Not What I Expected

I got laid off from my last architectural job in April of 2010. Although I hate the sentiment "everything happens for a reason" on a molecular level, I believe that having the decision made for me, in this case, was a really good thing. Given the choice between continuing on in a career field I hated to the point of physical illness, just to maintain a steady paycheck and some illusion of security, or venturing into the Great Unknown, I would have chosen the paycheck.

I was let go 2 weeks before a (planned) major surgery that would leave me unable to work for 6 weeks. When I was ready to start looking for a job again, I realized I had become permanently unemployable in the architecture field- I mean, who wants to hire someone who hasn't worked for 2 months? Such a person is obviously not a good choice, if nobody picked them up for 2 months (Sarcasm Meter set to "kill")!

I managed to obtain one interview for a Project Manager position, and put on my best (though completely false) "I'D REALLY LOVE TO WORK HERE" face, but they must have seen right through it. Applying for positions below my experience level have proven pointless.

This summer, on my birthday, my Architect's license will expire, and I have no intention of renewing it.

You might think, from reading this, that I am completely depressed and hopeless, but I assure you, that is the farthest thing from the truth. In two months, my husband and I are moving to Europe. I can honestly say I have no idea what we'll do for money past the 90 days' worth we have saved.

I can't wait. :D