A Power of Leaning In: Reframe Your Layoff
My feeling is that some of our very human experiences are often stigmatized. Layoffs, divorce, mid-life transition, stagnation, health challenges and even career change are just a few to mention. We are afraid to lean into discomfort and make others uncomfortable along the way.
I hope this helps many of us normalize our feelings. Last week, along with many others, I was impacted by a layoff. Initial feelings ranged from shock to sadness, confusion, liberation, even joy, back to grief, anger, anxiety, fear, and then again liberation, optimism, excitement, all of it on repeat.
This is my third layoff in my 24-year career. What’s different? This time around there is no shame, no attack on my identity, no self-sabotage, no blaming others. Although there is NOTHING wrong with feeling any of those, of course, depending on where you are in your life, career, circumstances. As hard as it is, lean in and hang on! Reach out to your network for support.
My first layoff was all of the above (minus the ‘no’), the most prevalent emotion being SHAME! I didn’t tell my family until a few months later. Although it was also a relief (I knew it was time for a change), I still felt debilitated by my shame. Often, for something to begin, something else needs to end. I embraced the change and started my MBA at UBC Sauder School of Business which transformed me in ways I didn’t know were possible.
My second almost-layoff didn’t feel like one simply because it was done with so much integrity, grace and empathy, it was like saying “see you later” to a family and “thanks for having my back”, honestly. I have nothing but gratitude.
To my former colleagues STEMCELL Technologies - those on a similar journey as me, those who have “survivor guilt” and those who don’t, I would like to extend empathy - I see you and feel for you! I am grateful our paths have crossed.
Thank you for all your heartfelt messages. The greatest gift I received over the past few days was your reflection on my values, such as shared learning 📚 and empathetic leadership 💜. I don’t think I (knowingly) publicized them, I did my best to live them, authentically,- so happy they came through!
What’s next? I’m starting yet another beautiful journey in coaching, counselling and mental health. If you need someone to help you process life events, such as layoff, and roadmap your next steps 🗺️, please do not hesitate to reach out!
With much gratitude! Yours truly.
