Laid Off: Some Unspoken Truths (Part Deux)

In my previous article (Part 1), I shared some unspoken truths about being laid off. That article was one of my most popular ones, and I wanted to share some additional themes I didn’t include initially.

Leading after the layoff

Getting laid off is even more complicated when you’ve been a leader. Your influence doesn’t stop when you walk out the door. If your former team reaches out, be there for them. Support their future at the old organization, even if you’re no longer part of it.

As a leader, you must take yourself out of the equation. True leadership means encouraging your team to focus on the end game, even when you’re no longer in the picture. Your departure might open up new opportunities for them—promotions, new roles, or projects they’ve been waiting for. Cheer them on. Your success as a leader is reflected in their achievements, even after you’ve moved on.

There’s another layer: showing you’re a strong leader during this transition keeps valuable connections intact. When your team sees you handling the situation with grace and continuing to champion their success, they’re more likely to stay connected with you. Who knows? In the future, you might have the opportunity to bring them into a new organization.

Who am I without the title?

For me, the identity crisis that followed being laid off was (and is) tough. When your job has been a significant part of your life, it’s natural to wonder, “Who am I without my job title?” I have been encouraged by my support group to rediscover what really drives me or “gets me out of bed.”

Think of it as the modern-day version of the old chat room question from the late 90s and early 2000s: “A/S/L?” (Age/Sex/Location?). Except now, it’s more like “P/V/S?”—Passions/Values/Skills?

Adjusting to a new routine has been tough for me. I’m currently in the process of applying to jobs, and it’s discouraging when you’re met with silence, or when you realize there are countless others competing for the same roles. It’s humbling and sometimes feels like a battle for acknowledgment.

This isn’t about finding just another job. It’s about finding the right fit for who I’ve become.

I’m focusing on myself, applying only for roles that truly align with my skills, passions, and the value I bring. This time is about refining my personal brand and seeking out opportunities that resonate with what I genuinely enjoy doing.

I don’t have that new role yet, but I’m confident that when I do find the right fit, it will be more than just a job—it will be a continuation of my journey in a way that’s authentically me. I know, this sounds so corny or cliché. Unspoken truth: I have had to force myself to embrace this awkward feeling.

Acceptance is not a straight line

Let’s be real—getting laid off is a punch to the gut. It’s a hit to your confidence and a sudden disruption to your routine. The unspoken truth is that acceptance isn’t just necessary; it’s the only way to move on. But here’s the hardest part: not holding a grudge against the situation. There’s no denying that it hurts, and there’s no magic fix that will bring back what was lost.

Acceptance is obvious, right? We all know we need to accept what’s happened to move forward, but that doesn’t make it easy. Some days, I feel okay, like I can handle this. Other days, I’m sad, mourning what’s gone. But no matter what I do, how I feel, or who I reach out to, nothing will bring my old job back. That time is gone forever.

Acceptance means letting go of the past and focusing on what lies ahead, even when it hurts. It’s about acknowledging the pain but not letting it define the next steps. This journey isn’t a straight path—it’s filled with ups and downs. But with each day, I’m learning to let go a little more, to accept what I can’t change, and to find a way to move forward with hope for what’s next.

What I know now

As I navigate this journey, I’ve come to realize that my passion lies in leading leaders. I am still a “nerd” at heart and, yes, I was the techie, hands-on-everything person early in my career. But not anymore. I love solving complex problems, being creative, and pushing the status quo by bringing empathy and compassion to the workplace. I stay razor-focused on ensuring accountability and transparency are at the forefront. I have a deep passion for building teams, uniting people, encouraging them to “just do it!” and addressing the difficult topics—the unspoken truths—that often go unsaid.

I believe that to truly make an impact in any organization, we must first be honest with ourselves. Once we embrace that honesty, it’s essential to share it with our peers, colleagues, and other managers. This isn’t just about finding the right job—it’s about finding a place where these values can thrive.

I’m open to work, and I believe we all should be open to speaking unspoken truths.

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