Laid Off, but Not Set Back: Finding Purpose in the Pivot

It’s officially been a month since I was laid off from my position as EVP of Branding and Marketing at QC. While these words have been on my heart since that very day, I wanted to take time to process and reflect before sharing—not just for myself, but for the next person in line who may face this, or for you, or a friend who might be going through it right now.

Before you jump to the comments, send a text, or offer me a job, I ask that you take a few minutes to read these words. Maybe even share them with someone who might need to hear this, especially someone who is facing their own version of this challenge—which can feel even heavier around the holidays.

The Unexpected Turns

As someone who has experienced a lot of life’s ups and downs, I’ve always found it interesting to observe people’s reactions to major life events. These past four weeks have been no different. When I shared the news of my layoff, most people responded with a look of fear and said, “I’m so sorry.” Each time, I found myself replying, “Thank you, but I’m not.”

You see, similar to my divorce a few years ago, this layoff felt more like a liberation—a nudge from God that it was time to leap. For me, it was a reminder that life’s transitions, even the hardest ones, often carry a message. Though the past three years in my role have been incredible and fulfilling, I had started to feel the subtle pull of something new.

Truthfully, I was comfortable—comfortable enough that, had this layoff not happened, I might have stayed, never fully exploring the other ventures and passions I know I’m meant to pursue.

The Weight of Responsibility

When I launched my first business, I was in my late twenties—single, no kids, minimal bills. It was easy to take risks back then, like giving up my city apartment, moving in with my parents, and waiting tables on weekends to fund my dream.

Today, life is different. I’m a single mom with two kids to provide for, a mortgage, a car payment, and countless responsibilities. Comfort, stability, and predictability are more than just nice—they’re necessities. And yet, I’ve come to realize that comfort can also be a quiet trap, keeping us from pursuing what’s next.

For a long time, I balanced both worlds: working in a position of influence, sharing my gifts, speaking on panels, all while knowing there was something more I wanted to do. The layoff was the spark I needed to move forward—scary as it may be.

The Shift in Perspective

When something like this happens, it’s easy to get caught up in “Why me?” or replay every decision and conversation, wondering what could have gone differently. It’s easy to let fear take over and feel consumed by the “how” of what’s next: How will I pay the mortgage? Feed my kids? Move forward?

But over the years, I’ve learned to embrace a different perspective. I believe life happens for us, not to us. When we trust that belief, even the most challenging transitions reveal a purpose.

This doesn’t mean it’s easy. It’s overwhelming. Fear shows up uninvited, and doubt creeps in. But moments like these are also opportunities—to reset, to realign, and to take steps toward what’s meant for us.

What’s Next

So, here I am, standing at a crossroads. It’s uncertain, and yes, there are moments of fear. But there’s also excitement. I know this isn’t the end of the story; it’s the beginning of a new chapter.

To anyone going through a similar experience, I want you to know this: You are not alone. This moment, as painful as it might feel, is also an opening—a chance to rediscover who you are and what you’re capable of.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. Your support and belief mean the world. And if you know someone who could use this message, please share it. We all need reminders that even when life feels uncertain, there’s purpose in the process.

Here’s to the next chapter.