Life After Layoffs: Lessons On Career, Ego & Resilience

On this deeply personal episode, we tackle a topic that’s often brushed under the rug: job loss. Inspired by the incredible listener response to Episode 13 on career vs identity, we decided it was time to share our own stories of being laid off-and everything that came with it.
We dive into the raw emotions, from shock and denial to acceptance and rebuilding, and explore how layoffs challenge our sense of self, our ego, and societal expectations around work and success. What happens when your identity feels tied to your job? How do you reset and redefine who you are outside of a title?
This episode isn’t just about the tough parts-also about the unexpected silver linings: the lessons learned, the power of community, and how rejection can be redirection. From creating space to focus on passion projects to quality time with family and volunteering, we discovered the importance of viewing life as a pie chart, where career is just one piece of the whole.
We end with practical advice for navigating layoffs, like leveraging your network, finding support through resources like LinkedIn alumni channels and therapy, and staying open to new opportunities. Whether you’ve been laid off, are navigating career uncertainty, or just need a reminder that your worth is not defined by your job, this episode is for you.
Key Topics:
The 5 stages of grief after a layoff
The role of ego, stigma, and societal pressure in career identity
Practical tips: Severance, insurance, networking, and job search strategies
Rejection as redirection
Life as a pie chart: Finding balance in career, relationships, health, and leisure
Lessons on clarity, priorities, and redefining success
Layoffs may be the new norm, but they’re not a personal failure. Join us as we normalize this conversation and share how to navigate, heal, and grow through it.
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[@AnnaSzabo]

Thank you for sharing from the heart, thanks for being so human, open, vulnerable, and comforting.