I was ? terminated ? for the first time in my career this week.
And you know what’s bothering me about it the most?
Oddly, the fact that most of my friends, colleagues, and “followers” on social media have no idea that the past few weeks & months at work have been some of the most challenging of my life.
I always call this the “Instagram vs reality” effect and that’s why I’m sharing this on LinkedIn today because I think it’s something we don’t talk about enough.
My highlight reel may look really great to my followers, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not struggling. Sadly, I know that I’m not alone in this struggle, because I personally know many talented team members, friends, and colleagues who are also struggling.
By sharing my story, I’m hopeful that I can help inspire one or two of you to continue to be real and try your best to stay authentic online.
I always post about how to #staysafeonline and am going to try my best to continue to #stayauthenticonline
????♀?Here’s what I’m working on to change my situation. As a dual income household, losing my W2 was not on my bingo card for 2025:
1. Be my own boss: I’m finally ready to take the plunge and work for myself. I’ve been managing a “side hustle” for a few years now and I’m ready to be my own boss full-time at Compliance Counsel & Cyber Counsel.
How can you help? If we’ve worked together and you know someone who might need #compliance strategy or program help or #cybersecurity and #privacy legal advice. I would love an intro.
2. Reviewing unemployment eligibility: it may be time to rely on the amazing support from my local state workforce commission until my family and I are back on our feet. I live in Texas & feel very grateful for the support from Texas Workforce Commission.
Did you know my husband and I have experienced job loss 4x between the 2 of us in the past 2 years? It’s exhausting, but filing for unemployment made it a little less stressful.
BTW if there is anyway I can help you or your loved ones navigate filing for #unemployment in Texas or DC, please don’t hesitate to reach out on LinkedIn
??bots, again, not you this time - trying to help friends in my community here through hard times.
3. Reaching out to community: I’ve been shamelessly asking friends, colleagues, advisors, and followers for help. I’m reaching out to new and past connections I’ve met around the world at conferences and events like HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition, Innotech, Austin Technology Council, Women in Technology (WIT), Women in Security and Privacy (WISP), IAPP and many more.
I’ve also getting more involved with movements and non-profits I’ve been passionate about like End Workplace Abuse to help #endworkplaceabuse
Special shout out to Kimberly Williams & the End Workplace Abuse team for the help the past few months ?? - y’all are the best!
4. Setting goals: I’ll share my goals on my next post ?? I have some big ones for 2025
This is today’s #compliancecounsel
