Today, as we celebrate the Labor Day holiday and pay tribute to the American worker, I am reflecting on how being laid off from my job has been the best thing that could happen to me. Here’s why:
1️⃣ I was given the gift of quality time to reconnect with family and friends. 💕
I witnessed a number of close colleagues endure layoffs before me and had the benefit of seeing how their transitions played out over time.
A few reminded me that jobs can be changed, but there are no “do-overs” when it comes to raising a family.
When I received my notice, I knew I needed to take full advantage of spending summer break home with my kids. Experiencing what it means to live in the moment and be fully present with family and friends has been the best decision!
2️⃣ I regained my freedom, clarity of purpose, and creativity. 🤩
I enjoyed 6.5 years working in corporate innovation. It was my dream job to test and build new products, services, and user experiences to benefit the military community, and I had the privilege of working with many exceptional teammates and leaders.
However, continuous expense cuts, layoffs & reorgs, and executive churn constantly threatened execution and investment in the future.
This culture shift hampered creativity and employee agency.
Receiving my layoff notice was like being handed a permission slip to pursue my passion without anyone questioning my commitment to the cause. It was a blank check that immediately erased my work-related stress and allowed me to shed my golden handcuffs while encouraging me to redesign how I want to spend my time and deliver impact. It has afforded me the chance to learn new skills and has reignited my creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Looking back, I can’t believe what opportunities I would have missed out on if my course hadn’t taken this unexpected pivot.
3️⃣ I restored my health and wellness. 🧘♀️
The corporate grind was not kind to my body. With each promotion and passing year, I worked more hours, longer days, and had less time for nutrition and exercise. I was literally working myself to a state of illness.
A renewed focus on my overall health, with daily discipline in performing a variety of exercises, has produced transformative results over the past few months. I’ve reduced my body weight by more than 15%, and am feeling stronger and more confident than ever. Thanks to the Peloton workout app for serving as my pocket personal trainer during this time! As Tunde Oyeneyin said during a class last week, “It’s in moments of tension that change happens.” This change has been an incredible enabler and forcing function to recalibrate and improve my physical and mental wellness.
With this investment in my health and wellbeing, I am energized and more ready than ever to bring the best version of me to my next employer and have accepted a job offer to join an inspiring, mission-focused team. 🙌
Stay tuned for an announcement soon!
Technical Director at 365 Holdings
4moAlyssa is the best!