Reduction In Force

I recently witnessed a RIF (Reduction in Force). This isn’t new—the mortgage industry has been a rollercoaster for the past 25 years. I’ve often played an administrative role in closing things out. But this time felt different—in a PTSD sort of way.

A year ago, I was on the other side of it. After nearly two decades with the same company, I found myself displaced, uncertain, and navigating a job search. It was a humbling and challenging time that tested my resilience—but it was also a season of self-discovery. I had spent years as a trainer and onboarding manager, and suddenly, I was training myself in how to offboard. Along the way, I shared my insights in several articles and posts. If you're interested, I invite you to check out those posts—hopefully, they offer some perspective and encouragement.

If you’re in that place now, I get you. It’s a grieving process—there are stages, and you can find yourself in several of them at the same time.

Here are a few reflections from my own journey that might offer some encouragement:

1. Your experience is valuable. That old interview standby—"So, tell me about yourself"—can feel loaded when you’re trying to sum up years of work. But your story matters. I remember struggling to translate years of hands-on experience into corporate language. It wasn’t easy, but with each conversation, I got better at articulating the impact I’d made. You bring real value—own it.
2. Finding a job is a job. It’s a full-time job and a part-time job on top of that. Create a designated office space to help you stay organized. Treat your search with structure—set goals for outreach, applications, and self-care. Some days will be more productive than others, and that’s okay. Progress is progress.
3. Stay curious and keep learning. I devoted about 20% of my time to learning. I took courses on LinkedIn to sharpen my skills and to show potential employers that I was adaptable and invested in growth. I dove into new tools and systems I hadn’t touched before—it was intimidating at first, but every step forward made me feel a little more capable. Use the resources at your disposal—AI tools can help you craft targeted resumes and cover letters. And you don’t have to master it all in one day.
4. Be kind to yourself. Job searches can be rough on your confidence and patience. Celebrate the small wins—a productive networking conversation, a well-received follow-up email. They add up. And find a healthy escape. For me, it was bike rides. Being in the moment wasn’t always easy—I even felt guilty for trying to enjoy myself—but those breaks gave me space to breathe. You need that.
5. You are not alone. It might feel like you are, but there are people who want to support you. Reach out. Connect with others going through similar transitions—there’s power in knowing you’re not the only one. Hearing other people’s stories during my search gave me hope when I needed it. And don’t forget—these situations affect your loved ones, too. It’s okay to talk about it.

Also, be cautious. When you're vulnerable, you're a target. I encountered scams and bad actors preying on job seekers—if something feels off, trust your instincts. Protect your information and verify opportunities.

After a year in my new position, I’m grateful to feel engaged and valued again. I’m building a new network, making new friends, and finding my footing. I’m finally getting settled in and feeling consciously competent—a milestone that feels hard-earned after such a challenging transition. If you’re in the middle of a job search, I know how hard it can be—but your next chapter is coming, even if you can’t see all the details yet.

And if you know someone who’s been impacted by a layoff, check in on them. A simple message or a quick call can mean more than you realize. No one likes feeling ghosted.

If you’re looking for support or just need someone to talk to, reach out. We’re in this together.