Midlife Crisis Day Two

Midlife Crisis at 30
pg 43-44

Lizzie, 30 Yrs old
Unemployed
Dallas, TX

Approaching 30 with a growing collection of bridesmaid dresses, I wasn't too concerned about being single because it was important to me to make it on my own before settling down...

When I was 29, I loved my job, and I assumed that I would continue to do well as long as I stayed focused and continued to work hard. When my boss would call on a Friday afternoon and ask me to crash a presentation over the weekend, I never blinked. I knew how to make problems with accounts go away, and I always did it with a smile. Management loved that, so early on in my career, I was assigned to lots of special projects, and people took me seriously. I spent most of my time at work, but it really didn't feel that way because most of my friends worked there, too. Even when I worked late, there was always someone else around to grab a drink with after work....

...I got screwed. I still can't believe it. I knew that the company was on the block, but everyone told me my job was safe. When I expressed concern, they told me not to worry, that the buyout would provide new opportunities for advancement. It didn't work out that way. After all the sacrifices I made, and all the real success and respect I've earned, I can't believe this is how it turned out....

...Despite my mom's good advice and my best intentions, I ended up exactly where she was at 30: unemployed and alone. I thought I was doing everything right. I thought I was being smart. And now, I am not sure what to do next.