First Monday without a job…

That sentence feels strange to write.

Last week, I was laid off. And like a lot of people in this market, I didn’t see it coming in a way that truly prepares you for it. There’s a difference between knowing layoffs happen… and suddenly being part of one.

Today isn’t about productivity hacks or “what’s next.”
It’s about sitting in the in-between.

What I’ve learned already:

• Work becomes part of your identity more than you realize.
  Not just the title but the routine, the problem-solving, the people you collaborate with every day.

• Grief shows up in unexpected ways.
  It’s not just sadness. It’s restlessness. It’s questioning. It’s sitting at an empty desk, opening your laptop out of habit… and realizing there’s nothing waiting for you on the other side.

• I care deeply about what I do.
  But I also valued the balance that came with it—the kind that lets you do meaningful work without losing yourself in it. That’s something I won’t take for granted again.

• I am more than my job—but I’m allowed to miss it.
  Both can be true at the same time.

Right now, I’m giving myself space to process instead of rushing to “fix” it.

But I’m also starting to reconnect with people, with ideas, with the parts of my work that energize me.

If you’re in a similar place:

I see you. This part is hard.

And if you’re hiring or know of teams that need someone who thrives in complex, workflow-heavy environments (especially in UX/product design)—I’d love to connect.

Here’s to figuring out what’s next, one day at a time. 💛
#OpenToWork #UXDesign #ProductDesign #Layoffs #CareerJourney