Woof... that is a rough first half to read! Although, I'm a touch confused... I didn't really click what the "A few months into my new job it became clear why I was hired" job was... I've read it a couple of times, and still don't get what it was that you were "needed" and what it was that you were required to do....

Anyway, despite all of that... you still retain the freedom of hope, it is an amazing lesson.... that this is always there, and can't be taken away by another person or outside force, but is our own to lose ourselves.