The scariest (but best) decision I ever made
When I was laid off, nobody said thank you.
Nobody said goodbye.
I walked out, slamming the door behind me, feeling angry, sad, and rejected- even I knew it was going to happen.
The thoughts racing through my mind?
I did this all for you!
I burned myself out for that job.
I stayed late. Even when I was gaslighted about promised promotions.
I solved problems that weren’t even mine to fix.
I saved projects that kept things going for years.
And yet—nothing. No recognition. No appreciation.
That resentment and anger? It was my unmet needs talking—the part of me that wanted to be seen, heard, and valued.
That was the validation I had craved by working so hard— feeling that it was never valued- anywhere really.
It was not only that the earlier experiences that had build up to that moment:
People taking credit for my work.
Being underpaid—tens of thousands less than colleagues in the same role.
Negotiating for a raise that barely made a difference.
Working overtime while others took it easy— wondering how anyone can still be paid for not doing what they should do.
Tolerating toxic environments.
But the ugly truth is- it was me who chose to stay, over-work, try to meet those impossible unexpressed demands. Because I didn’t even think I could say no. I was a good girl, committed and responsible.
And I didn’t really know what else to do— would it be better elsewhere?
But, looking back: I was ready for change— the layoff was kind of gift on my path. I had been wanting change for a long time but lacked courage and confidence— and knowledge how to get started.
I had a plan for what I would do next. But that wasn’t airtight. It wasn’t foolproof. The biggest roadblock was my mind.
Suddenly, I was at home during the day, without a job, without structure, without support.
Even though I had a vision, I felt lonely, isolated, abandoned, and unsure.
And I thought:
How do I even begin?
How do I start my own thing?
Should I just get another job?
I was exhausted. I started questioning everything:
Did I just waste 14 years of my life? Turned out that no I didn’t.
But, if I could go back and do one thing differently, it would be getting support and guidance sooner:
✔️ Mental support—because those feelings of rejection and hurt don’t just disappear. These patterns often repeat if they are not addressed.
✔️ Career guidance— a sounding board, for clarity, new ideas, and new ways.
✔️ Accountability—because when you’re in that in-between phase, when there’s no clear path, it’s easy to stay stuck in our own heads and think what we want is not possible. For getting over any obstacles and turning them into solutions.
We all need support, guidance and we can’t do things along. Mentors and guidance helps to create ideas, find what we really want, and take that specific action and make things happen.
If you’re in that place right now—if you’ve been laid off, if your professional path isn’t working, if you know something needs to change— I challenge you to think it’s happening for you— not to you.
We can use all of our experience even when we start new careers, or do something slightly different to what we have done before. None of our experience is wasted.
You get to create a new beginning, and what comes next.
You get to start a work life that aligns with who you are, what you value, and what you want to experience.
The new opportunities and answers always come in an interesting ways when we show up for them. Never stop believing in the unknown.
Warm regards, Jenni
P.S.
If this resonates and you are ready to get help defining your next professional move or business growth, this week, I have 3 spots open for the Career Clarity program. Start by booking the Connect call with me.
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