What It Was Like Being Unemployed

I got laid off in December of 2022. My world came to a screeching halt when I realized I no longer had a job in Marketing. Unfortunately, I was let go right before Christmas, so what was supposed to be a merry time was instead clouded with embarrassment, confusion, and sadness.

Telling People

When it came to telling people that I was unemployed, I felt extremely embarrassed. Naturally I went to my family and friends first. I shared my thoughts on how I felt like a failure and embarrassed I couldn't keep a job. They spoke words to calm me down and motivate me but I struggled with the idea that people could be looking at me differently because I didn't have a job.

Updating My Resume

Maybe I'm too emotional, but updating my resume and adding my previous job was painful. However, it was necessary in order to move on and find a job. Applying to jobs was a whole other story. At the time, a lot of layoffs were occurring and not many job openings available.

In the beginning, my standards were high. I had a degree and real world experience, why wouldn't people want to hire me? With time, I realized my mistake and I began applying to any job I was qualified for.

The Waiting Game

I cannot explain to you how annoying it is to apply to jobs and to never hear back, or when you do it's weeks later and a rejection. And wha are you supposed to do while waiting or a response?

I asked that question to myself and others frequently. Some people told me I should travel, which really grinded my gears. How are you supposed to travel when that costs money and you no longer have an income?

Making A Decision

While sitting at home not working might sound nice, I personally hated not working. After not receiving job offers in marketingI made the decision to make a career change. For some, that's the harsh reality of unemployment. For others they bounce back and find a new job in their field and it was like that brief time of unemployment never happened!