What’s important?

So I may be laid off at the end of this month. It’s been five weeks since the news broke that my company was being bought out, and I’m still processing. It’s been shitty. It’s been stressful. It is stressful. I’m all over the place. A constant knot in my stomach. At least my clothes aren’t as snug anymore. I’m LinkedIn’s most avid user these days. I feel lost and anxious and nervous. I have no idea what will happen at the end of this month, when my employment ends and I, at 50, face the stark reality of unemployment in an employer’s market. There are jobs out there that pay crappy wages and require years of experience, an MBA, a Ph.D., and your virginity for an entry-level job.

But today I invited myself over to Jesus’ house for wine and chorizo and conversation, and he delivered. And we spent the whole evening talking about our favorite movies (wink, wink). And on the drive home, I started to think that when it comes down to it, I am a lucky girl. I get hugs from my daughter Maitane every day, and messages from her girlfriend Sophia. And a promise from my son Andoni to help me make a video to highlight my strengths to potential employers. And my family in Ortuella, who check up on me and send me videos of Unai Gómez giving an interview in Basque that would make anyone’s pants fall down. And Irune and Laida, who write to me every day asking how I am doing. And Diana, who sends me memes from Portland. And Delfina, who sends jobs postings my way. And Victoria, who calls from Mexico. And my ex-husband, who asks his recruiter friend to talk to me about finding a new job. And Mark, who gives me his insights on the subject. And my neighbors, who make sure I am okay. And Zigor, who writes me on WhatsApp to ask how the job situation is going. And Leire, Terese and Garbine, who have always been there for me since I was 3 years old. And Dunya and April and Maite and Mark and Jaume and María. And my baserritarra, who has turned out to be a really good friend.

And I think, yes, I am lucky. I am going to be okay. I have the best people around me. You all make me so happy.

• ← Jaialdi 2020 has been postponed until 2021 amid Covid-19 concerns