Five years ago, I found myself navigating a storm I didn’t see coming. I lost my corporate job due to Covid layoffs—a blow I thought I’d never experience again. Yet, within five years, I found myself walking the same painful path. Being laid off twice in such a short time was more than a professional setback; it became one of the most challenging personal journeys I’ve ever faced.
But with challenges come lessons – lessons I now carry with me as a business owner, mother, and someone living life with intention.
Here’s what I learned:
- Resilience Isn’t Built Overnight
The first layoff hit me hard, but the second? It knocked the wind out of me. I felt broken, questioning my worth and my future. But resilience isn’t born from success; it’s forged in the fire of adversity. Each day I got up, made the bed, and took even the smallest of steps forward, I was building something within myself: grit, courage, and strength. I learned resilience isn’t about bouncing back quickly; it’s about choosing to keep going even when everything feels heavy. - Pain is Real, and So is Healing
Being laid off twice brought immense sadness. I felt lost, disconnected, and frankly, ashamed. Depression loomed as I mourned the career I thought defined me. But acknowledging my pain was the first step toward healing. I began leaning on practices like daily movement and trying to journal, allowing me to process the sadness and find gratitude amidst the chaos. Healing didn’t happen overnight, but it happened intentionally. - Fear Can Be a Catalyst for Change
Fear consumed me: fear of financial instability, fear of failure, fear of the unknown. But fear also became my greatest motivator. It forced me to take risks I’d never have considered otherwise, including the biggest leap of all—starting my own business. I learned that courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s taking action despite it. - The Power of Family and Simple Moments
Unemployment gave me something I hadn’t had in years: time. Time to be present with my family, to reconnect with my kids, and to savor the moments I’d once been too busy to notice. As difficult as it was to face the uncertainty of my career, it was a gift to be able to slow down, cook meals together, and play in the backyard. Those moments became the silver lining that brought me peace during the storm. - Downsizing: A Reality Check
Losing a steady paycheck meant making hard decisions. Downsizing our home was humbling but necessary. Instead of focusing on the things we were giving up, we focused on paying down debt and simplifying life. I realized how little I actually needed to feel content. Letting go of the material things I thought defined my success helped me uncover what really matters. My family. - Gratitude Changes Everything
Gratitude became my lifeline. Each day, I acknowledged things I was thankful for, no matter how small—my morning coffee, a sunny day, a kind word from a friend. Gratitude shifted my mindset from scarcity to abundance. It taught me to celebrate the wins, however small, and focus on what I had rather than what I’d lost. - Living with Intention is a Choice
The second layoff forced me to ask hard questions: How do I want to spend my time? What do I value most? These questions became the foundation of my new life. Living intentionally means making choices that align with your values, and it’s not always easy. But it’s worth it. Whether it’s spending more time with family, pursuing a passion project, or setting boundaries, I’ve learned to make decisions based on how I want to feel, not just what I want to achieve. - Bravery is a Muscle You Build
Starting my own business was terrifying. I doubted myself constantly. But each small win gave me confidence. I reminded myself daily that I could do hard things and to be brave. I’d overcome so much already. Building something from scratch wasn’t easy, but it was rewarding in ways I never expected. It wasn’t just about financial freedom; it was about proving to myself that I could thrive on my own terms.
From Layoffs to Living Intentionally
Looking back, losing my corporate job twice within five years was a blessing in disguise. It forced me to reevaluate my priorities, simplify my life, and take a leap of faith into entrepreneurship. I’ve learned that resilience is built through struggle, fear can fuel courage, and gratitude can transform even the darkest days.
If you’re going through a tough season, remember this: the storm doesn’t last forever. Start small—write down one thing you’re grateful for, take one step forward, and make one intentional choice today. Over time, those small actions add up to something big: a life filled with purpose, resilience, and joy.
You’ve got this. Keep going.
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What hard lessons have you learned through challenges? Share your story with me on Instagram @tara.j.zeller. Let’s inspire one another to live with intention.
TARA ZELLER 