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Morning Monologue: I Got Fired & Got Inspired

Posted by NWSO • January 29, 2009 • Printer-friendly

job-less

Yesterday I was fired. Well, technically I was laid off due to budget cuts, but in some strange way “fired” just sounds stronger to me. It’s an active word and has more zing to it than laid off. Yawn. No matter what word is used to describe what occurred it all ends the same, with me no longer sitting comfortably amongst the gainfully employed.

The funny thing about getting fired is that you spend more time consoling others than the other way around. People say, “Sorry,” as if your life is now over. They hover around your desk like bees buzzing with a million and one questions that you have no answers for. They unintentionally bring your energy down by focusing on the uncertainty of the future. However, that is not how I approached this life-changing news. I stayed true to who I am as a co-worker, friend and person. I cracked jokes, evoked smiles and walked out the front door with my head held high.

Surprisingly, I’m not mad. I’m not upset. I’m not crushed. Of course I would love to have the security of a steady paycheck coming to me next Friday and every 14 days thereafter, but we’ve all seen the news flashes and companies have been making cuts left and right for a while now. It was only a matter of time before it hit home. My home. Yesterday was my day to become the latest casualty of the recession, another statistic to add to the next headline most will see and soon forget.

I’ve been here before. Six years ago I found myself in a similar position, where I got the axe during a financial crunch. I detailed the experience HERE and after rereading that post, I’ve rediscovered my focus and found my inspiration. I will not let the closing of one door stop me from finding/strolling through/breaking down new gateways of opportunity. I’m too talented to be broke, and as long as I hold true to that mantra I know my path will be prosperous and profitable.

I don’t expect the journey to be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. This is my time. I will control my own destiny and blaze new trails. Launching—and then relaunching—NakedWithSocksOn.com was only phase one. Over the course of the next few weeks, months and years all of the ideas and plans I have let stagnate within the recesses of my mind will come to pass. Time to get my writing service company, Rocque Solid Writing, off the ground (contact me at RocqueSolidWriting@gmail.com for your bio and writing needs). Time to get started on those book ideas, as well as self-publishing collections from NakedWithSocksOn.com. Speaking of which, you know my blog grind is going to remain consistent as ever, so continue checking in on me daily and spreading the word about NakedWithSocksOn.com far and wide. And of course you’re going to see my byline, Anslem Samuel, attached to some amazing stories across various mediums. Yeah, I got fired, but now I’m inspired.

I Write Therefore I Am… Anslem “NWSO” Samuel

PS
You can follow my random thoughts throughout the day on Twitter and for anyone tracking me down on FaceBook, MySpace or BlackPlanet, please introduce yourself as a reader with a quick note, as I like to know who folks are and why before accepting friend requests. Thanx in advance.

UPDATE:

The good folks over at EURweb interviewed me about my career and life post-employment. CLICK HERE to read.

fortune-cookie-youre-fired-message

Tagged as: fired, inspiration, laid off, NakedWithSocksOn.com, recession, Rocque Solid Writing, work

http://nwso.net NWSO

LOL... Nah, can't nobody hold me down, oh nooooo, I got to keep on moving...

Nah appreciated the love, i just keep it upbeat
http://dopepenmanship.com Clovito

uh I guess I was one of those people unintentionally bringing you down. oops LOL. but everyone handles it differently and no one ever knows what to say but "sorry." like when a close friend suffers a loss... I'm glad you're upbeat, though, and seeing this as a new opportunity...but also hoping there's not something hidden underneath and that you allow yourself to vent. I'm about to put up a pretty depressing post that's like the opposite of this lol
Gooch

you're all good man... blessing in disguise, trust me on that one brother. You'll see. A job ain't nothing but work.
http://hiphoponmymind.blogspot.com/ DJ Daddy Mack

Gee. Good luck, b.
Pingback: Lost Ones « Dope Penmanship
VOD

Been laid off before and know that it can definitely be a blessing in disguise.

Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.
http://girlshesgottahaveit.blogspot.com/ Jennifer (SGHI)

I think I said something like "sorry to hear that" via Twitter, LOL. It's one of those things where people don't really know what to say. This blog was truly inspiring. I took the "woe is me" route when something similar happened to me in December. I'm getting over it and this piece definitely helps to reiterate the fact that it isn't the end of the world.
http://www.funkyminds.blogspot.com CChery

God Speed!
soul2soul

you are in my prayers. i know how you feel. i did what society told me. went to school got two degrees, have experience and can"t find a job. i"m fasting and praying seven times a day. i know a breakthough will come for the both of us
http://people-places-things.blogspot.com/ Bridgette

I mentioned in a recent blog post that while anyone can get fired from a "job", it is impossible to be fired from a "career". So many of us forget that. Thankfully, you haven't.

I don't believe in luck but I will wish you God speed as CCherry did earlier.

~BB
RobtheMusicEd

Sorry if I brought you down yesterday bruh. I already know about your resolve, so it's only bigger and better from here on. (PAUSE- ya know for 'ol times sake)

I can't wait to see My Homie 3.0 because I swear you stay reinventing yourself. Your the Bionic Man of this shit.
http://www.loveloleeta.blogspot.com JessyRod

congrats on your liberation. keep it moving forward samurai.
http://nwso.net NWSO

ChocoP,

Yeah, actually. I actually blog for one of their sister sites HelloBeautiful (check it out in my blog roll below). And while most in my circle have long since moved on from their, the several million young folks of the next generations are still tuning in to BP on a regular.

Who knew
K-Love

Im not going to say im sorry, I hate to hear that you may be going thru a trying time, but I guarantee that it is for the best. Sometimes we need to lose our comfortabilty to be able to see all the other opportunites right in our face. This is a great time to start a business. As the economy grows so will your business. I see your talents and have wondered why you haven't had a few best-sellers on the shelf already. So it is what it is, do what you do best..Overcome. My prayers go out to all burdened by the recession. But if we all are each others cruthches no one will fall.
http://www.superlovelyful.com Hannah

Capricorns can navigate anything and are naturally entreprenurial. You are too talented to work for anyone but yourself. The universe is sending you an opportunity.

Liberation, indeed.
ivory

enjoy your freedom and tell the debbie downers to keep their sadness to themselves...you'll be fine shawty...as others have said, blessing in disguise...something to keep you on your toes and make those crreative juices flow again...the sky is the limit shawty
Mike Brown the REMIX

Like all of the other free spirits, you weren't fired or laid off: you were released. My brother, the chains of commitment are GONE and you now have the reigns of resilience. Yes, my brother, YOU shall exceed your expectations without any limitations. You shall accomplish your goals as you now have full control! You, yes YOU, can move around and about, even OUT of your city and STILL put on. A TRUE soldier can fight NAKEDwithsockson.(com)

just my 2 cents. do what you do, pimp. chuuch.
sohoissooverated

Damn that hit really close but ur the first one I know to get layed off during this recession. Its an eye opener but as you said and as you have shown us all; you are wayyy to talented to not bounce back from this. I would pay to read your blog if I had to but thank God I don't because this recession is already killing me. Keep ur head up and I will spread the word about Naked With Sock On. Im campaigning for you to have 100 comments on each post at least by June. YES WE CAN!
Dr. BluInBK

Awe! I am sorry to hear that. But, this is an opportunity to do great things.
Roderick

I know the feeling ALL too well. You were there when I got "laid off" at The Source (it wouldn't be the last time either). I was one of the first of many to get fired. The upside to it is, its like a boxer, you've experienced a loss, whether it was a fair judgment or not. Now you know how to deal and have a better handle for the next challenge. You won't have that question mark "of when it could happen to me" looming on your shoulders

Like most men we value ourselves through our jobs. I suppose it goes back to the days of the hunter. Man prides himself in bringing down the biggest elk and bringing it home to his family. Well what is he if he can't provide?

You are not your jobs, as Brad Pitts' character would say in "Fight Club". If anything your job is the extension of an ability you have. And if its a career then its an extension of your talents. When you're fired from it. It doesn't take away your skills. As long as the hunter can still fashion weapons, has healthy legs, and a strong will, he will get his kill.

Anslem I wish you the best. When I met you, you were the youngest man there that had talent that couldn't be denied. Keep climbing.

