Navigating Unexpected Career Transitions

Hi friend 👋🏼,

As I gear up to start a new role this week, I’ve been reflecting on the journey that got me here, one that started with an email. Not a conversation, not a phone call, just a cold, impersonal email informing me that my time with the company was over.

It wasn’t because my role was eliminated. It wasn’t because I had underperformed. In fact, I was a high performer with zero indication that anything was wrong. There were no warnings, no feedback, no conversations that even hinted at this decision. I was simply a number in a “performance-based” layoff—a phrase that stings even more because it was so blatantly untrue.

I poured years into this job. I sacrificed personal time, put in the extra hours, and consistently delivered results that proved my value. And yet, none of that mattered when a spreadsheet dictated my fate.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions—anger, sadness, self-doubt, and eventually, acceptance (though I’m not quite there yet). And while I have landed an incredible new role, I want to share what I’ve learned from this experience—not just for myself, but for anyone who has faced an unexpected career transition and for those who want to better support others going through it.

The Emotional Toll of a Layoff: It’s Not Just a Job

When I began sharing my layoff news, I encountered a range of reactions. Some people meant well but missed the mark entirely:

💬 “It’s for the best!”
 💬 “You’ll land on your feet in no time.”
 💬 “At least you got a severance—I wish I could get paid to do nothing.”

This is what I now recognize as dismissive optimism—a close cousin to toxic positivity. Instead of acknowledging the real grief that comes with job loss, people rush to silver linings, to "everything happens for a reason," to “this is an opportunity in disguise.”

And while I did eventually find a great new opportunity, let’s be clear:

🔹 Losing a job isn’t just about losing a paycheck.
 🔹 It’s about losing a sense of security.
 🔹 It’s about losing trust in leadership.
 🔹 It’s about questioning your worth, even when logically you know it wasn’t about you.

For me, my career was my identity. I built my life around it. Every decision, every sacrifice, every extra effort I made was because I truly cared. And to be tossed aside without a second thought—not even given the dignity of a conversation—was one of the most painful experiences of my professional life.

How to Support Someone Going Through a Layoff

If you know someone navigating an unexpected career transition, you don’t need to have all the answers. But you can offer meaningful support that goes beyond clichés.

1. Acknowledge the Reality Without Rushing to Positivity

Instead of “everything happens for a reason,” try:
🗣️ “That’s awful—I’m really sorry this happened to you.”
🗣️ “I know how much you put into that job. This must be really tough.”
🗣️ “You have every right to be upset—I’m here if you need to vent.”

Acknowledgment is powerful. It validates emotions and helps someone feel seen.

2. Connect Beyond Work

One of the hardest parts of being laid off is the sudden isolation—no meetings, no emails, no daily check-ins. Offering non-work-related connection can be incredibly meaningful.

🌿 Grab coffee and talk about anything BUT work. Books, TV shows, travel—anything that reminds them they are more than their job.
🚶 Go for a walk or workout together. Movement helps shift energy and boost mental clarity.
🎭 Include them in social plans. It’s easy to withdraw after a layoff—help keep them engaged.

3. Reinforce Their Strengths & Value

When your career is shaken, so is your confidence. Being reminded of your value beyond your job title is crucial.

✨ “You are so strategic and thoughtful—I know any company would be lucky to have you.”
 ✨ “You’ve built an incredible skill set—don’t let this situation define you.”
 ✨ “Your leadership skills are unmatched—this is just a temporary setback.”

It’s not about false praise—it’s about reminding them of their worth when they might be questioning it.

4. Offer Help in Thoughtful Ways

Not everyone wants job leads immediately, but some do. Instead of saying “Let me know how I can help,” be specific:

📌 “Would you like an introduction to someone in my network?”
 📌 “I can take a look at your resume if you’d like another perspective.”
 📌 “If you ever want to talk through your next steps, I’m happy to help.”

Lessons from the Job Search: Moving Forward with Intention

For weeks, I felt stuck. I had no motivation, no energy, no clarity. But slowly, I began to rebuild. Here’s what helped:

✅ I allowed myself to grieve. I didn’t force productivity—I let myself feel everything.
✅ I reflected on what I actually wanted. Not just any job, but the right job.
✅ I leaned on my community. Friends, mentors, and even strangers who shared their experiences.
✅ I focused on small wins. Updating my resume, sending one networking message, applying to one job at a time.
✅ I redefined my relationship with work. My job is important—but it is not all of me.

Now, as I step into my next chapter, I am filled with gratitude—not because getting laid off was "for the best," but because it gave me a new perspective on resilience, community, and identity.

For anyone still navigating the job search—keep going. You are valuable, with or without a job title. And for those supporting others through transitions, let’s offer something deeper than dismissive optimism—let’s offer understanding, presence, and real connection.As we embark on this journey together, I invite you to connect with us on Instagram @femmeforce_co to stay updated with our daily doses of inspiration and Femme Force updates.

P.S. If you ever have questions, suggestions, or just want to chat, please feel free to reply to this email 📧 I'd love to hear from you!