Learning and Re-Learning: The story of being let go
I joined with some aspirations and dreams. I worked hard to foster relationships with clients that one could be envious of, created a culture within the team where both success and failure were celebrated with pride and hopefully left a legacy that can create some meaningful change.
I won't rant about how good or bad my organization was, nor will I engage in negativity about leadership. I will however talk about the freedom that came with being let go, or if one were to be so crass, fired. This is the story of that day.
It was a Monday morning and I found myself in a better mood than most days. I was finally going to get some face time with the boss who otherwise had ignored the team, the role and me for 6 odd months. I was hoping to finally find out why that was and probably if all went well, apologize for what I did wrong and just get on with life. But, to my surprise (not that much actually) I was let go, rather unceremoniously I might add.
If there was one thing that actually stuck to me and made me feel terrible was being called Sensitive. That hurt. But upon an internal review that I did with myself of what transpired during the day, I realised that being sensitive was a strength and what was perceived as my sensitivity was actually empathy and all that realisation did was to make my chest swell with pride. I had and have spoken about empathy for so long I never realised how much of that I was actually putting into practice.
The learning that came with being let go was simple and something that I had heard Simon Sinek speak about in one of his talks. He said that sometimes when you stick your neck out for what is right you pay the price. I am glad I did, I will, however, say this there always two sides to a story and I am sure my organization will have a version of the truth as I am sure I do too. Nothing they say or I should be taken at face value if you must talk to both parties to fully understand what transpired. But only the truth counts. I am proud of the work we did, all that we accomplished no matter how small or big I know now it made an impact. I will forever be grateful for the experience and the insights. The best lesson in life is the ones you learn of what not to do and who not to be.
That said, the future is uncertain, I will shift my perspective a little as I am a little wiser for it. Wish me luck and bid me farewell if you must for I won't stop being who I am.
See you all on the other side. Hopefully still employed.
