What I’ve learnt over the past few months of unemployment and what I’ll carry with me through my career.
When I first lost my job, I was confused, lost and didn’t know what to think. I had such a solid routine that I didn’t know how to fill in my day.
In a previous post navigating unemployment, I shared how much I didn’t realise my confidence was tied to my job.
Over the past few months, I have learnt life lessons that has changed the way I look at my self-worth and what defines me.
1. Redefining Success: You are more than your job
During my unemployment journey I’ve had to redefine what gives me confidence. I soon realized my value doesn’t come from a job title, or my place in the team hierarchy. My job doesn’t tell my full story.
Throughout my career, I’ve focused on getting promotions and climbing the corporate ladder as I thought people would respect me and see me in a different light.
From finishing high school, everyone has been so involved in what you’re doing next, that you feel the pressure to say you’re doing XYZ to prove yourself (and let’s be honest those high school reunions are a clout feast to see who’s “made it” in life).
How I view myself is up to me, and this mindset can be applied to anything in life, not just about work.
2. What Unemployment Has Taught Me About Money and Gratitude
I got lost in chasing the higher salary so I could buy the new shiny things. I took full advantage of having the basic needs covered. I’ve heard that expression: Happiness doesn’t come from materialistic things but didn’t fully understand the concept until now. There are many other luxuries in life: family, relationships, friends, and time – those are priceless.
The financial burden over the past several months hasn’t been easy but we’ve survived. I recently wrote a post about how to manage financial stress during unemployment and tips to survive.
3. Ego and Career Growth: Learning to say yes to unexpected opportunities
Whilst I’ve been looking for jobs, I found myself thinking I’m better than that. I can achieve more and I’ve worked too hard to make a “backwards step”. But sometimes you don’t know where those opportunities may lead, as no one is too good for anything.
You do feel from society that having a higher value job means you’ll be respected and are successful. However, there are other ways in life to feel successful and have other luxuries.
No one can determine how you should view yourself but you. Give nobody that power!
Losing your job, doesn’t mean losing yourself. As time goes on, I learn more about myself and understanding more about what really matters at the end of the day.
Keep shining,
Madeline
youdeservetoshine.blog 