It was a regular Tuesday morning. I sat down with my coffee, ready for another day of LinkedIn sourcing and phone screens. At 9 a.m., two things caught my attention: an email from the CEO and a meeting invite from my department's VP. Both were unusual. The CEO’s email included a video. His words, “It’s going to be a dark day for the entire company,” hit me hard. I noticed an HR representative on my meeting invite. I quickly did the math: my life was about to change. By 11 a.m., I was unemployed along with hundreds of my coworkers. One phrase lingered: “Your position is no longer needed. Today will be your last day.” The shock was immediate. I saw myself with this company for a long time. In a moment, that was gone. Like many today, I found myself suddenly without a job. 

Coping with the Loss 
What do you do when your career gets derailed? My first instinct was to serial apply for any role I could find. However, a friend advised me to take a step back. I went to the beach, watched the waves, and gave myself space to process. I needed that mental reset before taking my next step. Luckily, I had bartending experience to fall back on. It’s a job I enjoy, though I never imagined going back to it full-time. But after the sudden loss of my career, bartending provided a sense of control and confidence. It made me feel capable again, which helped me regain my footing. 

Navigating the Job Market 
I bartended while job searching for four months—longer than I expected. With my recruiting experience, I thought finding a new role would be easier. I’d helped many candidates through the process, but I faced similar struggles: few responses, impersonal interviews, and continued uncertainty. The experience humbled me. Despite my background, I was not immune to today’s job market challenges. There were moments of self-doubt, wondering why I wasn’t getting more traction. Yet, bartending kept me financially stable, allowing me to avoid settling for the first opportunity that came along. I was looking for the right fit. I paused to reconsider what I wanted from my next job. I made lists of my needs, wants, and non-negotiables. I reflected on what truly mattered in my career and became intentional in my search. I wasn’t just looking for a job—I wanted a place where I could grow. 

Finding the Right Opportunity 
In my third month of searching, I came across APPROVE, and they needed a recruiter. Something about them resonated with me. Their online presence and content felt aligned with my values. Intrigued, I researched deeply, reading everything I could. Once I was sure, I applied and reached out to three employees on LinkedIn to make my application stand out. Some might say that was overkill, but I saw it as due diligence. My gut told me, “This is your job. Go for it.” Soon, I got the response I’d been waiting for—a phone screen with the COO. The interview process was quick, and soon I was meeting both the COO and CEO in the office. Every step felt aligned, and when the offer came, I knew I was where I was meant to be. The takeaway? Things turned around when I got honest with myself about what truly mattered. 

Lessons Learned 
Looking back, I’m grateful for how everything unfolded. The journey wasn’t easy, but it taught me patience, self-reflection, and the importance of grace in times of uncertainty. It reminded me to stay confident in my abilities, even when the path seemed unclear. Professionally, my job-seeking experience changed how I approach recruiting. Seeing the process from a candidate’s perspective showed me the importance of communication. Being the gatekeeper between a candidate and a job offer is a delicate responsibility. I realized it’s essential to handle it with care and a human touch. Just as I was thoughtful in my job search, I now strive to be just as thoughtful with candidates. It’s not just about filling a position—it’s about finding the right fit for both the candidate and the company. In the end, I learned that success is rarely linear. Every setback is an opportunity to grow. While my journey wasn’t what I expected, it led me to a place where I feel deeply aligned with my work and my team. For that, I’m incredibly grateful. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Unexpected Career Setbacks Are Common: Job losses and career disruptions can happen to anyone, even those who feel secure in their roles. The initial shock is tough but manageable. 
• Processing and Resetting Matters: Taking time to step back and process the change before diving into a new job search can provide emotional and mental clarity. 
• Having a Safety Net Helps: Having a secondary skill or job can provide a sense of stability, control, and financial support, making it easier to wait for the right opportunity. 
• Non-Linear Paths Lead to Growth: Career paths rarely follow a straight line; setbacks offer lessons that can lead to more fulfilling and aligned roles.