These days, it feels like almost everyone knows someone who’s been laid off — maybe you’ve even faced it yourself.
Headlines are constant: companies downsizing, restructuring, making decisions that change lives overnight.
I heard several of those stories just last week at Mickey’s Camp for Women, surrounded by inspiring leaders and amazing women. Over activities, meals, and late-night conversations, I realized how many of us are carrying stories of transition — our own or someone close to us. Some women offered advice, others shared their experiences, and many simply offered kindness and support. It reminded me that, while every experience is unique, the feelings of fear, uncertainty and, eventually, resilience are ones we often share.
I’ve talked openly about my unexpected layoff last August. After more than three years of giving so much of myself to the company, the news of my layoff hit hard. It wasn’t just about losing a job; it felt like losing a part of who I was — and then slowly, intentionally finding myself again.
Now, one year later, I see it differently. What felt like an ending turned into the start of something better — full of growth, clarity, and lessons I never expected. I’m sharing them here in case you’re walking through your own season of change — to offer perspective, encouragement and a reminder that you’re not alone.
Lesson One: It’s OK to not be OK
When the layoff happened, everyone told me, “It’s business, not personal.” But it felt personal. I questioned my worth and identity — and had to remind myself my value didn’t change just because my job did.
I’ve learned that healing doesn’t follow a timeline. You don’t have to bounce back right away. You’re allowed to sit with the messy emotions. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to take your time.
Lesson Two: The people who show up matter most
One of the biggest surprises wasn’t the layoff itself, but the kindness that followed. People I barely knew reached out with words of encouragement, connections, or just a simple check-in.
That generosity stayed with me. It reminded me that titles fade, jobs change, but relationships last. And sometimes, the people you least expect are the ones who show up when you need them most. That lesson has made me more intentional about showing up for others, because now I truly understand how much it matters.
Lesson Three: Pause before you panic
In those first few weeks, I went into overdrive by rewriting my resume, applying to jobs right away, scheduling coffee and lunch meetings, sometimes multiple a day. I thought being busy meant moving forward.
But looking back, I wish I’d paused. I wish I’d given myself permission to breathe, rest, and reflect before rushing into the next thing. Sometimes it’s in the quiet moments that you find the clarity you didn’t know you were missing.
Lesson Four: Invest where it matters most
It wasn’t the title, the company, or all those late nights and weekends that defined me. What truly matters are the people and the moments I used to set aside to “do the job.” I gave up time with family and friends, poured energy into projects I thought mattered, and spent hours I can’t get back.
But when the job was gone, none of that — the deadlines, the late nights, the “big wins” — was what carried me forward. What mattered were the people who showed up for me, the relationships I’d built, and the memories I’d made outside of work. That’s where the real value is, and that’s where I choose to invest my energy now.
Lesson Five: You get to define your own path
A year later, I’m not where I thought I’d be, and that’s turned out to be a gift. I’ve relaunched my PR business, Baise Collective, and I’m continuing to tell stories through my podcast, Badassery Life. I’m doing work that matters to me, in a way that feels calmer, healthier, and more aligned with my values.
I’m building something that reflects my vision while partnering with others on theirs. I’m creating opportunities, amplifying voices and helping share the stories that deserve to be heard. And the best part? I get to choose how this next chapter unfolds.
At the end of the day, no job title or company defines me. I do.
Lesson Six: Community heals more than you think
At Mickey’s Camp, it struck me how many of us are navigating similar transitions, whether layoffs, new careers or unexpected changes. Talking about it openly reminded me that healing happens in community.
We’re not meant to do this alone. Sharing our stories, listening to one another, and supporting each other makes the weight feel lighter and the path forward a little less lonely.
A year later, the hurt hasn’t disappeared, but the lessons softened the edges. I’ve learned to let go of old definitions of success, lean on others when I need to and give myself grace when life doesn’t go as planned.
If you’re in the middle of a layoff or any big transition, I hope you know this: you are not alone, and your story isn’t over. These moments don’t define us. They’re just chapters — and the next one is yours to write. And sometimes, the best part is discovering that what comes next is even better than you imagined.
Kelly Young is the founder of Baise Collective and co-host of the Badassery Life podcast, where she amplifies the voices and stories of inspiring women.
