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I was almost fired from a job I once held. I beat the company to the punch and quit on my own. This was the second time I had been in a position of unemployment. And again I had little saved up. Mentally and personally, I was in a dark place. Up until that point work was a part of my identity. It felt like it was the only thing that defined me. During my unemployment I was in a deep funk. I was mid-career and had no idea of what I wanted to do. My self-doubt was at an all time high. Before I left, the company I had just quit, were shit talking me behind my back. I heard actual conversations behind boardroom walls. It was horrendous. I suffered with a feeling of dread for a good month. I felt ashamed and I kept all of my feelings to myself. It wasn't until I sent a single message to one of my old-coworkers that things turned around. He gave me a perspective that I hadn't considered and sent me down a completely new career path. I learned a lot from that experience and want to share a few bullets that I hope will help anyone going through something similar: - Your work is not your identity. It is not your self worth. It might feel like it in the moment but at the end of the day work is a job. It may have some meaning but it doesn't define you. It doesn't define your level of worth or value. - Take the moment you are in and feel the suffering and natural emotion of a layoff, job cut, firing whatever. It's normal to feel these emotions. But after a certain amount of time (whatever that is for you) you have to put together a battle plan and move forward. - Reach out to your family and friends and look for support. If they are being unsupportive and passive aggressive towards your career decisions, find others who are more encouraging and have practical solutions towards next steps in your career. There is no shame in what you are going through. The negative judgement you think your parents, friends and family have of you, may likely be untrue. - Read some self-help books if that works for you. Finds source of motivation. I read a book about twelve rules that got me entirely out of my depressed state. There are books that encourage 'sharpening the saw' that can also help with your momentum. - Take the time off. This might be the gap year you need to refresh. If you come out energized then a small blip in your resume will go unnoticed. If you position this moment as a way for you to become better, then this experience may turn out a blessing in disguise. - Remember that this too shall pass. Sooner than later you will be in your next role. You will have a set of life lessons that you can build on. Maybe that rainy day fund will be a tad bit larger. Whatever the case, you will find something and you will prosper. I hope there's a small bit of inspiration in my story that can help you along your journey. Work is not your identity. Good luck. #career #layoffs #work #motivation
You spend around 25% of your life at work (often more). Of course that represents a significant portion of your identiy. It isn't your only identity, but a lot of it.
I agree and work is a very important part. During the experience I shared however it was 100% my identity. That made it difficult for me to unattach the situation from my reality. I didn't learn that lesson until later. The reason I shared this post is in my opinion I sense that others may also put a large burden of that pressure on themselves - that the layoff is indicative of their worth or self esteem/value or the friends/family will judge them etc.