Office1w ago
Got laid off after 6 years
What happened
I gave everything to this company. Late nights, weekends, missed family events. I thought I was safe because I was 'essential.' Then came the restructuring. A 15-minute call, and suddenly I was escorted out with a box of my things. Six years of my life, gone in an afternoon.
The impact
I spiraled into depression for months. Questioned my entire career. My identity was so wrapped up in that job that I didn't know who I was without it.
Lesson learned
A job is never your family, no matter how much they say it is. Diversify your identity. Your worth isn't measured by your employment status. It took me losing everything to finally start therapy.