For the past ten years life for me was what you would describe as comfortable. I was living the “American Dream”. You know, I had all of the trappings of success in the U.S.: a nice family, couple of kids, a big house, multiple vacations and lots of socializing with family and friends. I would venture to say that this description of life would be what most people want. You see, I was a successful pharmaceutical sales representative and was paid quite well. I had a company car, free gas, bonuses and occasionally a sales trip or two. What's not to like? Yes, there were some stressful times like getting through sales raining, early morning meetings and the overnight trips but I managed to make it work with a husband who travels and two young children.
But on January 30, 2009 at precisely 10:45 a.m. I was laid off from my company after ten years of service. The news wasn't a complete surprise but nonetheless it still felt like being hit with a ton of bricks. For months my company had been “preparing” us for the inevitable. Downsizing was a reality that could not be avoided and the pending news was the talk among my colleagues, doctors and friends leading up to January.
The process of being laid off seemed so impersonal and matter-of-fact. We were instructed to “wait by the phone” for a phone call from our direct manager. It was a Friday and we didn't report to the field so I went for chai tea and a blueberry muffin at Panera Bread to take my mind off the situation. It didn't work! Friends and co-workers kept my phone ringing and I tried to relax as best I could.
Finally, the phone call I had been waiting for came and I can remember my manager reading a script of some sort. While he was talking it felt like time literally stood still. I was half listening and half processing what he was saying. My internal dialogue was saying “you are o.k.”. In my heart, I knew this was true, but my head was spiraling with negative emotions and scenarios surrounding the future.
Over the next few weeks I experienced the common emotions one would have after the death of a loved one: anger, sadness, denial, you name it. I gave myself a few weeks to have a pity party and then I made a decision to take back control of my life. The simple act of making a decision has so much power. I began reading positive literature and listening to audio programs daily to improve my self image and confidence. I turned off the news and stopped reading the newspaper to avoid negative influences. I put myself on a schedule and got up one hour earlier to increase my productivity. Eventually, my confidence returned and I got the courage to walk by faith.
Ultimately I wanted to explore the creative side of my personality that has been stifled for so many years. So, I decided to follow my passion in life and to take my life in another direction. My dream is to become a professional voice over actor recording television and radio commercials, audiobooks, and promos. I feel like my life has come full circle. I was a journalism major in college and I worked as a production assistant at the NBC affiliate in Washington, D.C. In April I went into the studio and did a demo featuring my voice in commercial and narration pieces. I am currently working on a website and looking for opportunities to market myself.
Now when I think back to that Friday in January I smile because I know that the events of that day forever changed my life for the better.
Lisa Abraham lives in Columbia, MD is married and has two sons aged 7 and 9.
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