It's been a challenging four months since I lost my high-profile job of eight years. This happened just five months after my 50th birthday and only eight months after my spouse and I divorced after 20 years of marriage, which was a tough blow, especially since I lost more than half of everything in that process. To add to the stress, both of my parents, who live across the country, were diagnosed with dementia around the same time. There have been moments where I felt completely lost, unsure of how to move forward. However, I've managed to keep going through a combination of therapy, support from friends, and my own stubbornness. One of the first things I did was adopt a dog named Francis. He has given me a reason to get out of bed each day and has been a source of comfort that I can't fully articulate. As for the job hunt, I’ve taken a slow approach. I find LinkedIn to be overwhelming and often toxic, so my strategy is to apply to just a handful of jobs each week that genuinely match my skills and experience. Protecting my energy has been crucial during this time. I've also made it a point to reach out to one person each day who matters to me, which helps me step outside my own thoughts, even if just for a moment. I try to read or listen to something inspiring and practice gratitude daily, even if it's just acknowledging that I have a roof over my head and my sweet dog. Daily meditation and going for walks have also been beneficial. Whenever I feel my mind spiraling, I force myself to move, and it really helps. I believe we’re going to be okay, and I remind myself to be patient and kind to myself. In the end, it’s about forcing yourself to keep going, no matter how hard it gets. That's how I've managed to navigate this difficult period.
Loading comments…
Comments