When Life Takes Us By Surprise
I’m happy so many people came by and commented on yesterday’s post. I haven’t had a chance to read most of them yet, but I will try to get to them today and get in on the discussion.
Last week, Amy Jane posted a link to a personality test where you can find out what type you are based on the Jung/Myers-Briggs model. One of the key factors of my personality type (ISTJ) is that I like for things to be planned out, mapped out, in advance of making a decision or taking a major step. I like to be mentally and emotionally prepared for any eventuality so that nothing takes me by surprise—and I’m not overly fond of surprises (at least not the kind that are more blind-siding than they are happy).
So, yesterday when I learned that I’m being laid off from my job after just two years (along with eight other people in the office of about twenty), it really threw me for a loop. I’m not prepared. I don’t have a plan. I probably should have been, since it’s been a trend in the publishing industry to freelance out all copy-editing duties, however after a company-wide meeting held two weeks ago, we were given reason to believe that we’d still be employed after August 1.
With only two weeks’ severance pay coming to me (meaning that I’ll be paid through mid-August), that means I need some money coming in from elsewhere so that I can take the time to make a good decision about a new job. So I need everyone’s help.
If you know of anyone who’s looking for a freelance copy editor—be it a publisher or an individual—please give them my name! If you know of anyone who would like a paid critique of their fiction, please, have them contact me.
In the meantime, don’t forget about the contest—and don’t worry, the contest is still in full swing and the prizes are still available and ready to be won!
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KayeDacus.com 
Praying for you! And I’m keeping on the lookout for any opportunities!
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Yowza! How scary. I’ll be praying – may the Lord provide for your every need and open doors and windows of opportunity.
Although I had taken that test many years ago, I took it again to see if it had changed. I went from being an E to an ISFJ. I don’t remember if the other three changed, but I thought it funny that my hermit-status is more official. 🙂
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OH!!!
So sorry you had that shocker!
I don’t think you’d be interested in any “opportunity” here in Alaska… but then I guess that can all be done on-line now…
I’ll keep my ears open for you.
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I’m praying for you, and remember, God knew all of this in advance and He has a plan.
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I’m so like you in that way–I do NOT like surprises. As it happens, I don’t really enjoy happy surprises either, because they throw me off. I like to know stuff ahead of time, also for planning purposes.
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Kaye, that sucks!
Sorry, I know that isn’t the nicest word, but I can think of no other to describe how I’d feel if I were in your position. I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been dealt this upset. But God is in control, and He will provide. I’ll be praying for you to feel peace and direction through Him!
Forgive my ignorance, but what exactly does a copy editor do/provide?
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Kaye, I am so very much the same when it comes to unexpected changes and blind-sides. I’ve had a few lately, too, starting with the unexpected death of a beloved dog on July 2nd, and my concentration has suffered. I thrive on routine, and shatter under chaos.
But yours trumps mine. I’ll be praying for a new job and a steady income to be supplied by our Supplier, and very soon.
I’m hearing this type of news from all quarters lately, editors and even publishers being laid off from various houses. It makes me stand back wide-eyed with uncertainty.
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Been there! Came back to work after completing a week off-site training course, only to be let go. I wondered why they paid for the training if I wasn’t going to use it? And why they didn’t just call me rather than have me commute nearly 40 miles for the news?
Once I got over that, and it didn’t take long, I looked for the opportunity God was providing. Keep your eyes, ears, and heart open.
Praying for you.
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Kaye, I’m sorry to hear about this. Don’t know about any opportunities now, unfortunately. Could you list your talents on the ACFW site or other sites?
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Dear Kaye, I think you sound like you are handling this surprise very well. Prayers for God to show you exactly where He wants you, and for you to bask in Him and let Him hold you in His arms.
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Dear Kaye, I think you sound like you are handling this surprise very well for an ISTJ. LOL Prayers for God to show you exactly where He wants you, and for you to bask in Him and let Him hold you in His arms.
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Layoffs even when rumored still come as a shock. Erica had a devotional on her blog sometime ago. It was about the words embossed on a penny. In God We Trust
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{{hugs}} Kaye.
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I’m so sorry, Kaye!
My dad got laid off two months ago after 25+ years at the same company. Luckily, they’ve laid off enough people at his company over the last seven years that this wasn’t too big of a shock, but I still just bawled.
Oh, I guess I got laid off once, too. I found it more upsetting for my dad to lose his job, oddly. (Meanwhile, he’s absolutely thrilled to be a freelancer now, and I found another job quickly enough that there weren’t income gaps. I’m sure things will work out for you, too !!)
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You are in my prayers, Kaye. This is so difficult, but the God who knows you down to the number of hairs on your head certainly will provide for your needs.
Just as in the books you craft with care, I sense your road of trials will end with your happily-ever-after.
Prayers your way,
Gwen
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You know I’m praying!!!
Suggestion: Do you have a rate sheet? I went to a conference earlier in the Spring and they always suggested if you are going to do freelance that you have a rate sheet available. Maybe create one and post on your blog? You get lots of visitors everyday… it might drum up business or give something for us visitors to forward to soemone who might be interested.
I know it stinks but I have NO doubt that you’ll come through with flying colors, much better off and stronger than where you were at…
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Hey Kaye,
Here’s a verse for you to cling to. “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you not to harm you. Plans with a future and a hope.”
Jer. 29:31
God wasn’t surprised by the lay-off He has bigger and better things planned.
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Hey girl,
I have been laid off twice in my professional career – there is just never a good time for it, even if you have plenty of notice. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this right now, but just look at it as an opportunity to embark on a new adventure! Maybe the upcoming election will stimulate the economy enough to provide good opportunities for us all.
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I don’t know of any jobs, but I certainly hope you find a good one. I’ll definitely be thinking of you.
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I’ve been busy as balls today getting packed up to move, only taking a couple short internet breaks to argue with Ruth about Titanic on my own blog (I love you, Ruth, don’t be scared away! ;)).
I’m looking for a job myself lately, so I guess I’m right there with you. If you end up relocating, good luck. Today was one of the most physically exhausting days of my life, and that’s with three other guys helping me.
I’m sure your planets will realign in due time.
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I just realized the bit about where all you were applying was only in the family e-mail. Whoopsy.
Also, planets aligning is a metaphor. I like checking my horoscope for fun, but I’m really not that new-age-y.
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I have taken the Myer’s Briggs two times – both times I came up with similar results. The ones that were slightly difference I was on the cusp – more middle of the road. It was 10 years ago since I took it. Would be interesting to see if the results were the same as that is supposed to be the point… (your personality “type”)
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In one of my classes that I teach we do the Myers-Briggs test. It’s funny, over the years I’ve changed a little. In high school I used to be INTJ
Almost 100% I – T and J I was boardline N.
I took the test again in College freshman year and I was still N but even closer to the S.
Then I took it after college and I was tied for N-S
Then I took it a few years ago and I was now a little over in the S.
Now every time I take it I’m ISTJ – And it’s funny how over the years I can go back and see how I really have changed from N to S, yet the other three categories still remain almost 100% I-T-J.
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If I read the discriptions I can make myself at home with any IN. But when I take the test it is always INFJ.
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Kaye, praying for peace while God reveals His plan to you.
(from one control nut to another 🙂
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Kelly Mortimer was looking for copy editors for Underdog Press. I don’t know if she’s still looking though. Underdog does have an active website now.
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