore Career and the opportunities that present themselves in the future.
Be well and stay safe and healthy – enjoy every moment.
I know that the notification of the elimination of your part time position was not expected and must be difficult to absorb. I wish you the best as you embark on this next chapter and I hope it will bring you its own joys!