Navigating Life's Ups and Downs: Finding Hope and Direction After Job Loss
It has been a whirlwind few months. I was laid off from my job and found myself running in circles. If you know anything about me, I dislike patterns. Not the beautifully designed ones in Adobe Illustrator, but those repetitive life cycles that shape our thoughts and self-worth. It's uncomfortable being stuck in such a pattern, so I set out to research ways to break the cycle and gain clarity.
On my last day at work, a colleague shared some advice that resonated deeply: "Pick a direction." For the past couple of months, I've been doing just that. Picking a direction, putting in the effort, listening to feedback, and pivoting as needed. Repeat.
The challenge lies in how society often views careers in a secular, linear, and literal manner. My career has been anything but linear. I started off in film, lighting, and visual effects. I was lead to agency work, where life was turn-n-burn and I became proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. Then I moved in-house and now have a solid understanding of photography and videography processes. I've freelanced and worked on the agency side before transitioning to the client side for the last six years to gain a different perspective. I chose not to niche in a specific area of artistry, but instead learning the full picture.
I tried to fit myself into a singular role, but it felt like sacrificing parts of myself. The real aha moment came when I was driving to the career force office for unemployment. I questioned why I needed to constantly shift and change to fit into a mold that didn't feel right. It felt like a game I no longer wanted to play.
I've been actively networking at events, enjoying coffee and Zoom meetings with old colleagues and new acquaintances, and learning from new connections on LinkedIn. I've stayed curious, allowing the energy to shift even when it felt uncomfortable or embarrassing. Reflecting on my strengths and weaknesses, I've worked to remain objective and not internalize past triggers. Each interaction taught me something new about myself.
I am deeply grateful for all the connections and even the rejections. It was through this valuable feedback that I evolved and pushed myself.
Today, I'm blazing a new trail with a clear direction. I'm no longer playing the game of fitting into a limiting description of who I should be. Instead, I'm confidently putting myself out there as my authentic self.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Here's to embracing change, finding direction, and staying true to ourselves.
