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It was my 1st job. I had been working there for four years and made some friends throughout the years there. The company wasn't doing that well, we knew. I was prepared for the retrenchment exercise that was being spoken down the grapevine.

After four years, I was starting to feel that there must be more to the career advancements and was actually hoping to be part of the exercise. A crazy thought but I wanted something more challenging.

I was told that I was let go 1.5 months before the actual date. I was actually relieved because a colleague whom I was quite close to, was also prepared to go if I was the only one. Both of us were let go, a major relief. We were prepared to stayed unemployed for a long time if no offers came our way.

I took my time to polish my resume and started to think about my career path. I thought about likes and dislikes. I was even prepared to take up part time to supplement myself while looking for a long term job.

Unemployment is a good time to rest and recharge our bodies. It is also a good time to catch up with friends whom you haven't met for a long time. Never just mope at home about how lousy the job market is.

There will always be competition in the job market.

Learn more about this author, Kalli Silver.
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