Shortly after I posted this picture, my role was cut. I had four weeks to find a new job or be formally laid off.
I had been working across all time zones, waking up early and staying up late running DEI-Related program.
I was creating “miraculous” results according to all KPIs. I had just gotten an amazing performance review and a big stock award.
None of it mattered.
One executive shifted roles, priorities changed, a bad manager came in, and I was out. Bam.
I was the only income for my family at the time, having relocated globally for the role just 18 months before. We lived across the ocean from a supportive family.
It was a very scary, painful time.
I whirled through anger, confusion, commitment, blame, confidence, and rage while I tried to find my next role, my next income, my next growth.
Thankfully, I had already been blindsided by a lay-off before (while on maternity leave…which is an entirely different story!). So, I knew how to navigate the emotions – how to identify, allow, and release them – so I could take powerful action that served me, my family, and my career.
My network lept into active, connecting, and supporting me. Thankfully I was offered and accepted a growth role with one of the best managers I ever had. What I learned in that new role led directly to me successfully establishing my own business just two years later.
It worked out. I was both clever and privileged. And it hurt. A lot.
I also learned incredibly important lessons. The top 5 are:
- Job security does not exist, regardless of how amazing you perform, the results you make, or the impact you create. Your seniority, loyalty, purpose, or commitment don’t create job security. Act as such.
- When people warn you about a manager/colleague, listen and pay even more attention than normal. Notice, take notes, and believe your experience and your intuition.
- Choose your boundaries and hold them. I missed events for my super young kids because I was in meetings or too tired to attend.I was disposable professionally; I am not and will never be disposable as a parent. Hard. No.
- White supremacy and misogyny are powerful addictions. Choosing not to see them puts not only you on sinking ground, it endangers others too. When I lost my role and the DEIB-related programs were closed down, many other people lost their growth assignments, skill-building budgets, and even their roles and incomes.
- Never, ever, ever stay where your skills, strengths, values, and personality are not cherished. You can’t and you won’t win. I knew from the first time I spoke to the new manager that he was disinterested at best. I learned later that he was actively sabotaging and proud of it when reporting emails got forwarded to me later in my new role.
If you are dealing with a layoff right now, I hope this helps you.
Many of my clients start working with me after a lay-off. I can help you navigate this time. Schedule your consultation below.