Mourning Your Job Loss: It’s OK to Feel, Cry, and Binge-Watch Schitt’s Creek

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough—mourning the loss of a job. Yes, you read that right. Losing a job is a loss; like any other, it comes with a rollercoaster of emotions. But here’s the thing: It’s OK to feel sad, lost, frustrated, or even relieved. And it’s more than OK to take time to process it.

Some people bounce back in hours, while others need a week (or more) to grieve. There’s no magic number, standardized timeline, or rulebook for how you should feel. Do what makes sense for you, your family, and your financial situation. But don’t do what I did; don’t panic and go into desperate mode just because you’re afraid of sitting still.

I didn’t take a moment to breathe when I lost my job. I went straight into overdrive. I thought, If I stop moving, I’ll break down and cry, so I won’t stop moving. Bad idea. That frantic energy led me to make choices I usually wouldn’t have made.

The irony? The year leading up to my layoff had already been emotionally exhausting. My previous employer went through several rounds of layoffs, and I was on the other side of it—supporting managers in challenging conversations, creating best-practice guides, conducting mock exit discussions, and helping employees navigate severance and benefits. By the time I was the one being laid off, I was running on fumes, yet instead of pausing, I sprinted straight into the unknown.

And you know what? Shit happens. We can’t always control it or be prepared for it. But taking time to acknowledge that loss isn’t a weakness; it’s human. If you need to rewatch every episode of Schitt’s Creek, go for it. If funny cat videos and Dollar Tree crafting tutorials bring peace, embrace them. (Side note: I had never stepped foot in a Dollar Tree until I was laid off. Life-changing.)

Once I finally stopped and let myself feel, I realized something huge—I had been unhappy in my role. I was stuck in survival mode for years, so concerned with keeping company morale up that I completely neglected my well-being. The truth is, I never would have left on my own. That’s just who I am. But being laid off forced me into a new chapter, one that, in hindsight, I desperately needed.

A couple of weeks ago, I had lunch with my former boss and thanked her for laying me off. Sounds wild, right? But it’s true. Without that push, I wouldn’t have met the incredible people I’ve encountered on this journey. I wouldn’t have discovered how much I love a good bargain store. And I wouldn’t have allowed myself to step back and see what I needed.

Things happen for a reason. We don’t always get the answer right away. Sometimes, we look to the heavens and ask for a sign, a call, or even a text message to let us know we’re on the right path. It doesn’t always come on our timetable, but trust me—it will come.

For those of you on this unemployment journey, Stay positive. Keep the negative thoughts out of your head. Surround yourself with people who value and support you. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

You’ll get through this—and who knows? You might find your new favorite store along the way.