Can I be honest with you guys? The past few weeks have been really hard. I never want this space to be one for moping and complaining. But I also recognize the importance of being honest and open with you. Writing a vulnerable post like this recent one has taught me how much we are all in these things together. And I know that the thing that has been making my life difficult lately is one many of you are also suffering from.
A few weeks ago, I was laid off from my job.
It’s not the first time I’ve dealt with job loss while living in the Netherlands. But this time hit especially hard. I LOVED my job. I had been there since the very beginning of the company, and felt a very strong connection to the brand and what we had built. So it felt like a sucker punch to the gut to be laid off.
This pandemic is unprecedented and is completely changing the landscape of the world. Roughly 38 million Americans have lost jobs during the pandemic, which means we are far from alone. I would love to say that it helps to know others are in the same position. But somehow it makes it even harder. Things often feel bleak, and I’m terrified of what the future holds.
I’m trying to do my best to stay positive. But I also want to let those of you in the same situation know that it’s okay to not feel good about things. It can be especially hard if you’ve lost a job that you were happy with. For many of us Americans, our careers are deeply rooted in our identity. And losing a job can feel like losing part of yourself.
Yesterday, when I started this post, I originally wrote about how I felt so lost and like I had no control. I am a major planner and not knowing what the future holds is so scary. But waking up this morning I felt so much lighter. Writing out my feelings yesterday helped me to acknowledge and process them. It’s one of my favorite things about the power of writing.
I know there will still be days ahead where I struggle with the uncertainty of the future and what I will do next. But I am also working to use this as an opportunity to do some soul searching and find the next thing that will make me happy and fulfilled. Until then, I will also be embracing this chance to continue putting love and work into this space.
To those of you who have also lost a job during the pandemic, my heart goes out to you. I’m always here if you need to chat.
Below are a few resources that I’ve found helpful so far in dealing with losing a job you love.
Xx, Kelsey
Ways to promote a positive mindset if you’ve lost your job
Making sense of the future after losing a job you love
omg I just published a similar blog post. I LOVE this post, it is exactly what I needed. I can relate to losing a job you love and correlating that with losing your identity. I have lost my dream job, 4 months ago. It has been a roller coaster of emotions. I really appreciate you sharing this, makes me feel not alone in feeling this way!
also, love your instagram I just followed you 🙂
– shyy https://www.shyyshianne.com/
Aww thank you, Shyy. You’re definitely not alone. Sending good wishes and hoping you find something new and even better. Xx, Kelsey
Sending positive thoughts your way! I’m so sorry to hear this. If it helps at all… when I’ve experienced big change like this, no matter how unfortunate, it always tends to lead to something brighter. I know it will for you too!
Brittany | pointed-north.com
Thanks, Brittany! Change is always hard but does tend to lead us down and new and often better path. Stay well! Xx, Kelsey