The Silent Struggle: Navigating Corporate Layoffs as a Woman in Your 30s

Dear LinkedIn Community,

Today, I want to shine a light on a topic that often goes unspoken: the profound impact that layoffs have on women, particularly those in their 30s. While the effects of job loss are universally challenging regardless of age and/or gender, they can be particularly daunting for women in this age group, where career momentum and personal independence are deeply intertwined.

Losing a job isn't just about losing a pay cheque; it's about losing a sense of identity, purpose, and stability. For many women in their 30s, myself included, our careers are a significant part of who we are. Suddenly finding ourselves without a job can shake us to our core, leaving us questioning our worth and our place in the world. One day, we’re waking up with a sense of purpose, a routine, working on important projects, and the next, we find ourselves feeling like an outsider, with nowhere to be, and no work to keep us motivated. The cord has been cut, and we can’t repair it.

The emotional toll of this experience cannot be overstated. The fear of an uncertain future looming, coupled with the financial strain of unemployment, can feel overwhelming. The pressure to maintain independence and financial stability weighs heavily on our shoulders, especially for women who are single mothers or caregivers. The constant cycle of applying for roles and receiving rejection emails can take a serious toll on our mental health, and can make us feel isolated in our experience.?

In a society where success is often equated with career accomplishments, being laid off can feel like a personal failure. It's a blow to our confidence and self-esteem, leaving us wondering if we'll ever regain the sense of fulfillment and purpose that our careers once provided. While we know that being laid off isn’t a personal reflection on our performance, many women like myself start to question their worth and doubt their capabilities with each rejection email that hits our inbox.?

Yet, despite these challenges, there is resilience and strength within each of us. We are not defined by our job titles or by our LinkedIn profiles. We are more than an “open to work” banner, which feels a lot like the green mark of a pariah for those of us who are forced to wear it. We are multifaceted, capable individuals with a breadth of skills and invaluable experiences to offer the world.?

To my fellow women navigating the uncertainties of job loss: you are not alone. Your worth is not determined by the status of your employment. Take the time you need to grieve, to process, and to heal. And when you're ready, know that there is a community of support here to lift you up and cheer you on as you embark on the next chapter of your journey.

Together, we will rise. ???

With empathy and solidarity,

Medeea.