Yesterday could have been one of the most bizarre days I’ve had in a long time. My 9-to-5 company did a major layoff – HALF the company. So today I am part of, what I can count, a 17-person advertising agency. When I was hired, almost 2 years ago, there were some 60 employees. I was finishing up my digital graphics degree, my husband and I living with my mom until we could figure out what to do with our house 2 hours away that wasn’t selling.

Prior to that, I was working in Berkeley as a graphic designer for a boutique real estate firm. I had a lot of fun at this company – great food in the area, fun coworkers, and SHOPPING just one block down the road on hip little College Avenue. My ONLY complaint at this job was Berkeley’s biggest weakness: PARKING. I had to move my car every 2 hours, which made for 3 aggrivating trips to circle the block, wipe off chalk, and a hike back to the office. One day, despite my best efforts, I received a parking ticket {my SEVENTH parking ticket}. In my stupor of frustration, I jumped on Craigslist to see if there was another graphic design job that could offer me the courtesy of a parking lot at the least. I replied to one ad, interviewed the next day, and before processing what had actually happened, I had landed my current job.

I have never looked back. I get to do fun web design and programming – both challenging and exciting, and I get to work with creative people all day. I have unfortunately watched my friends at work, one-by-one, leave or get laid off. I am grateful for my job today and the friends I have made on this interesting ride from 60 to 17…