New Beginnings
This past week has been incredibly challenging, and I'm still processing everything that’s happened.
On Wednesday, I was laid off. It’s not the first time this has happened to me, but it’s been a long while since the last time. I’ve learned that losing a job can feel like losing a dear friend or loved one—you go through a grieving process. While that’s been true in the past, this time it caught me completely off guard. I’m grateful that I managed to stay professional and think clearly, but the news still left me feeling a mix of hopelessness, confusion, and even shame. Thankfully, the severance package should cover our needs for the next four or five months.
I still don’t fully understand why, after nearly two years with the company, they decided I no longer fit into their plans. But dwelling on that won’t help me move forward. I trust in a sovereign God who promises good things and calls me to live by faith. Now, my family and I have the opportunity to put that faith into practice.
If I’m honest, I’ve been feeling like I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately. Maybe this is the push I needed to shake things up. I had already decided to focus on getting healthier—losing some weight, improving my diet, and adjusting my supplements. And truthfully, I’ve started to feel more like myself again. So even with this setback, I’m choosing to move forward.
My plan is to take about a week to wrap up any remaining tasks before diving headfirst into the job search. I’ve already reached out to my network and, thankfully, I had my resume professionally updated recently.
In the meantime, I’ve put together a daily routine that will help keep me grounded and productive:
- Help the family get ready for school
- Read or listen to scripture
- Spend time in prayer
- Exercise
- Read or listen to a professional book
- Work on a project
- Identify one actionable step I can take
This routine will help me stay focused and keep moving forward during this period of transition.
Bill Petro, my mentor, once said, "It's not your network that finds you your next opportunity, it's your network's network."
Please check in with me! Partner with me!
I've asked some men in my life to hold me accountable to three things:
- Am I medicating any emotions?
- Am I staying in God's Word?
- Am I getting out and meeting with people?
I hope the men who have partnered with me will ask these questions frequently. It's easy to despair in these times, and it'll be tempting to fall into bad habits (Question #1). Staying rooted in God's Word will help remind me of who I am before a Holy God and that He sovereignly cares for me (Question #2). And getting out with people will help keep me focused on moving forward and remind me that relationships are what truly matter.