I got my dream job – a job I had spent years chasing. So sacred was this job dream that I only told those nearest and dearest to me. When the opportunity came to apply, I jumped at the chance, even though I had not been at my current job for a year. I got it! I was ecstatic – congratulations all around.
Then, at the end of my probation period, I was fired.
I was shocked and blindsided is the understatement of the year. What had I done wrong? Could I have done more?
I had hit every milestone recommended by career advice sites: I enjoyed doing the job, it required all my skillsets, it played into my passions, and I even liked (most of) my coworkers.
And yet, here I was.
Now what?
Move on.
Despite the disappointment of losing my dream job, I woke up the following morning feeling refreshed and hopeful. I took my child to school and enjoyed the pure pleasure of being around to pick him up and spend the evening with him.
Why was I not devastated by this sudden development? We were in the middle of planning a trip to Canada at Easter, and bills were fast becoming due.
It's because I had gotten my dream job.
Accomplishing that proved to be the ultimate lesson that the universe gives what we ask of it. No matter where I went or how well I did, I went to bed each night murmuring how much I wanted to work in this industry. I kept half an eye open for opportunities and pursued any with gusto.
So if I could get my dream job, I could accomplish anything.
Sometimes, in the heat of the moment of a devastating loss (such as losing your dream job), hopelessness, worry and despair can set in, especially if you have essential responsibilities such as homeownership, child-rearing or even a car loan or a Courts bill due at the end of the month.
If you can manage to set those aside for a moment, and instead, understand the core lesson of accomplishment and apply the same skills and energy behind acquiring that dream job, the universe will answer – but you have to be listening