From; an "experienced boxer"
Chocopina

wait...people still go to blackplanet?
Octavia

I wish you all of God's favor in your new journey. I know you'll be fine.
Double A

Yes, it's a recession, but still, this is the last thing you want to hear about your colleagues ( I heard about it through the grapevine) But everything does happen for a reason. Like you said you re-launched your blog last week, and this is most likely God's next phase in His big plan for you. He knows what He's doing, and apparently you do as well. I know you'll do great things from here on out
http://ifuxwitit.blogspot.com Janee TMB

Cue's Kanye "Stronger". Ditto to what Rob said - you are the bionic man of this ish. You have my support in everything that you do.
http://www.myspace.com/jigeenakjigeen Nana Ataa

Something to add to your quotation collection:

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, BEGIN IT. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

Goethe

I also love this non-profit website (if they haven't been shut down by the recession as well) http://www.idealist.org .

I check the Idealist postings on the regular - just for personal/professional inspiration and motivation, even though I'm not actively looking for work. They have the most unique, original, interesting, fun, meaningful job postings around.

Wishing you the best of every good thing. I'll find you on Facebook.
jolie fatale

ok.. I was one of those people that said "sorry" on twitter.. and for that i am 'sorry"? lol..
Everything happens for a reason.. might be a blessing in disguise..
http://www.paperorpixel.com Mike C (PAPERorPIXEL)

I'm sorry to hear that Ans... But it's good to hear that you have "rediscovered (your) focus and found (your) inspiration".

On another note, I love the site man!
Mark My Words

Shit's happened to me twice ... you gonna get something better, watch.
Ayanna

Damn. One thing I know for certain is that you will find better... don't forget about the little people when you do!
http://antistat.blogspot.com carlitomachete

maaaaan, you'll be aiight.

=)
Anonymous

like jay-z said, ur focused, man. writing biz? nice.
LL

Well a fellow Blackplaneteer(old head)....

The best of luck to you and I wish you future success and I am enjoying the blog reads.
Naphtalia

I love this story. I was fired recently myself. I decided to do the same thing--dust off my dreams and reinvent myself! I am excited! So many people plunge into dark depression when they lose their jobs, but obviously your identity wasn't tied to a 9-5. Best of Luck to you!
Chanel

I've already seen you dust yourself off once before after some b.s. went down -- this will be no different. You'll be okay!
http://onlyoneblackdaria.blogspot.com black daria

As many "layoffs" that I've "participated" in, I will say it gets easier every time, and I look at it as a chance to do something I wanted to do, but couldn't because I was always at work. more folks need your perspective and need the faith to know that EVERYTHING happens for a reason...so when the bio/writing services are needed and i am too busy to do it, i'll holla!
Juba

I remember how quick you bounced back the first time homie, I have no doubt you'll come back bigger and better (pause) just like you did last time.
Jesse

You already grinding your ass off - shit i would be sitting on my ass watching TV...good luck with everything bro and good working with you for like 5 mins...
Chocopina

@ NWSO

who knew indeed! i would have thought that place burned to ground years ago! i think its been what 7 or 8 nine years since i've been there. i peaced out when they started pushing that whole bp dating thing. creeped me out. ok i'm showing my age now, lol.

you seem to be doing this already, but keep ya head up! **signs tupac**
http://missjoisblog.blogspot.com/ Miss Joi

Great post! a good friend just told me that a recession will always help to get poeple thinking smarter. It allows us to reinvent ourselves and put things into perspective. I admire your positive thinking and i respect your hustle.

We writers must stick together!

Oh, "Happy Belated Bday!"
righteous mama

Wow, you sure make getting fired sound exciting.

Seriously, you are SO talented, dedicated and hardworking, you are right not to worry!

Cheers!
dr. joyce

hey anslem, good luck to you. i'll be up top mid-feb. let's grab coffee or sunthn
http://www.urbancrayonpress.com Kim

Anslem,
You will do just fine no matter what you decide to do. You are one of the smartest and most focused people I know. Keep me posted on your endeavors and I will help any way I can. Good Luck.
sb

good luck bro, glad you got a positive outlook. I'm sure you got nothing to worry about.
Ameretta

Hey,

I've been there before! I got "released" 6 yrs ago from an online realty site.......I was messed up (in the head) for a while...

