My First Layoff
It was 2004.
Jennifer Aniston was crowned the most beautiful person. Bennifer ended. Will and Kate went public with their relationship. Hoobastank hooked us with all of their reasons. "Friends" came to an end. Everyone was addicted to "Desperate Housewives".
And I experienced my first layoff.
While on maternity leave.
After five and half years at my first corporate job, my role was moved overseas - along with hundreds of others. This was my first “adult” job out of high school and I loved it. I had thoughts of “oh, I’m going to retire from here”.
When I received the call, I was left anxious, nervous, battling feelings of rejection, and rattled by the uncertainty of what to do. I was 25 years old without a college education and looking into the big blue eyes of my two-year old and two-month old who depended on me. I had no idea what was next for my career. I had doubts and fears about anyone wanting to hire me.
This past week, I’ve seen many heartbreaking LinkedIn posts of others being laid off. I’ve seen pictures of brilliant Mama’s with newborns and people who had plans to retire where they were at. Them along with all the people in-between, are facing one of the biggest pivots in their life.
I want to hug each of them and then sit with them saying yes, this sucks. Yes, it punches the gut after investing so much time, soul, and skills towards building something. Yes, it feels like failure even though your brain knows this failure is not on you. Yes, rejection can make you question your worth. And yes, give yourself the permission slip to feel your feels as you catch your breath.
There’s been challenges, but I’m still here 18 years later.
I sorta know what I want my career to look like. I’m still weeding out doubt and perfectionism while working on growing my self-confidence. My 2004 littles are now adults with the same big blue eyes, however instead of wrestling with diapers I’m wrestling hard over one of them leaving the nest soon.
I started another career pivot this Summer. After being 120 days in, I’ve realized everything I learned between 1999 to 2022 set me up for success in my new role.
Endings are hard as hell. Yet fresh restarts can feel hopeful and exciting at the same time. There’s room for both feels to take up space. Please know our career stories aren’t over. Being part of one of the most intense times in work culture is going to serve us and others well.
Also, please find the humor where you can. For example, 18 years later I found out Avery’s new favorite song is “Reasons” and he often sends "Friends" memes to me.
Rest. Get back up. Rest again. Share your career story (not the polished bullet points from your resume). And know you’re not alone in this.
