One-Year Post-Layoff: My Review
The good, the challenging, and all I hope lies ahead.
Last week, I looked at my calendar and was shocked to realize I’d been laid off a full year ago.
Happy layoff-iversary to me? I celebrated with a glass of orange wine and watched Crooked House for the 276th time, honoring two things that got me through that first unmoored week.
In many ways (actually, most ways), this year was the launching pad for me. I’ve loved it.
I found an ease with consulting that I had never experienced before. When January 2025 opened its eyes, I somehow found myself submitting documents to the New York State government establishing myself as a full-time LLC.
The list of things bringing me joy in this work is long and varied. I learn something new every day, I get to work with clients I admire, I get to be curious and let my Gemini heart say yes and try a million things, and I am building a consulting community with people globally!
In the same breath, this year held a lot of doubt and stress.
I had challenging conversations with clients about their expectations and experienced my first client breakup. I have been disappointed by countless opportunities, pitches, and applications that went nowhere. I’ve panicked about my income and finding sustainable projects.
In honor of this moment – and in the hope of supporting many of you navigating layoffs – here is the good, the bad, and the hopeful of the past year: My one-year post-layoff review.
The Good
Wearing all the hats. I have been surprised how much I’ve enjoyed being a small business owner. I love figuring out all the pieces of the puzzle, meeting new people, and refining my services and offerings over time.
Building community. Building up my business has pushed me to put myself out there. It’s sweat-inducing and requires many partner pep talks, but it’s also made me feel more confident! And led to me meeting so many unexpected people!
Sending that cold pitch and receiving warm responses. I continue to be floored by how generous people are with their time and support. I’ve emailed so many people I admire, expecting to get lost in their inbox, and received notes with advice and offers to grab tea. Be authentic in your note and you’ll be surprised who you’ll meet.
Cat coworkers. I LOVE working from home – though I have to be very intentional about seeing people outside of work to remain energized. As much as I love the kittens, I unfortunately can’t just only talk to them.
Experiencing the LIFE part of work-life balance. I love having the space to pursue new hobbies and my own creative projects! Current hobbies: Running, Blue Prince, and trying to figure out how makeup works for our wedding.
The Challenging
The constant pitching and business development. Even when I’m comfortable with client work, I am still anxiously looking ahead. This work can feel like a constant wheel of what’s next and what is my plan if a client suddenly disappears.
Wearing all the hats. I both love the constant juggling and on my panic days, resent it. Let someone else figure out taxes and getting clients and finishing these deadlines! I just want to write my newsletter and go watch Psych for the millionth time.
Paperwork and finances. Setting up your accounts, documenting every payment, finding an accountant, figuring out your retirement plan – just DAMN.
Navigating difficult client dynamics and expectations. This can all take a personal toll. But what I’ve learned after a few hard encounters and client breakups is to trust your gut. If in that initial call or first month something feels off to you, there is a high chance this isn’t the right project for you. And that’s okay!
Missing mentorship. One thing I really miss is brainstorming and mentorship. I’m grateful to be a part of platforms like CommsConsultants and The Collaborative which is a space of constant connection and brainstorming. But in terms of mentorship, I haven’t quite cracked that one yet.
All I Hope Lies Ahead
All the things that were meant for me. Over this year, I keep grounding myself in the feeling that this is meant to be a flexible moment. A moment of saying yes to lots of different things and following different paths. Because what I’m finding is that this curiosity is allowing me to see what feels right for me and what isn’t a fit.
More ease. While it’s a pleasure to run my own schedule, I haven’t yet found a routine that incorporates work, fitness, and enjoying little world adventures during the work week. This is something I really want to create for myself in the next year.
Creating a product that supports nonprofits and solo entrepreneurs. The brainstorming has already begun!
Returning to my journalism roots. I’m in a moment where I am really missing writing journalism features. The interviewing, the research, putting the story together, it’s a creative venture that makes me feel so fulfilled and I’d like to be a part of my life again.
My BIG goal - which feels a little vulnerable but exciting to say:
I want to be the go-to marketing and communication consultant for mental health and gender-based violence organizations, nonprofits, and foundations globally. Say it again!
Upcoming July Newsletters:
A Website Will Change Your Life: Here’s How to Build One Without Going Insane
Why I’m Always Babbling On About Being Trauma-Informed