Ten Reasons I'm Thankful I Lost My Job

10. It motivated me
On July 29, I lost my job at an advertising agency. I had worked there for almost four years, and I was completely miserable. But given the economic climate, I was too scared to venture out on my own. In essence, I was hamstrung by my paycheck, unwilling to take a salary reduction, even if it meant pursuing my own interests and ideally, increasing my satisfaction and wellness. Having the job push me out instead gave me the kick in the pants I needed to explore new directions, reach out to new people, and learn new skills.

9. It reminded me who my friends are
The day I lost my job, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends and family-and even from people that weren't close to me, like my landlord. But what really struck me is the support I've continued to have in the months since. It helped me separate what was just words and what was true concern from people that truly care. And it is great to know that when it really counts, I have wonderful people propping me up.

8. It helped me rediscover my own strength
My job had me feeling beaten down on a daily basis. I felt undervalued and largely helpless. Venturing out on my own has allowed me to reclaim my destiny. I no longer feel subject to someone else's path for me. While I still have obligations to be met, being unemployed and then self-employed has put me back in the driver's seat. I feel in charge of myself and my time. And that's an awesome feeling.

7. It opened me up to new avenues
When I was a full-time employee, there were many other interests I wanted to pursue; I just didn't have the time. I wanted to volunteer. I wanted to see if a job in the non-profit world would be right for me. I wanted to write more. And on the silly side, I wanted to try out for game shows! Not having to show up at an office five or six days a week gave me the opportunity to do all those things. Sure, it was (is!) frightening, but it was also invigorating. I was also able to accept freelance jobs that were low-paying, because any pay was better than no pay. And doing that has helped me acquire new and valuable skills, and helpful contacts in other professions I may want to pursue in the future.

6. It reminded me what an asset I can be to a company
This may seem counterintuitive, but being unemployed and going on interviews has actually helped me remember how valuable an employee I am. The fact that I've been able to get freelance jobs, interviews, and referrals means that my skill set is highly desired by many people. My old ad agency may not have wanted what I have to offer, but I've found plenty of other companies and people who do. Unemployment is usually associated with feelings of dejection, but for me, it's had the opposite effect (though we all have our moments of self-doubt).

5. It has awaken me from my lethargy
When I was working, I was an automaton. A drone. I was simply going through the motions. Wake, commute, work, eat, sleep, repeat. Now, every day is different. It's unpredictable, but in a good way. I feel present again, with eyes wide open. I pay attention; I'm alert. I'm always on the lookout for the next move.

4. It put money in its proper place
I wouldn't say I was careless with my money when I was working, but I certainly didn't think twice about spending it. I figured material goods were the one benefit my job actually gave me. On the flip side, my fear of living without that paycheck made it impossible for me to leave my job on my own. Being unemployed has helped me look at my finances more carefully, but also helped remind me that money isn't everything. I make much less than I once did, but I'm also much happier. I'd say that's not a bad trade-off.

3. It made me happy to be working
When I was fully employed, I was ambivalent. I didn't really feel gratitude about having a job. I know that statement will probably rub some people the wrong way, because I know-especially in this recession-that I should have been thankful. I just wasn't. Now that I'm freelancing and moving more quickly from job to job, I actually enjoy the work. Each new place or assignment is a new opportunity to impress someone, to excel, to exceed expectations. Maybe I had become too entrenched at my old office, and just felt like there was no dynamism, no chance for change, no opportunity for a new impression to be made. Now, there's nothing but change. And every time I get a gig, I'm grateful for it. Grateful to show up at an office. Grateful for the paycheck. And when I am ready to accept full-time employment again, I will be able to take everything I've learned from all those environments and make sure I've found a good fit for both me and the company.

2. It brought good things my way
I hated my job so much that I wore that hatred on my face and in my being in my non-working life as well. Now that I'm freed of that strain, better things seem to be happening to me. I guess it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. My romantic life is better, my overall well-being is better, my perspective is better. I'm making new friends, growing my existing relationships, and enjoying the ride.

1. It made me me again
The best part about losing my job is I feel like myself again. I'm not perpetually grumpy, stressed, or on the brink of meltdown. I still have my emotional ups and downs, but I'm not resentful of the world or my situation in general. This is a version of me that I like better. And that's the best thing I could have asked for this Thanksgiving.