Fair_Tip2915's journey

I was recently laid off from my job after 8 years, and I'm really struggling with my feelings. Even though I knew it was coming and had been unhappy for a while, I can't help but feel sorry for myself. It's frustrating because I feel stuck and instead of taking this time to upskill or figure out my next steps, I find myself just staring at the wall or sitting in a cafe, journaling and seeking advice online. I also get irrationally annoyed when I see social media posts about my former company thriving, especially from ex-colleagues. I know I had a decent layoff situation with a good notice period and severance, but I can't shake off the resentment and insecurity I built up over the last couple of years. I have a small plan written out for what I want to do next, and I understand I should be applying for jobs or using this time to learn something new, but I just can't seem to get myself to act on it. I'm really curious if anyone else has gone through this kind of mental block after a layoff and how they managed to overcome feelings of resentment, self-pity, or comparison.

I was recently laid off after spending 8 years at a mid-size global company in a communications/PR role. I started as a marketing coordinator and ended up taking over the entire PR function almost by accident. I was promoted quickly, relocated abroad, and had a good rapport with leadership, including the CEO. However, things took a turn when new management came in about two years ago. I didn't connect with my new boss and began to disengage from my work, which led to a lot of resentment on my part. I let a junior hire take over my responsibilities while I checked out, and I wasn't the easiest person to work with during this time. Now, I'm grappling with feelings of inadequacy. I can't tell if the first six years of my career were indicative of my true abilities or if I was just lucky. I’ve always been the 'nice' and agreeable one, but when the new management didn't immediately like me, I felt incomplete. I also have a tendency to agree to things I don't want, which has caused resentment in both my work and personal life. When I heard I was likely to be let go, I confronted the situation directly, which expedited my departure. Now, I’m left questioning my worth and whether I should aim for entry-level positions due to my lack of confidence after two years of being disengaged. I'm 33 and feeling lost, wondering if I ever deserved the senior salary I had or if I just got lucky. Any advice on how to move forward would be greatly appreciated.

Today marks my last week at the company where I've spent nearly nine years of my career. Due to restructuring, I've been made redundant, and while I've managed the practical aspects like handover and paperwork, I'm struggling with the emotional fallout. Throughout my time here, I've prided myself on being the person who gets along with everyone, avoiding conflicts. However, this past year, especially this week, has been incredibly difficult. I've felt the palpable indifference from a few colleagues, particularly the one I hired and trained who is now stepping into my role. I informed the team about my departure, and she didn't even acknowledge it. What hit me hardest was when I attempted to remove myself from various systems and found that my access had already been revoked. It felt like they couldn't wait for me to be gone, and that realization stung deeply. Friends and family keep telling me that it's for the best, but I can't shake the feeling of being erased while still present. I’m not looking for confrontation or closure; I understand where I stand. What I really want to know is how others have managed to move on from similar experiences. How do you let go of that sting? Does it really fade once you leave? What strategies helped you stop replaying those moments in your mind? I'm hoping to find some comfort and advice from those who have been through this.