My Unemployment Journey

Life

Aug 11

Written By Deirdre

I can remember like it was yesterday. I got an email from someone I never met in HR for a quick chat, that just didn't sit well with me. I felt like there was a gloomy cloud over me as I sat at my desk overthinking and over-analyzing what was going to happen during this quick chat.

Now let's rewind before we got to this point.

Fall 2014 I moved from hometown (Tallahassee, FL) to South Florida to end the long-distance in my relationship and to finally live in the same city as my then-boyfriend(now husband). I would also mention that this career shift was another factor in my moving I would be able to finally work in Corporate with my dream to eventually become a Buyer.

I am living in a new city, I low key feel like the country mouse in the big city lol. My "dream job" eventually turned into a nightmare. It was a toxic work environment with a glass ceiling and an invisible ladder of success. Long story short I was terminated. I cried so much and now I laugh to myself and always send God a Thank You praise dance for getting me out of that environment. I show gratitude for the lasting friendships and bonds I gained from that employment.

Following that upset, I returned to work in retail. After working for 6 months I heard a lot of buzz in the news about the downturn in the retail industry and many major retailers were closing doors. The next day at work there was a company-wide meeting and it was announced that our store would be affected by layoffs. The following day I was told that my position was eliminated. Now back to the drawing board.

Within a few weeks, I was able to land a new role for an E-commerce company. Over two years I learned so much and amassed so many merchandising skills that I couldn't learn at school alone and again created new friendships.

(Now press play and continue the intro story)

Quick Chat 🤔

I walked into my 1:30 pm Quick Chat. As I opened the door I saw two HR team members and a white folder. I said to myself not Again. I sat down and with a nervous grin on their face I was told my position has been eliminated the company has restructured. I sat at the table with an empty stare. My expression was so cold and lifeless that HR member paused and said Are you ok? Do you have anything to say?

As much as I wanted to say something smart I couldn't. I requested to have my personal items retrieved so I can go on with my day.

Text convo to my husband. I knew something was off.

Fired-Laid Off-Laid Off AGAIN

Over the years I went through many soul-crushing experiences but I knew that through it all I had to pick up the piece redefine myself and pivot. The most important lesson I learned thus far is to change my outlook on my journey from "why me" to "what is this trying to tell me or teaching me?". This journey has pushed me to remain strong and to open my own boutique (i will talk more about this in another post).

Three things to lift your spirits when you are down:

Motivational Playlist

I created a motivational Spotify playlist when I'm really sad or anxious. The first song on the playlist is Diddy and Mase Can't Nobody Hold Me Down I literally pull myself out of the bed and get started on my To-Do list.

Therapy

Before getting Laid Off I was attending Therapy monthly for about 7 months. I was fortunate to still have health insurance through my husband's employer post-unemployment.