She Strengthens

When the Unthinkable Happens: Navigating Layoffs and Finding a New Path

The Unexpected Call

It was late March when I received the dreaded message on Slack from my boss, requesting a one-on-one meeting for the following day. I knew what was coming. The signs were there – the state’s shelter-in-place mandate, financial journals predicting a recession, and VC investors getting cold feet. When I joined the Zoom call, my worst fears were confirmed: I was being laid off.

Losing More Than Just a Paycheck

The news was devastating. I wasn’t just losing my income; I was losing my sense of purpose and identity. I had carefully crafted my career over the past seven years, and it was all being taken away. The feeling of uncertainty was overwhelming.

Taking Control

But I refused to let despair consume me. I took action, updating my resume and LinkedIn, emailing my network, and scouring job listings. I brewed a strong cup of coffee, scrambled eggs for sustenance, and took my dog on a long walk to clear my head. I annotated the LinkedIn profiles of people I admired, highlighting power words and phrases.

Facing the Financial Reality

With my newfound free time, I turned my attention to my finances. I had a 6-8 month cushion, thanks to my savings, but I knew I had to make adjustments. I reviewed my expenses and was shocked by how much I had been spending on frivolities. I slashed my budgets, cutting back on takeout, expensive clothes, and luxury items. I recalibrated my credit card auto-payments to make minimum payments, hoping it would be temporary.

Kicking Freelance into High Gear

I had been freelancing on the side, and now it was time to ramp up my efforts. I reached out to editors, inquiring about potential assignments. Luckily, they were gracious and gave me as much work as their budgets allowed. It wasn’t enough, but it was something.

Job-Searching in Uncertain Times

Looking for a new job during a global pandemic is like pushing a boulder up a mountain. The market is unstable, and companies are hesitant to hire. Even tech giants like Google and Microsoft have halted hiring. But I refused to give up. I applied to every job I could find, from dream jobs to freelance gigs. I kept typing up cover letters, selling myself to hiring managers.

Finding Hope in the Darkness

It’s not easy, but I’ve found ways to stay positive. I’ve lined up a few projects, had an interview, and take my dog on longer walks. I’ve even started painting with watercolors on the weekends. There are ups and downs, but I won’t compromise on hope.