Layoffs are rampant, as we all know, but it was never me — I was always the one jumping ship before the ship went down (if ever). I was always the one with the side hustle, the backup plan, the “if I ever get laid off.. if I ever get let go..” and then, suddenly — there it was.
In an odd turn of events with my new boss that can only be described as, “you are perfect, don’t change” (if anyone ever tells you this, run for the hills) into a horse-powered, high-jacked nervous system over every tiny detail (YIKES!), it was over.
A few minutes into our weekly 1:1, an HRBP (albeit, with the same name as an ex who broke my heart only a year ago — an odd coincidence?) joined us and I was off.
As much as I’d say it was their loss (I know my worth and frankly, I added value, growth, and paved new growth paths), I was also losing myself in the process, particularly with the obsession over outcomes (i.e. know your numbers, but let’s understand ebbs and flows instead of staring them down every couple weeks, when really, data isn’t all that great unless compounded over time). Anyway…
Let’s just say, it wasn’t a fit. I was working my tail off and doing my best, but becoming a shell of a person in the process.
And so, I can say it simply: this layoff was perhaps the best [professional] thing that could have happened to me (apart from maybe getting the job, I would do it all over again).
It was the accelerator I needed to get in tune with myself and pivot into my next chapter.
I am more lit up now than I ever have been. Perhaps too lit up.
But nonetheless… I am fully alive.
I’ve reached out to more people than I can count.
I’ve applied intentionally to roles that might suit me.
I landed a part-time, remote contract gig in the meantime for some stability.
I’ve mapped out alternative, creative pathways to revenue (because we do have to pay the bills somehow).
More importantly, I’ve reconnected to my truest, deepest professional self.
I’ve sought support from mentors, near and far and even strangers turned into friends and connections.
I wake up excited for each day — truly.
I feel an abundance of opportunity, both presently and ahead.
And oh, do I have so much more learning and growing to do.
A few lessons I’d share from the month:
Your network is your net worth — truly. But it is never too late to build it. And you’d be surprised just how many strangers on the internet are willing to meet with you — as well as those who say, “and now, here are 3-5+ people you should meet next.” Buckle up, introverts — this matters more than you’d think. The good news is, it doesn’t involve. It’s personal connection. People love to help people. Let them. And see what value you can deliver, even if it isn’t apparent yet.
Listen to what lights you up. Let it guide you. A few times, I had someone recommend a job to me (kindly), but my whole body (and brain) said no, this isn’t it. No, this would drain your soul. Does this job, opportunity, or person make me shine brighter, bigger, bolder, or feel smaller? Life is too short to dim your light. Let go of the “should’s.” Lean into what that voice is telling you and follow it. (Shoutout to Julie H. for doing this so elegantly and helping women do the same).
Tap into your curiosity. What types of people, topics, and industries intrigue you? If nothing else, what keeps you up at night? There’s a problem you are here to solve — I don’t mind if it’s picking up trash, saving lives, making the best damn cup of coffee, or writing code, part of why you are on this planet is to find out how you can be of service. Channel your curiosity into something, anything — you’ll never know where it might take you.
Speaking of the should’s… don’t listen to them, as noted above. Life is too short to listen to people who say “you should…” And frankly, it’s too short to tell yourself (or ask anyone else) what you “should” do. You should do what you want to! What have you been told (or told yourself) that you “should” do? Take time to rewrite those stories through therapy, coaching, or simply dedicated reflection. The unlearning and undoing is, in fact, some of the best learning we can do.
Ask yourself, if I knew I’d land a job in X months, how would I do this differently? If I died a year from now (or less), what would I wish I had done now? Seriously.. whether you’re someone who needs a kick in the pants to take action or you need someone to give you permission to chill for a hot sec (like me), consider the intention behind who you are and what you are doing before plotting your next move. I get it, we’re not all here just to work, but it sure does take up a good chunk of our lives. So let’s be real about it.
If you enjoyed this post, or at least found it helpful/relatable/laughable… let’s connect. Here and on the podcast. I also offer 1:1 deep dive strategy sessions (momentum sessions!) for those of you ready to kick into action.
In the meantime, share a layoff tip that’s resonated with you below. We could all use a reminder every now and then that we’re all figuring this out together.