09/01/2024
Let me know if you go through anything similar or is there anything that resonate with you.
I am Ready to Dive
My coach advised me not to share my layoff story on social media, stressing that the platform is for showcasing our polished, professional persona. The term "layoff" carries a stigma, often perceived as a polite way of saying someone was fired—a convenient excuse for companies to "remove redundancies" and w**d out incompetents. Being laid off can suggest unsuitability, which isn’t something you'd want to broadcast. I understand—no one wants to spread bad news and risk embarrassment. Yet, a rebellious part of me wants to share my story, hoping it might resonate with others who are also navigating the pain and recovery.
Nine months ago, I took a leap of faith and completely changed my career path. After 20 years in supply chain procurement for Tier 1 automotive companies, I accepted a generous offer to switch to the "other side of the table" as Director of Business Development and Managing Officer for the US sales office, overseeing a plant expansion in Mexico. It felt like a dream come true—I was thrilled to help the CEO realize his vision of global expansion. I believed my experience with Chinese suppliers had finally earned me a top executive role. My ego soared with the recognition, and I felt I had shattered the glass ceiling of being a small fish in a big pond. Then, suddenly, a decision was made to let me go. Working closely with the CEO has its perks, but also its risks.
I’m not here to complain or revisit what happened—I've moved on. Instead, I want to share the lessons I've learned and express my gratitude to those who shared their experiences, wisdom, professionalism, help, and kindness during my journey. The journey, and the people I encountered, were truly incredible.
I’m deeply grateful for these incredible experiences, and I'd love to share some of them with you. Let me know which topic you'd like to hear more about. As you can see, I had some glorious moments in my last role. But then, one thing led to another, and that chapter came to an end. It felt like falling from the top of a mountain. Over the past few months, I've faced the deepest depression of my life. I thought I was at the peak of my career, ready to devote my whole life to it. The layoff felt like the world had crumbled around me, leaving me feeling like a miserable failure—unfit for such a high-profile job. It made me question my character and abilities, fueling insecurity and imposter syndrome.
I used to believe that my personal brand was "Maureen gets s**t done," and I thought that was enough. I got things done because I cared deeply about my work, often pushing beyond the standard 8-hour workday. I consumed every moment thinking about work and how to manage it, which allowed me to achieve what I did. But clearly, this experience taught me that simply getting things done isn’t enough to succeed in the leadership role.
There were days when I felt completely paralyzed, losing interest in everything. I had to confront a profound sense of loss—my ambition, drive, passion for life, and, worst of all, my hope. It felt like a part of me had died. Every morning at 3 a.m., I would lie awake, replaying every conversation and scenario, regretting words I might have said that could have upset the CEO and led to this outcome.
Thankfully, I reached out to a few friends, hugged my children, laced up my running shoes, and immersed myself in some of the best self-help books.
Here are three things I learned from my healing journey:
1. Regret What You Did, Not What You Didn’t Do
Paraphrasing from Byron Katie's "Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life," there are only three types of business in this world: God's business—things beyond our control, like the past and the facts; Other People's Business (OPB)—how others think, act, and believe; and My Business—my beliefs, actions, and attitude. Regretting other people's decisions is pointless since they are out of my control. I've learned to focus on what I can control—my side of the story. My reality is shaped by my thoughts, and while I respect others' decisions, they don't define my narrative. I've prioritized my mental and physical health, working on healing my trauma and learning from mistakes without dwelling on them. Living in the moment and practicing gratitude have become essential. After all, we only have one life, and we can only be certain of our love and our lives one moment at a time.
2. It’s Natural to Worry and Revisit the Past
It's human nature to think about the past, worry, and feel anxious—our brains are genetically wired this way. Our ancestors needed to be constantly vigilant to avoid danger, and this survival mechanism still plays out today. When something bad happens, it's natural to replay the scene in your mind, analyzing what you did or didn’t do to prepare for the future. These thoughts occur naturally. I still think about the CEO, the company, the people I encountered, and the words I said almost every day. These memories randomly surface in my mind.
3. Healing is a Journey, Not a Destination
Recovery takes time, and it’s not a linear process. Some days, you’ll feel strong, while others might be overwhelming. The key is to be patient with yourself and acknowledge that healing is a continuous journey. Embrace the small victories, and don’t be too hard on yourself during setbacks. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Surround yourself with supportive people, engage in activities that bring you joy, and remind yourself that you are resilient. Healing is not about erasing the past but about finding peace with it and moving forward with renewed strength.
We’re all going to die one day, and every day we die a little. Money won’t stop that from happening. Knowing this, I feel less anxiety about having crossed the midpoint of my life. Instead of fearing the inevitable, I’m learning to embrace each moment, letting go of the pressures that once consumed me. This realization has shifted my focus from what I lack to what I have, allowing me to appreciate the present and live with a deeper sense of purpose and peace.
Now, if you ask me, if I would go through this again. I’d say hell ya. I am ready to dive.