It felt like my sense of security was gone! No more steady paychecks, no more random shopping urges......all gone! But then I realized...my calling landed on my lap a lot more sooner that anticipated......

Months after my "release"I got a email from an old supervisor from my college days...She wanted me to come back to work in CT, there was a position available to work with disadvantaged youth and she thought I would be perfect for it.....Just like Floetry"All I had to do was say YESSSSSSSSS!"

Just like that I was working as an outreach counselor and still am, 6 yrs later.......

I'm soo loving NWSO!

Keep up the great work!

He (the man above) knows what's best for you...
http://www.fishandspaghetti.com jay1

That's how I felt last time I got laid off.
SeanLJ

Man I have to give you credit for being so upbeat and strong about it. I know I wouldn't/couldn't just pick myself up and keep it moving so easily. But I guess its that quality that will see you through this trying time.
MikeD

My daughter has a book we read her called "Zen Shorts" and in it is a story of a farmer who gets a new horse and everyone says how lucky he is. Then while the farmer's son is cleaning the horse pen, the horse kicks him in the leg and breaks it. Everyone then tells him how unfortunate it is and how sorry they are. Then the next week, an army recruiter comes to the town looking for young men to draft into the army and since his son has a broken leg he escapes being drafted.

I probably muddled the story but the point is priceless. You cannot judge what happens to you as positive or negative until you see how it affects the future. Stay positive, you're the man.
DLopez

That was a real inspiring post. You're gonna be good becasue your humble and respected by your peers. I'm gonna check your blog more often, realy like your writing.
SallyB

Thanks Ans. This post made me feel much better about myself also getting laid off yesterday. You've got bigger and better things coming in your future.
Anonymous

Man My prayers are with you. Keep your head up and trust God.
arlene

God is just clearing the path for you to do what He has planned. You are better than golden. You've already been an inspiration just doing what you do naturally. Congrats on exciting times ahead.
MJC

Better things heading your way Anslem, keep your head up
http://brooklife.blogspot.com brook

"...they never shoulda let me off the damn leash..."
phife dawg of ATCQ

man i love getting fired! means I get to stop wasting time THERE and can get back to being busy HERE.

"i got a profession and sometimes, i have jobs too."
yours truly

brook

let's get up soon man and build on that.
“Queen Andrea”

Hi Anslem!!!!!

What a sad day that was!
I will miss you and (a few) other people there! At least I got to rock with the re-design... you and Rob were the besssst.

In the spirit of a self-proclaimed ass kicking hustler, I am back on my grind as well, although taking time to recoup and refresh my creative dreams first.
I have always wanted to move to hollywood and get famous, might never happen but it's a cool fantasy.

Anyhow, I'll stay tuned to your blog...
It has grown into a BEAST!
I like the relationship ones the best.

Take care and rock on....
You know where to find me, SUPERFRESHDESIGN.com
-Andrea
LadyJ1967

Day late and a dollar short I guess some would say but...I saw this post and was led to share.

Right now and for the past few years, my job has fired me twise using my injury (work) as a reason, but GOD had other plans...I'm still there. I'm npt sure whether I should be excited because I would personally rather be where I'm celebrated. Nevertheless, I must bloom whever I'm planted until God shows differently.

We all would like to think that the law protects us but it doesn't. The law only reveals wrongdoing(depending on who is administrating and enforcing it). For the sake of family, I accepted the position back, but I pray for deliverance daily. Even if He doesn't I will continue to purpose to be true to HIM, myself and others while I'm there.

There is a reason for my being there and they dont have the FINAL SAY. I've even noticed some changes (positive) in things in this place, noth spiritual and physical. All I do, is do my job based on His standards, and they are adapting this way without my even saying a word. Sure some resent me for it sometimes but cannot deny the power within, mainly because they think it makes them look bad when it was acceptable before.

For me personally, my soul rejoices in that, while at the same time my flesh screams for mercy. It's synonymous to having to live with someone who raped you, day after day, and them never realizing they did anything wrong. (or trying to justify it)

Well, thaqts part of my cross to bear, knowing that they can only do (or be) what they know. Maybe through all of this, some may come to know, butthats not my business, only God's.

Consolation is I have become wiser, stronger and deeper in love with HIM because of this experience.

Grateful,