Turn and Face the Strain: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Thursday, February 13, 2014


You may have noticed that Go Retro is suddenly being updated more frequently these days. There's a good reason for it.


A little over a week ago, my position at my full-time job was eliminated. I've been laid off before and thought the rodeo ride this time wouldn't affect me negatively, but to be honest I was a bit shell shocked and definitely not myself for the first few days after it happened (that's also why I just wasn't feeling the love for The Beatles' 50th anniversary in America, even though listening to the Fabs could have provided some much needed medicine.) I was worried about what the future might hold, and sad about suddenly being cut off from my usual social contacts during the work week. 

It wasn't until this past Sunday afternoon--when I picked up and started to re-read one of my favorite Law of Attraction/positive thinking books--that the fog finally began lifting. 

The good news is, I now feel a lot more like myself, and very optimistic about my next career venture, whatever that may be. Now's the time to start thinking about reinvention, and what it is I really want to do. I have a lot more skills under my belt compared to the last time I lost a job, including social media, blogging, and a few published freelance articles that I've sold to websites. I'd love to find a job that combines social media management, copywriting and blogging, but I also love the idea of getting into journalism, perhaps working for a local magazine. 

Also, there is another thing that I am absolutely sure of:

I am a good writer. 

Nay, I am an excellent writer.

I affirm that not from an arrogant, narcissistic standpoint, but as a comparison point from what my posts looked like when I first began this blog, back in 2007 (?) or so. I also have a good friend who told me recently, "You know, you always were a good writer in my opinion, but in the past few years or so you have really elevated to a whole new level." 

Thank goodness for Go Retro. If I didn't have this blog, I'd surely be starting one during this time--but 7 years of experience authoring it, resulting in 400 Google followers and 953 Facebook followers (as of this posting) isn't too shabby. 

Also, what does my layoff mean for the blog, anyway? It can only mean good things--especially now that I have more time to post, tweak the layout and work on a new banner. (Now if I could only do something about the quality of AdSense ads and their click value...)

So thank you, as always, for being a reader and a fan! I know that this post's title is from a David Bowie song, but being a bigger fan of Bobby Darin, his song "Change" resonates more with me:


Whatever you've done it's all over 
Wherever you've been is so strange 
Yesterday's long gone forever 
Damned if what you're feelin' isn't change. 

- Bobby Darin, "Change"

8 comments:

  1. Awww, I love your positive attitude and I'm sure something wonderful is just around the corner for you.

    And yeah, you are a pretty damn good writer! I hope your talent continues to find new eyeballs! :)

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  2. Very sorry to hear about the recent layoff, but I admire your attitude too, Pam!

    And yes, GoRetro & it's popular following is a great example of your talents! There's a lot of 'retro-themed' blogs out there, but I've always liked yours because you do more than just share the classic stuff, and I like the personal touch.

    I think many of your readers will be curious about what happens next for you, so please keep us posted!

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  3. Amanda and Doug - thank you so much, and I think the both of you are damn fine writers as well! I will definitely keep everyone posted...maybe I won't find what I'm looking for right away, but I'll do my best to enjoy the ride.

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  4. Pam, Great post. It was interesting because the company that I work for was bought out a couple of years ago. The new owners have cut back with a meat axe-letting people go with a vengeance-and the few of us who remain are being moved to telecommuting so they can close the office. It's probably the first step towards letting those of us who remain go. So I know how you feel, but it's always shocking to be let go, even when you expect it. No question your writing has indeed gone to the next level and working for a magazine sounds like a great idea. Maybe even a book...;)

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  5. Scott -- thank you. I like both of those quotes, but am more partial to the McQueen one!

    Jeff -- I'm sorry to hear that about your place of employment. It seems to be a sign of the times, unfortunately. I wish I had a story idea in me for a book!

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  6. I enjoy your blog, please keep up the good work.

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  7. Just wanted you to know I dropped by and I'm glad you cleared up why you weren't excited about the Beatle Ed Sullivan Special! It just made no sense.....

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  8. Pam-- I was in a very similar situation a few years ago. Actually, was just coming out of it when I started blogging myself. I guess that's part of where the economy and society are at the moment. But you obviously have tons of talent, and your blog has been a great inspiration to me as a fellow blogger.... so..

    Never Surrender!

    http://retroawesomeness.blogspot.com/2014/01/never-surrender.html

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