Since its inception, this column has at times deviated from the strict parameters that most “movie” columns adhere to. In many ways, my intention has always been to touch on more than the average movie discussion, as it is my belief that there is a link to the world of cinema in every facet of our lives. That said, I hope you’ll forgive me from straying a little further even than normal.

I’ve been working for a small photography agency for the past two and a half years. It has become an almost ideal situation for me. It is only a mile from my home, and I have been able to walk. The pay is better than any job I’ve had. I have my own private office, and very few coworkers to have conflicts with.

A couple weeks ago, I was informed that I am to be laid off, effective April 1st. Talk about a great April Fool’s Day. Maybe the day will come and everyone will pop out of a closet and shout, “Just kidding!” and everything will be all right again. Since there is virtually zero chance of this occurring, I must instead spend my time looking for a new job in what is effectively a flatlining economy.

As Americans, many of us view our jobs like relationships. Our office becomes like a home, and our coworkers like family. Many of us have a difficult time separating our personal lives from our professional ones.

Let’s take that idea, and turn it on its head: Since we are equating our jobs with relationships, I’d like everyone to think of a relationship they’ve had that has ended. It can be romantic or platonic. I’m sure we can all think of a situation in our past that we didn’t want to end, but now are better off for its demise.

Sometimes, to truly improve ourselves, we have to be released from that which we enjoy. There is an expression, often attributed to the writer Richard Bach, which says “if you love someone, set them free.” I know I am not the only soul to have been set free recently.

Therefore, we must all accept the inevitability that we are all in this together. No job is entirely safe right now, a fact that I overlooked until it was too late. What I think is happening right now is akin to a reset button being pushed. We have come so far in our excess that the only way to move forward again is from the starting line. (more…)