So I went to… *ack ack ack* Walmart this evening as the grocer closes here at an ungodly hour – 8:00pm – and I needed some things. Just My Luck as it would happen, I ran into one of the administrators who laid me off at my previous place of employment. Yeah.
Of course we had to speak to each other – being real would be mean. By “being real” I mean doing exactly what we wanted to do, which in my case was keep walking and get my french fries. But of course I didn’t, I stopped, we fawned, we hugged, the high pitched “oh i’m so glad to see you” thing went on and then she says, “Are you okay?” with that pathetic I’m-so-sad-you-don’t-have-a-job face.
I’m. Just. 
So. Sad!
I thought I was lying when I said it until I thought about it, but I said “I’m happier than I’ve been in a year.” and I meant it. Thinking back, I’m actually very glad I don’t work there anymore. I don’t have to be insulted or threatened – Yeah I Said It, threatened – or called names by random employees. I don’t have to look my supervisor in the eye and know he isn’t going to do anything about it. I don’t have to go home angry anymore – I don’t have to deal with any of the brown-nosing b.s. people have to do to get ahead in the workplace. I’m actually pretty good.
Now… all I have to do is supplement my income and keep my current situation and I’ll be good. Unemployment doesn’t pay well, but that’s the thing about small town Minnesota – I don’t really have a lot of bills either.
I’m happier than I’ve been in years.
-SF
