She Strengthens

Rethinking Priorities in the Face of Uncertainty

As I navigate the early stages of my career, I’ve come to realize that job security is an illusion. The threat of layoffs, government shutdowns, and corporate restructuring has become a harsh reality, leaving many of us feeling anxious and uncertain about our futures.

A Wake-Up Call

My own experience with job insecurity began in 2018, when multiple VPs at my health system were terminated, followed by a wave of layoffs in my department. Colleagues with the same job title as me were let go, leaving me shaken and questioning my own job security. The fear of being next on the chopping block was palpable, and it forced me to re-examine my priorities and values.

Lessons Learned

In the aftermath of that scare, I realized that I needed to:

• Re-evaluate my priorities: What was I willing to sacrifice for my career? Would I uproot my life to stay in my current role?
• Cut unnecessary expenses: I was spending too much on non-essentials, and it was time to reassess my budget and allocate funds towards savings and debt repayment.
• Build an emergency fund: Having a safety net in place was crucial, and I made it a priority to save enough for several months’ worth of living expenses.
• Remember the bottom line: Even in healthcare, financial stability is key, and poor business decisions can have devastating consequences for employees.
• Prioritize health insurance: Having a job that provides health insurance is a privilege, and I realized how important it is to have access to quality care.
• Lean on my support system: My partner’s financial stability and emotional support were a lifeline during that uncertain time.

A Shift in Perspective

Although I emerged from that experience with my job intact, it left an indelible mark on me. I began to feel apathetic and unmotivated at work, questioning whether I truly wanted to stay in my role. The realization that I wasn’t financially prepared to make changes or take risks was a hard pill to swallow.

Taking Control

My experience has taught me that I need to put myself first and prioritize my financial well-being. I’m working towards creating a more stable financial foundation, one that will allow me to make choices that align with my values, rather than being driven by fear and uncertainty. By doing so, I hope to break free from the cycle of burnout and anxiety that plagues so many of us in our careers.