Overcoming FEAR

It was the year 2002. I was at my cubicle, working in a software company & so was the case with the rest of my team. It was a 7–8 member team. Got an email about a meeting with the HR Manager the same day evening. I think this was on a Friday. The meeting invite was sent only to our team. We went to the meeting, sat around a conference table. We were offered snacks. After the exchange of pleasantries, the HR Manager said ‘due to business reasons, the entire team of 7–8 people will have to look out for other jobs (did not use the word lay off)’. We understood the point. There was pin drop silence in the room. The snacks were untouched. We were given 1 month notice period to wind up our work with no severance pay.
I had built my house by then. My house warming ceremony happened in the notice period I served. My family was unaware of this. Consciously I chose not to reveal this to my family. My last month salary in that company was waiting to honour my first month home loan EMI. This event hit me very hard psychologically. It is not about the house or any asset that we build in life. It’s about learning from life events.
No job on hand, no clarity on the next move — My situation 18 years back was similar to many other working professionals now in the present COVID times.
That was the defining moment of my life! After 2 months of persistent trials, I got into another job. Only after a few years I realised that something major in me was gone for good in those 2 months of intense emotions, focus & trials — ‘that is FEAR’. The word FEAR was kicked out of my vocabulary.
FEAR was absent in all the decisions I made in my life….and continues to do so…. thanks to my first lay off !! :)
When I look back at those bygone 18 years, my life journey has been greatly fulfilling with no regrets!

I dedicate this story to all those who are in similar position in life at present. Stay calm, positive & explore possibilities. Do your good karma and the universe shall give you what you deserve !

Thanks for reading !