I have been part of Shutterstock’s success for the past 13 1/2 years. To be told, “We respect your love of photography, but due to restructuring, we have to let you go….”. This, just before the holidays. How does one digest this? I have over 45 years of experience in the photo industry. I have, had, no intention of stopping. I am not going to. For the past year I seemingly trained my replacements. I am not a high salary employee by any means. Shutterstock got more than their money’s worth with me. I have a family to support. A young son. My employment gave us health insurance. I have 30 days to find affordable insurance as COBRA is ridiculously expensive.
The economy stinks. With the new administration coming in, with all its bluster, it is almost a guarantee to worsen. When the CEO spoke to the company back in September, he said,” We have to learn to live with ambiguity.” Well, we all knew what was going to happen.
I’m angry. I’m sad. I’m scared. I feel alone. I know what I need to do and am reaching out to all that can. Getting through this as an older adult looking for work, just adds another layer. I so appreciate those who have reached out and have had conversations with. This helps so much. Time feels limited, but I know I have a period of adjustment to get through.