Article April 25, 2005 Issue

A layoff drove me to my divine purpose

By Laurenz Peschke

Two and a half years ago, I found myself taking a deep look at my life purpose and career direction. I had just been laid off from my job in the information technology department of a major mutual funds company in Houston. As the sole supporter of my wife and three children under seven, I felt a real concern about my next steps. Where would I go? How would we manage? The layoff package I'd received would help for just so long.

In a way, I felt relieved to be lifted out of what had been a stressful, demanding job, requiring me to be available 24/7. I'd often felt deep down that the technology field didn't fit in with my career goals, but I'd committed myself to the company, and when the layoff came, it was hard not to feel let down.

Admittedly, the change didn't come as a total surprise. A few weeks earlier, my boss had pointed out that the company would soon be downsizing, and they would be retaining just one key position in our department. He'd asked me quite openly whether I thought he should keep me or the guy I'd been training.

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