I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 17

I never saw it coming, but it happened last Friday. Perhaps it was the weather. We woke up to a beautiful, crisp day in Michigan. It was beginning to feel like fall and the changing seasons always did invigorate me. Maybe that’s why I’ve stayed planted in Michigan so long, despite the bitter cold of winter.

When I woke up on Friday, the stress and underlying anxiety I’ve felt since being laid off in January seemed to have disappeared. I’m not sure where it went, and I sure hope it doesn’t find its way back! In fact, despite the uncertainty that comes with owning my own business, I found myself thinking that layoff just may have been the best thing that ever happened to me.  

Let’s break down the 24 hours leading up to this:

9:00 a.m., Thursday, I went to the dentist for my semi-annual checkup. No cavities! Off to a good start!

1:30 p.m., Thursday, I went to a client meeting, where I was told I had earned my fee in the value I provided two weeks into a four week project. Not bad for the ego! I’ll still show up next week.

4:30 p.m., Thursday, I discovered my favorite apple orchard had opened for the season. Now, if you’re not from Michigan, you may not understand how loyal we are to our favorite caramel apples and cider donuts. They’re only available for a limited time every year, people! I scored my favorite, nutty chocolate chip caramel apple, and headed home.

6:00 p.m., Thursday, I drove carpool duty for my son’s football team. I love football season! GO LANCERS!!!

9:00 p.m., Thursday, I arrived home from carpool duty to find my favorite pasta take out waiting for me. GO HUSBAND!!!

7:30 a.m., Friday, I met a great friend for breakfast. As she filled me in on the latest office drama and politics, I realized how thankful I am to be removed from it all. The last drama in the Marketing Flexibility office revolved around who ate the last Oreo (I’m looking at you, interns)!

10:00 a.m., Friday, I met a former colleague for coffee. As we discussed his new venture, my new company, and shared ideas, I felt the last regret and disappointment slip away. In fact, I realized that I had been unsatisfied, restless and feeling stuck for two years prior to being downsized. Hmm. Maybe everything does happen for a reason?

As I write this, an intern just lifted a Crispy Fudge Mint off from my desk. I tell you, if it’s not an Oreo, it’s a Crispy Fudge Mint! The drama around here never ends!

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach me at kris@marketingflexibility.com.

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 16

I’m writing today from 30,000 feet, on an airplane somewhere over Minnesota. It’s been a long time since I’ve traveled on a business trip, but here I sit, on my way to Salt Lake City to support a Marketing Flexibility client at a tradeshow. And as I travel, I’m considering what a long journey this year has been. Together, my family and I have weathered some storms and conquered some mountains. I’m truly blessed to have them.

It’s a strange thing to travel. I can’t help but watch the strangers around me and wonder where they’re going; what personal journey they may be on this year. Are they happy? Are they sad? Whatever their journey, I hope they are as blessed with family and friends as I am.

Next to me sits a young man, maybe 20 years old. He’s traveling alone, fidgeting and flipping through a Sky Mall magazine while listening to his iPod. I wonder where he’s going today, and I hope it’s someplace good. Several rows ahead, a mother is trying to sooth her crying baby. I want to say, “don’t rush it, the time goes by all too quickly”. Our son will turn 13 this year, and I don’t know where the time has gone. Across the aisle sits a beautiful little girl, about the same age as our 8-year-old daughter. She looks happy, and we share some stolen glances and smiles. I think she’s with grandma, and they seem happy to be sharing each other’s company.

Somewhere on the plane is the couple I saw stealing kisses at the gate. Are they on their honeymoon? Perhaps it’s an anniversary. I see business travelers who are all business. In a hurry. Gotta get where they’re going to close the deal. I want to tell them to slow down and enjoy life. That I learned a valuable lesson this year about time and priorities. But, that lesson may come on their own personal journey.

156 people on the same plane, traveling, at least for a short time, to the same city. All on their own paths and on their own journeys. I feel good today, like this year is just the beginning of my amazing journey.

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach me at kris@marketingflexibility.com.