Unexpected Journey

Unexpected Journey By J.D. Walker “I’m sorry, John, but the company is downsizing drastically and we’ve had to make deep cuts.” This was Helen Pasterwick’s way of saying I was out the door after fifteen f*****g years of mental sweat and toil for an ungrateful corporation. “You can’t be serious.” I could see that the human resources director was uncomfortable with this conversation, and I knew why. But it was still hard to take. She shifted in her leather chair. “The list is growing as we speak. Unfortunately, they’ve decided to merge your job with someone else’s. It’s unfair, and I fought it, believe me. You’re the most seasoned architect we have, and you work the longest hours. But in the end, they won. You’re to clean out your desk, effective immediately.” I slumped in my chair, trying to keep the fury inside me at bay. I was this close to throwing a temper tantrum and putting my foot through a computer monitor, though it wouldn’t be as satisfying with a twenty-inch flat screen as it would have been with an old school CRT. Visions of the movie Office Space came to mind. “I don’t know what to say. This is a shock, Helen.” I ran a hand through my salt-and-pepper hair, the blond becoming more silver with each passing day. I was sure I would be entirely gray in a month after this. Or less. She looked at me with sympathy. “You haven’t been happy here for years. Admit it. Maybe this is the push you need to finally take stock and figure out what you really want to do with your life. It’s time, wouldn’t you say?” The fact that Helen had known about my dissatisfaction wasn’t helping. I scowled. “Is that supposed to make me feel better? Platitudes in some f****d up attempt to provide solace for losing my goddamned livelihood?” At her startled glance, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “Forgive me, it’s a lot to take in.” I stood, joints popping. I needed to get away. I decided not to straighten my tie which had become askew while I’d yanked on it repeatedly. “I guess I’ll see you around.” I walked out of the office, not really hearing whatever other apology she might have uttered. I simply needed to be gone. And the thought of where to go…