Change Will Happen

As appropriate as President elect Barack Obama's campaign slogan was, it is also appropriate in my life with my current circumstances. After watching the history-making election results, I cried sweet tears of joy and awe at what we Americans had succeeded in doing on that fateful day bringing hope to our nation when we needed it the most. I knew the hope I felt in my heart was one of great change that would face this nation in the months ahead. I did not anticipate the change that would fall upon me just two short weeks after the election.



Some people like to blame the election of Obama to the highest office in the United States for the layoffs plaguing are nation and even hitting close to home at my job at Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant. I, in fact, was chosen to spend this winter indoors back at my office. It is not considered a layoff, but Tetra Tech is downsizing their field staff to match the available workload, which is a direct correlation to the nations economy. The demolition company has cut most of the laborers and heavy equipment operators for the winter.



For me, the loss of my position came as a surprise since I was in place to lead an area that is independent from the demolition company. I knew some staff would have to be let go because too much busy work has been completed during the last few weeks and months, but I was safe once work began in my area. I was exilerated to have the opportunity to prove my ability as a project manager. The slap in the face came Monday morning when I was told in the morning meeting that work was to begin that day, but then I received a phone call from my boss stating that I was a victim of the downsizing. Rage flowed through my body and the dark angel on my shoulder voiced the opinion that I should leave and never look back, but the voice of reason, my husband's, spoke in my head saying do not make any rash decisions and do not burn bridges. Once I calmed down, I realized that if I finish out the rest of the week with a positive attitude, then I might have the chance to reutrn once work picks up in the spring.