Kasia's story: "I've circled my start date"

Four months ago, Kasia Faryna was laid off from the Charlotte non-profit at which she had worked for six years.

Kasia told Squeeze readers her story last month. Although she wondered then what her future would bring, she wrote more about being able to give to the causes important to her. Her contribution, she decided, would be her time. She became a public affairs volunteer for the American Red Cross of Cabarrus County.

Today, we're happy to report that Kasia has some new time management issues to consider.

Her update:

“If it is to be, it is up to me.” I remember hearing those words for the first time as a teenager. They sank into my subconscious and from then on, I understood that I was accountable for my own future.

Each day I repeat the phrase over and over; when I wake up, in the shower, as I make a meal or drive down the highway. It’s so much more difficult to believe in the phrase with this economy. The uncertainty of each day as an unemployed worker cut away from my drive and confidence, replacing it with vulnerability that makes even the strongest individual question their purpose. Job availability or how my qualifications matched employer needs was certainly not up to me.

So, I had to ask myself, what was?

I was in control of my outlook and my preparation. I learned to let go and accept the fact that a job post or e-mail was not likely to appear, no matter how many times I hit the refresh button on my computer. I stayed in steady pursuit of my mission, visualizing an ideal scenario. I networked, perfected my resume and cover letter and, in what would ultimately be my most beneficial move, worked on getting several letters of recommendation.

Once I let go, it all happened very quickly. A few weeks ago a business associate was nice enough to write a reference letter for an upcoming job interview. A few days later she called to let me know about a position that matched my qualifications with her non-profit organization, one that I had partnered with in the past and one that I held in high regard. They had seen my work, passion and dedication first-hand, and believed in what I had to offer. After interviews and discussions, we were able to come to a mutual agreement about the arrangement; I accepted the job offer. For the first time since my layoff, I was able to sleep through the night.

I’m still in disbelief of how this opportunity fell into place. It was days before I told anyone outside my immediate circle because I was afraid it would disappear just as quickly as it came to be. I felt sick that others—friends—who deserve a break, who have mouths to feed, are not finding jobs or are experiencing salary cuts. These friends are good to me - supportive, understanding and happy that I can break away from the strain of my situation and move on to a new career opportunity.

I’ve circled my start date, April 20th, on the calendar. And with each day between now and then, I allow myself to gain back a tiny bit of the confidence and certainty that had begun to slip away. I continue to repeat my mantra and have come to the realization that all along, the words had held true. It was my actions, both past and present, that made this opportunity come to be.