Talk about some crazy timing. As I was planning what to write about in future blogs, life handed me something new to write about—something I am experiencing for the first time, and it has come with a lot of mixed feelings. I am talking about getting laid off. (I would like to add a disclaimer that the place I worked at was nothing but kind and professional. I feel I gained so much from being with them, and I am grateful for the opportunities I had.)

I think we can all relate to that gut feeling when something is about to happen. I had it for about two weeks—I just knew something was going to happen. As I walked away from what I hoped was a normal call, I felt a mix of hopeful and anxious emotions. I was sad to leave such an amazing place, but I also saw it as an opportunity—a chance to grow into a new role, meet new people, and maybe even explore something I haven’t yet considered. This is my moment to expand into something more.

I’m not exactly looking forward to the job hunt and those nerve-wracking interviews (shout out to social anxiety), but I’m excited about the potential. Even now, in my 20s, I find myself fantasizing about the collection of jobs I could see myself doing. In my mind, it’s like I’m back in elementary school, playing pretend as a fashion designer, a teacher, or a florist. No, those aren’t career paths I am considering now, but I get the same feeling as I browse through job openings, picturing myself in various roles to see if they are a good fit. I’m focusing on staying positive, keeping my mind clear, and being open to whatever opportunities come my way. With the extra time, I can really up my availability on Rover (a pet-sitting and walking app) to keep my thrifting fund in the positives. (Also, who doesn’t love getting paid to hang out with pets?)

I reflect on being in a similar position about a year ago. For context, I had just moved to Georgia, learned that a close family member was diagnosed with cancer, was isolated from my family and friends, and felt I didn’t belong. It was rough moving to Georgia and trying to settle in, and it’s still a work in progress. But my mentality has drastically changed since then, and I am so grateful for that. After nearly a year of being here, getting on medication for my mental health, pushing myself to say yes to things, and with the change to warmer seasons, I finally feel comfortable in my skin again. Maybe I am gaslighting myself like crazy, but if gaslighting myself is what’s keeping me this optimistic, then call me Charles Manson the ultimate gaslighter.

Looking at the glass half full has honestly made time slow down enough that, for the first time since my teenage years, I feel I am becoming truly present. I no longer wish time away as much anymore. I look forward to the smaller and more mundane things such as laundry days, and I celebrate small wins such as finally dropping off that bag of clothes I have been meaning to take to Goodwill.

So with something like being laid off, while it wasn’t something I was hoping to include in my 2024 recap at the end of the year, it’s out of my control that it happened, and I can only look forward and take one step at a time.