Embracing Empowerment: My Journey Beyond a Layoff
A few weeks ago, I encountered a shift in my professional journey – I was laid off for the first time. The company cited a “reorganization”, leaving me to grapple with the difference between what I perceived to be great performance and this turn of sudden unexpected events. Waves of emotion, ranging from confusion and anger to hurt and worthlessness, inundated me, creating a turbulent sea of introspection.
In the span of a mere 10 minutes, the company severed access to my computer, rendering my once-valuable laptop now useless. The blank screen seemed to mockingly pose questions: “When is your next meeting? When will you send your next Slack message? What work will you contribute to with the intent to improve lives in the workplace?” My routine abruptly halted. The situation felt not only professionally disorienting but deeply personal.
Anyone who has faced a layoff can empathize and offer comforting words, yet the experience remains uniquely intimate. The nagging relentless questions – “Why me? What about me fell short? Was I not worthy?” Such an unwelcomed cascade of self-doubt. This introspection has led me to a pivotal realization: why have I allowed my external circumstances or others define my self-worth? The person, the laptop, the pay check – all externalities.
Enough is enough. I’ve decided to break free from the constraints of allowing external factors shape my identity. I am no longer going to allow myself to play into a system that assigns value based on temporary circumstances. This realization is the catalyst for my decision to redefine my own sense of worth.
Gratitude has become my compass during this period. I appreciate the opportunity my former employer provided to explore all things talent management. I cherished the connections forged with hardworking and brilliant individuals. Now, I’m thankful for the chance to embark on a journey of self-reflection and definition.
In these weeks that are to come, I’ll be prioritizing healing, surrounding myself with the unwavering support of exceptional friends. As someone in my network said, this is not the end of the book but a turning of the page. For me, that page is blank which I intend to write with strength and resilience. I invite anyone who resonates with my journey to comment below.