What Comes Next

by Heidi Barr

Job loss. It’s not something that most people want to think about, whether it happens to them or not--but in modern society, it’s all too common for the words “lay off” and “company downsize” to grace a conversation about how life is going. Through an honest look at the emotions, feelings, and everyday challenges that can come with losing a job, author Heidi Barr illustrates what going through such an event is like. From disbelief to financial concerns to anxiety over the prospect of a two hour commute after ten years of working from home, this essay explores the uncertainty of not knowing what might be coming next, along with the potential for uncovering the beauty that might just be hidden under what feels like destruction.

74 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2019

About the author

Heidi Barr lives near the St. Croix River Valley in Minnesota with her husband and daughter where they tend a large organic vegetable garden, explore nature and do their best to live simply.

As a mother, spouse, gardener, and writer, she is committed to cultivating ways of being that are life-giving and sustainable for people, communities and the planet. She loves putting words together to paint pictures of ideas, as well as walking with others as they explore what it means to live well on a finite planet. Hiking through forests and across prairies, wading in streams, digging in the soil and surrounding herself with natural wonder help her stay grounded in reality.

Reviews

[Shana Hutchings · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this beautiful little book, Heidi Barr leads us through the agony of job loss into a dwelling on the possibilities unwelcome change can bring us. She narrates the spiritual and the practical, creating a space of grace for the reader. This book speaks to all of us, really, because we've all experienced some unforseen change at some point in our lives.

[Thomas Qualls · Rating 5 out of 5]

A day is more than just its hours and minutes. This is just one of the mustard seeds of truth author Heidi Barr plants in her timely and poetic essay, What Comes Next. Our modern society doesn’t want you to think about things like the real meaning of a day. And because our days have become so packed full of demands on our constant attention, it is easy to overlook such simple truths. The poet John O’Donohue said, “Your life becomes the shape of the days you inhabit.” Barr’s essay illustrates this prophetic statement in accessible but profound ways. By its end, readers will I find themselves asking why we would ever accept a world that demands we hide or neglect the things we treasure most in life.

[Heidi Fettig Parton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“No life situation is permanent,” Heidi Barr writes in her book, What Comes Next: Between Beauty and Destruction.

While writing this illuminating 47-page book, Barr happened to be navigating the particular kind of liminal zone that arises when one is between a job layoff and the next position. Barr thoughtfully demonstrates how she stayed afloat in that uncomfortable place called "in between."

Barr's writing reminds me of Parker Palmer's subtle, yet spiritual, vocational guidance interspersed with the earthy, yet lyrical, voice of a of Mary Oliver or David Whyte. After reading Barr's words, I am struck with the sensation of having just completed a walk in the woods with a wise friend.

In What Comes Next, Barr sets forth a guide, even a lifeline, for those of us in the middle of our own struggles (whatever those struggles might be). I'll surely turn to this book whenever I find myself caught in the groundless state between the shores of what was and what is yet to come.

[Tammy Catania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi shares her challenges and fears when she loses her job. This book shows that when there is destruction there is also beauty. Heidi goes deep into her feelings in this book and I love how real she is.

[Melissa Kono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and inspirational. If you find yourself needing a pick me up after life "shakes" you a bit, this is the perfect read to get you back on track. Her insights help readers to realize what is important and to give some much needed encouragement. Barr is a true life coach, both in her career and in her writing, she puts all things in perspective through the lens of nature.

[Lindsey Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are facing your own unexpected transition in life, or helping support a loved one do the same, Author Heidi Barr's What Comes Next may be just the literary ally for you. It's like having a wise old friend with a warm cup of tea by your side as you navigate. And did I mention the bubbling brook or the crackling wood fire soundtrack? Yes, somehow Barr's writing always manages to invoke these peaceful scenes for me, no matter what my mood when I first crack the book. I heartily recommend adding this author to your "Watchlist."

[Mark Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Fashioned from wholeness, Heidi Barr takes us on a journey of healing. It’s a wonderful moment when we realize life is not something that happens to us, we are not defined by our circumstance. We are willing participants with the ability to make our lives better for ourselves, our family, and our community.”

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi again gives us an up-close view of her innermost workings. She is kind with herself as she grieves, questions, recalibrates, and moves forward on an unexpected path. I re-read this book when I had to make an unexpected change recently and will keep it in plain view on my bookshelf for years to come.

[Maryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi manages to wrap tragedy, inspiration, and hope into nearly every word of this little gem. Her words provoke deep thought and force you to ponder the truly important things in life. A must read!

[Chris LaTray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi Barr really nails the experience of losing a "corporate" job and the upheaval that may ensue, and how to go about recovering from it. I didn't lose my job, I quit it, then essentially firebombed any bridges that could possibly lead me back to it. I did it for many of the same reasons that had Barr hating her job in the first place, which led to her ultimate conclusion that the loss was among the best things that could have happened to her. Even though it was my choice, I still had waves of feeling a loss of identity, of somehow being less of a person, all those emotions that we get wrapped up in as part of our toxic, time is money culture. Even now, I still feel that way at times, though not as often. Barr's reflections, and suggestions, are wonderful. The book has a lot of depth packed into a small package.

I also want to comment on the formatting of this book, which is part of a series from Homebound Publications called Little Bound Books. I love it! The design is clean, from cover to interior contents, and it is apparent every attention was paid to the aesthetics. That is something I can't express enough appreciation for. As far its small size? Maybe the best part. Perfect to slip into a shirt pocket, a back pocket, whatever. What a great idea.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written meditation about life as the author faces the loss of a job she felt was secure and supportive. My major complaint is that the book is so short; I wanted more. I love reading her Facebook page and her books are equally enlightening and full of hope without being saccharine. I look forward to reading more of her.

[Christine Kerber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good description of what's it's like to go through a transition like the loss of a job. Made me think about things differently.

[Holly Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great companion for anyone who has lost a job and is seeking hope amidst the rubble.