I’d been telling some of my friends for weeks that I was going to lose my job, but some just point blank refused to believe it. I reckon they thought they were cheering me up, saying “I’m sure they wouldn’t sack you for failing an exam” or “You probably did better than you think”. It took a lot of restraint for me not to scream “I’m not saying this for a LAUGH. It is in my CONTRACT that if I fail an exam twice I lose my job. It is REAL!”.

So now you can see for yourself. I got the push on Monday, and am now working my notice period. I wasn’t exaggerating for effect: it happened.

It’s been a wonderful week; not something you’d necessarily expect me to say a few days after losing my job. Yet I have been touched and uplifted by the response to the news. Support came from my godmother, aunts, uncles and cousins, my school English teacher, family friends, colleagues and close friends. I’ve lost count of the number of people who told me “well you quite clearly hated your job, so it’s a good thing”. In the same vein, a lot of friends have pointed out that I’m still young, with plenty of time to change careers.

When I got confirmation of my dismissal, I wanted to try and organise the practicalities of my impending unemployment. I decided that I needed shelter and enough money to get by, for an as yet unknown period of time.

First things first, I sent out a cry for help to my friends and family, to ask if any of them could offer somewhere to stay. Within hours I had several responses. Almost better than that, though, were the messages I received from friends that I hadn’t even asked, who offered up floor space, sofas and spare beds. I was bowled over by the kindness and generosity everyone showed, and realised that I was in an extremely lucky position. Yes, I may not have a job or somewhere permanent to live, but I do have a lot of very supportive people around me who’ve got my back.

As for money, I’ve been quietly squirrelling away my pennies for a while, knowing that job loss was always a possibility. I also had my birthday on Tuesday, and was fortunate enough to receive money rather than presents; my parents and grandparents knew that the cash would come in especially handy. I don’t know how long I’ll be jobless for, but I’ll be okay for a while.

Last night was my leaving work/birthday/moving out party. As I’d already experienced during the week, most of my friends were unbelievably supportive. A couple were slightly bemused, and questioned aloud whether I’d enjoy any other desk job more than the one I’m about to leave. I can’t answer that for certain. Yet. But if I never left, I’d never know. At least by having to leave, being forced to go out and look for a new job, I can say that I’ve tried. Granted, it may be true: I may find any other office work just as bad. I’ll let you know…