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COVID-19 and Career: I Lost my Job Due to the Pandemic

COVID-19 and Career: I Lost my Job Due to the Pandemic

Career and COVID-19: Tips on how to react when you lose your job due to the pandemic featured by top Seattle career blogger, White Wanders

On April 15th,  2020, the day before my birthday I was laid off from my job.  Not a great way to start a birthday.

 

I was half expecting it, but my heart still sank.  They announced layoffs were due to COVID-19.

 

Sometimes the best-laid plans go awry. 2020 was really looking up for me! I had a new job and was planning to share a career update with you. I  still have an update... it just looks very different than I thought it would.

 

My background is working in media and advertising, I spent 10 years in Corporate America running advertising campaigns for some of the largest brands in the world.  Now, if we were living in normal times I would just go out and get another job.

 

But we are in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies are not hiring or spending money. We are also still continuing to learn about this virus and at this point, getting back on track looks very far off.

 

Normally I would have my blog income to fall back on, but even that has suffered. My 2020 campaigns have almost all been canceled or put on hold.


 

It has officially been 1 month since I was laid off due to Covid-19. It has taken me a while to write this blog post. I have been processing, scrambling, and pivoting. My world has drastically changed.

 

I am in the process of moving out of my beautiful apartment - my home. I am negotiating my lease termination and finding a storage unit for all my furniture. I never thought this would happen. I am very sad.

 

I have tried to remind myself that I did not lose my job to my performance, but due to a global paramedic. It is still hard. The stress, panic, and uncertainty and have taken a toll on me.  I tend to turn into myself when I am dealing with a lot of stress & anxiety. I do not reach out for help.

 

My identity is very much tied to my job and career. I feel like I have failed – at what, I am not sure. It is just so frustrating to feel like you are going backward and not forward.

 

I shared I had lost my job on IG Stories and I got so many messages from people in the same position.  People who were also feeling vulnerable, anxious, and scared. You made me realize I am not alone in this journey.

 

Remember, real life rarely looks like an Instagram feed. It rarely shows the more vulnerable moments. The hard moments. The heartbreaking moments. This is a real pandemic with real-world consequences. It is happening to us now. All I can do is keep myself afloat as I figure out my next move.

 

 

so what is next for me.....??

 

Reader Survey

I am working on a Reader Survey for next week. With all these changes there is a lot of different directions I could go with on the blog. But I want to know what will best serve you. What would you find most valuable?


 

New Series

I am building out a NEW Series for the blog. I want to know what type of content and topics you want me to highlight as we figure out this new normal together – so stay tuned for more!


 

Moving Into 2020

The good news is that there are silver linings in all of this! I know, I am very lucky to have a family who supports and encourages me. I have my health. Another positive is that I became an auntie for the 4th time! I have a beautiful niece. I look forward to spoiling her.…as soon as I land a job

 

So here I am trying to find my way in the middle of a pandemic, jobless, moving back in with my parents, and trying to find my new normal. I am not there yet, but I am on my way.

 

Thank you for listening, thank you for your visits and if it’s your first time here – I hope I see you again soon!

 

Xo,

Whitney

 

Ps. If you know of someone who has lost their job – please forward them this! And let them know they are not alone!

 

 

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View Comments (6)
  • Hi Whitney, this post resonated with me as I’m going through the same thing. I’m so proud of you for telling your story as there so many people such as myself dealing with the same thing. My identity has always been tied to my job and career and without it, I feel lost but I’m learning that it’s okay to be anxious sacred and sad. Please have compassion for yourself and know that something beautiful will come out of all of this. Sending you healing and prayers. You’re not alone. Sending you virtual hugs!

    • Lahlah thank you so much for the sweet message and virtual hug! It was very needed. I am so sorry to hear you are dealing with a similar situation. I know we will come out stronger on the other side, but its a journey. Keep me posted on your journey and sending you lots of positive vibes

      xo,

      Whitney

  • Thank you for your transparency!!!! It simply shows that bloggers are real people and go through the same struggles as their followers. I would love to read more about your journey to adjusting to your new life and how you’re progressing. But that’s great that you have support from your family. I had the same when I didn’t have a place to stay for a few months. This will make you stronger in the long run so keep the faith! (I’m not sure if you’re a Christian lol)

    • Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I will def be sharing more about my journey with job loss! I am very lucky to have my family!

      xo,

      Whitney

  • I think that your post can help so many other people who feel that they were left in a corner. You are very inspirational and I am so happy I came across your blog post.

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