So to be frank, I got laid off from my job at the bank the other day. My last day of work is January 30th, just enough time for me to figure out my next move, but not enough time for me to get my bonus! I am new to this experience being a recent college grad and all, I am sure there are others out there who are seeing pink... my fellow coworkers certainly not to be excluded (yea team!). I am trying to see the positive aspects of being laid off in the midst of our country's greatest contraction since well the great depression... I suppose there is some recourse to be had in the solidarity I will share among the untold millions of others just like me. Another positive, I would note is the election of Mr. Obama and the extraordinary vision he has for our country. A potential career in government actually sounds like quite an attractive path these days.
At any rate I have written this piece with some selfish motives at hand. I am feeling pretty confused at this juncture in life trying to cope with the job loss and needing a good conduit to vent (I thank you for listening). I got into banking for financial reasons most importantly needing to support myself and pay my college debt off. But work as I have learned is tough if your not interested in what your doing. So being laid off is actually a blessing!!! (explanation points needed to convince the writer). I get a decent severance and a chance to pick up and start life over in another country (I currently reside in NYC). I am thinking of volunteering abroad maybe brazil, argentina or Italy.....I am a sucker for cities so will likely end up living on the outskirts (to save on rent ) of a major foreign city...BA.....ROME.....RIO? Although a change from the city life might just be what I need...maybe I should volunteer my time in Ecuador teaching english in the canopy of the greatest rain-forest in the world??? Well the dollar will travel farther down in South America, but living and working in Italy has always been a dream of mine. Decisions, decisions this is were life can get interesting I suppose. One door closes another opens I am told. I am trying to stay positive and minimize the time I spend being depressed, worried, and angry. I am also trying to redefine my life / lifestyle (need to quit drinking), and lay out some goals to be conquered.
Anyone who has words of inspiration, advice, criticisms or has had a fulfilling volunteer experience abroad please share it with me. Oh and if your reading this from abroad and feel compelled to offer me a job I just might take it. Good luck to all.