My life took a sudden turn when I was 38. I used to be in charge of projects at a computer company, but now I scan food. Personal and work changes, including a painful divorce, led to the change.
James, my husband, had been seeing someone else. The finding broke up our family. It was hard for me to handle work and taking care of our three kids, Emma, Jack, and Sophie. I lost my job as a project manager because of all the stress.
I was so desperate that I got a job as a cashier at a nearby food store. Though it wasn’t easy, my new job let me spend more time with my kids. At the checkout queue one day, a rich woman yelled at me for how I was acting.
Her son turned over the cart by mistake, breaking the expensive wine and gourmet food inside. Even though I stayed cool, she kept talking down to me. She was furious when her credit card was turned down.
Mrs. Jenkins, a regular customer, stepped in and said she thought karma was at work. As the woman waited for her husband to come pay the bill, she felt more and more embarrassed.
When he got there, he scolded his family and learnt about their marriage problems. The shop saw him storm out and leave them behind.
Mr. Adams, my boss, told me I was good at my job. I left, excited to go to pizza night with my kids. Even though life was hard, I found comfort in my newfound simplicity and the strength I had within me.
As I thought about it, I realised that my trip had taught me important things, like how to be strong, be thankful, and be kind. Karma may have made the woman more humble, but it also made me realise how strong I am.
