There are few things more sobering and humbling than losing your job. Tonight, I’m bracing myself for a very likely reality that tomorrow morning I might be notified that ny position is being eliminated.

I am no stranger to the event. In 2009, I was a victim of the recession and lost my job to a company layoff. My first feeling was that of a death or loss. I was sick feeling, panicked and then scared all at once. After a few hours of shock, I was angry (why me?!?), and finally (eventually) settled into a strange sense of relief. It was in that moment I realized how much I hated that job anyway. I wanted to move closer to my family, and if it weren’t for that layoff, I would have been stuck in my first set of golden handcuffs.

Fast forward 14 years and 3 companies later, I’m in a much different place. Literally, physically, mentally. I am blessed with family, friends, a new baby, the most wonderful husband and decent corporate success over the years thats given me the greatest gift of stability. For all that, I’m beyond thankful.

That said, I am now more responsible than ever for providing that stability for myself and my family, so needless to say, losing the job was not part of my immediate plans. I am a little numb in the emotional department right now and simply reminding myself that events like this are catalysts for new things. Especially for someone like myself who can easily get “stuck” in the comfort if familiarity. I have to approach this possible event tomorrow knowing that the series of emotions will eventually lead me to relief, motivation, and bravery to do something new and different.

And besides… the next step…how hard can it be?