Friendship. Wikimedia Commons

I Lost My Job, But Discovered Hope

Angelo's hope despite losing his job.

I had worked for multinational corporations for 23 years. Two years ago, I lost my job and my world changed. I had been accustomed to eating in the best restaurants and staying in the best hotels. I had a large, beautiful sports car. I judged myself solely on my capacity to achieve my revenue goals. I had never used public transportation, relying only on my fancy car and taxis. How pathetic I had become. I had forgotten how much I had loved to take the train because it gave me the opportunity to see my friends with whom I went to the university; it got to the point where, when I met a new person, my first instinct was to try and figure out how much money he or she made. When I lost my job, I went into total crisis, completely unable to do anything. Even going to the post office to pay bills caused me anxiety. I became depressed and needed medication and I felt I was no longer capable of taking care of my three children. Not having a job had robbed me of all of my self-confidence. Without my job, many people in my life soon disappeared. However, I came into contact with Alberto from Rete Manager [a non-profit agency that helps the unemployed find new jobs] who introduced me to Giovanni and then to Massimo. I had almost hit rock bottom but these friends gave me the best help that anyone could receive: they called to ask me, “How are you?,” and to keep me company. I remember when Massimo invited me for a pizza. At that time, this simple companionship was more important to me than any kind of job offer. This period of unemployment helped me to come to see my circle of friends in a new light. I have been so fortunate to receive help from so many people, like Nicola. One day I said to him, “I lost such a wonderful job!” He responded with, “I lost a son,” but at that moment I was too focused on my work to think of anything else. It might seem crazy, but I am thankful for what has happened to me. In spite of all of the economic advantages I have had in the year before losing my job, I woke up every morning thinking, “How pathetic!” I had become completely arid, interested only in status, money, and benefits, but I had reached the end of my rope. Now, I have a job that pays one third of what I used to make but I am happy. I give less importance to money now. I have again begun to appreciate the simple things in life that are truly the most beautiful. I don’t know how long any of this will continue, because I have a temporary contract, but I want to enjoy everything that happens during this period and I hope for the best. I have again started to truly appreciate hope.

Angelo