From Laid off to liberated
Navigating your transition and transformation journey
Anyone who has faced a layoff understands its deep impact both personally and professionally. It's a tough and emotional experience that can leave you feeling destabilized. I went through a layoff in 2013, and the phrase that stuck with me the most was, “It’s not personal; it’s just business.” While I knew it was a business decision, I believe showing compassion is important.
As I work with clients going through career transitions, I often see many feeling hopeless after being laid off. They express concerns about how they will manage and frequently ask how others, including myself, have handled similar situations. A common question I hear from clients after a layoff is, “What did your clients do when they were laid off? Is what I am feeling normal? Am I going to be okay?” When facing a tough situation, it can be hard to understand its meaning. However, once the fog lifts and we’re ready to reflect, we often find valuable insights. Being laid off is a unique experience for everyone; each person has their own perspective on what they went through. One of the most important things I want you to know is that you will be okay. You don’t have to face this alone, and you shouldn’t.
From Laid Off to Liberated™ emphasizes important aspects of personal and professional transition after a layoff. It highlights the significance of:
Rest and recovery
Self-care
Self-reflection
Recognizing burnout
It underscores that your job does not define you
It encourages you to envision your future
This process challenges you to confront difficult questions and commit to the necessary work to become the best version of yourself as you navigate life after a layoff.
Engaging in this process also prepares you for a successful job search and helps you create a clear path forward.
Our Community of Compassion and How You Can Make a Change:
Since we all have a stake in this, I want us to take ownership of the conversation about how people perceive and discuss being laid off. The term "laid off" is not a negative phrase. We need to eliminate the shame, guilt, and judgment associated with it. This is where we can start making changes. Let’s share our experiences, build a compassionate community around layoffs, and, most importantly, support and care for each other. One of the best ways to cope with being laid off is to listen to others' stories, reminding us that we are not alone in this experience. While layoffs may seem similar on the surface, each situation is unique, and everyone handles it in their own way. Your community is so important, and we can grow it together.
Let’s talk about it:
Sharing our experiences of being laid off can help us connect, process our emotions, feel less isolated, and learn from one another. For over a decade, I have had the privilege of working with clients and leading career coaching groups. I have listened to stories about navigating the transition and transformation journey after being laid off. My main takeaway is that these stories should be shared because they offer valuable opportunities for healing, mutual support, and finding a way forward.
My call to Action
The laid off to liberated Community and you’re invited:
This community was created to provide a safe space for those affected by layoffs. Our goal is to help you realize that you are not alone and assure you that a supportive community is here to guide you through this period. Let’s discuss this, support each other, and explore what we can learn from this experience.
I hope this encourages you to share your story, lessons learned, and what you want others to understand about this journey. Now is the time to support each other, share stories of hope and encouragement, and offer any advice you think will be valuable. I am excited to build this community, but I need your help. If you want to share your story, please click on the link, Your Layoff Story, and let’s create your pathway into this community.
Stories of Hope After a Layoff
Interviews with those who have been laid off
Below are the interviews I've conducted with clients and others I've met who have amazing stories to share. These stories come from people who have faced similar experiences and want to share their stories to help others going through the same things. They are tales of hope, inspiration, and understanding. After reading them, you'll see that even though we might not know each other, we share common threads that connect us.
