I’ve just come from my last class of my second to last course for my MBA at Memorial University. This will be my second graduate degree and my third degree overall. Unfortunately, as I write this, I sit in my living room with no job.
I had been employed in fulltime, permanent positions from 2002 to the point of my first layoff in 2016. All in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Although my first graduate degree is from the University of Western Ontario (Go Mustangs!), staying away from home was never an option. I turned down work terms for a chance to work at home, and after my degree, accepted a position in rural Newfoundland.
From 2003 to 2016, most of my work was in the natural resource industry — oil and gas, mining, and the much-maligned Muskrat Falls. Highly educated and working at home, I felt like the poster child for the opportunities available in Newfoundland and Labrador. I advanced in my job and was generally doing well in my career.
Then, after nine years with same company and with oil and iron ore in the toilet, I was laid off.
Everyone told me that I would be back to work in no time. But the months dragged on — 19 months to be precise.
I cobbled together some consulting on my own and some research assistantships at the university. I even worked at Starbucks — drawn by the allure of free coffee.
Regardless of my situation and wherever I land, I will never underestimate the value of these experiences. I made some mistakes, did some work that I could have done better, and learned a lot about myself and what motivates me.
Luckily, with the encouragement of a colleague and friend, I attended a conference where I made a fantastic connection and was hired by the province in a temporary position. I relished going to work each day.
I learned some new skills and met some wonderful people.
Unfortunately, the needs of the department changed, a different skill set was required, and I find myself (once again) unemployed.
I feel cheated, to some degree.
Growing up, I had always been told that if I was educated and worked hard, success would come. But here I sit, one course away from my third degree, and with no job. I am sure I could find a job in Toronto or Ottawa in a heartbeat — but I don’t want to leave.
My husband works here, my son is established in his own little world, and my elderly parents are here.
Aside from all of those reasons for staying, the biggest reason is that refuse to give up on this province.
We face massive hurdles but I remain convinced that we can get our act together and I want to be a part of that.
Maybe a fourth degree will help?
Dana Feltham
St. John’s
