09/11/2025
When you hear about layoffs, it often feels distant — even when you sit at an arbitration table. But the feeling shifts entirely when it hits closer: a colleague, a friend, or someone you respect.
Today, I cried. Not for family, but for a former supervisor who was let go from what we all considered a “stable” job — a government job. Surprised? I was too. 😳
The truth is, no matter how “safe” a role seems, layoffs can come from politics, restructuring, or reasons you’ll never know. This was someone who was hard-working, dedicated, and yes — a privileged tall white male. If someone like that isn’t spared, what does it say about the rest of us? For people like me, a Black woman, it feels like decisions can be made without even a blink. God have mercy.
I think back to the pandemic — when he, like many of us, showed up every single day, even when remote work was an option. Our work was considered essential, and he carried it out faithfully. So why now? Why him? Why anyone who gives so much to their job?
This is a reminder that security doesn’t always come from the job itself.
It’s a reminder that the only true security we can build is in ourselves — our skills, our networks, and our ability to adapt.
Investing in continuous learning, building multiple streams of value, and staying open to growth opportunities may not prevent the storm, but it equips us to weather it.
👉 How are you building resilience in your career today?