Embracing the Suck

Happy Sunday afternoon to all my followers, both old and new!

It has been a whirlwind of a week(ish) since I hopped onto my pipeline update, only to be shutout of all technology while in the waiting room and accept the inevitable layoff. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't still processing emotions of shock, grief, and fear on a daily basis. Ever the over-sharer I am, I wanted to come here to give a peek into my journey on Day 8 of "Operation: Get a Job," as I've so aptly named the Google Sheet that's currently housing all of my job opportunities, stages, contacts, and links to notes (no, I'm not kidding).

Maintaining Momentum

Losing a job was certainly disheartening. I've always left on my own terms with mixed emotions of both excitement and sadness as I looked toward my next adventure. I was absolutely crushed when I initially wrote my #OpenToWork post. However, with only my final week's wages coming in, I knew I had to push past the feelings and dive into action. I decided to maintain my momentum by keeping a 9-5 routine dedicated to my job search on weekdays. This decision has been pivotal in keeping my focus sharp and preventing the Impending Doom from creeping into my personal life. The job market is rough out there, but I'm treating this as a Close Lost and maintaining my same sales mentality, increasing my "at-bat" opportunities to find my Win.

The Paradox of Change and Routine

On the subject of routine, it's been amusing to realize that while everything feels like it has changed, much has stayed the same. I get up at the same time every morning and pad downstairs with my dog Ladybird running ahead of me, eagerly waiting by the door. My husband John Sculley made sure we stayed on our Whole30 plan, which ended this Tuesday, as scheduled. We even kept our outstanding dinner date to get pizza on Day 31 to celebrate as intended. Our daily routines of sleep/wake cycles, diet, and our walks around the block throughout the day have been pillars grounding me in the face of uncertainty. Embracing that stability while adapting to all this change has helped me to maintain my sanity.

The Power of Support

I'd be remiss if I didn't take a moment to express my immense gratitude once again for the incredible support I've received here on LinkedIn (as well as in my personal life). It's easy to feel like a burden to others when you're going through a difficult time, but I've come to realize that relying on my support system is not a burden at all. It's truly been a testament to the strength of my friendships and connections, as well as the compassion of people on here. It's taught me the importance of humility in accepting help freely and openly.

Feeling My Feelings

The temptation for toxic positivity is so real for myself. My M.O. is to take it on the chin, shake it off, and paste a big, fat smile on my face. We see it all the time living in a world of social media. It's been crucial to carve out time to feel my emotions - all 6,384 that seem to swirl around my brain right before bedtime. For me, it's been a mix of allowing myself the space for a good cry, leaning on a family group I'm a part of, rollerblading and long walks to clear my mind (both by myself and with others), and indulging in escapism through fiction books and coloring pages (no self-help books until I'm hired). Finding healthy outlets to release stress has been essential for me to maintain my mental and emotional well-being, especially during a time without insurance to get me to my therapist's office!

What Lies Ahead

While I can't say for sure what lies ahead in the upcoming weeks for myself - hopefully it includes removing a banner sooner than later - I continue to maintain the belief in shifting my perspective. While this time is certainly a challenge, looking through another lens can allow me to see the opportunity that lies in this moment as well. This layoff has provided me with a chance to reevaluate my career goals, learn new skills, and grow as an individual. I'm truly excited to see where this next chapter leads, and I'm grateful to have this community to share it with.

I want to say thank you again, for the unwavering support, confidence, and encouragement. As I continue this journey of self-discovery and professional growth, I'd love to hear from each one of you.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them? What routines or self-care practices help you maintain balance in your life?

Feel free to share your experiences, advice, or simply drop a comment below. Let's keep the conversation going and support each other as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of our careers.

Additionally, if you know of any opportunities or connections that align with my background and aspirations, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your support means the world to me, and I'm excited to explore new possibilities together.

Thank you for being part of this incredible network. Let's embrace change, stay resilient, and continue to inspire one another on our professional journeys.

Looking forward to connecting and learning from each of you!