Seven Months Later: Aligned, Anchored, and Rising

Seven months ago, I stood at the edge of uncertainty, freshly retrenched, unsure of what lay ahead, yet quietly determined to rise. Today, four months into a new role and a new year, I stand stronger, more aligned, and deeply grateful for the journey that has carried me here. The journey hasn’t been linear, but it’s been deeply transformative.

In the face of change, I leaned into what I had, support from loved ones, tools at my disposal, and a quiet fire within. Creativity became my lifeline. I started a photography business from scratch, a passion project that has begun to bear fruit. What once felt like a creative outlet has grown into something meaningful, something that connects, inspires, and sustains.

Giving back has been equally transformative. Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of tutoring scholars and aspiring data professionals. It’s been incredibly rewarding, not just for the impact, but for the learning, the growth, and the global connections formed along the way. Each session has reminded me that knowledge shared is power multiplied. And it has also reminded me of a truth I hold close,

“What we give doesn’t always return, but what we give is always what we are.”

That phrase captures the essence of this season, giving freely, without expectation, and finding identity and strength in the act itself.

At work, I’ve slowly integrated into my team, and now I’ve been entrusted with leading and coordinating team-building initiatives for the year. This is right up my alley, bringing people together, fostering collaboration, and building morale. It’s a role I embrace with open arms and a full heart.

As we step into this New Year, I carry with me the lessons, challenges, and triumphs of the past one. It was a year of resilience, of shedding what no longer served me, and of stepping into a more aligned version of myself. I’ve met incredible people, friendships were renewed, new ones formed, and family bonds deepened. Each connection has been a reminder that I am held, supported, and never alone. 

This year, I move forward with intention. I’ve learned so much about who I am, what I value, and how I want to show up in the world. I’m stronger, a little wiser, and far more grounded. Whatever comes, I will meet it with grace, courage, and clarity.

There are two phrases I came across along the way that beautifully encapsulates this journey,

“Growth is not always loud, but it’s always powerful.”
“What we give doesn’t always return, but what we give is always what we are.”

~Nerusha

10 Things I Learnt From Being Retrenched

Retrenched, Resilient, Rising

After 96 days of unemployment and now a month into my new role, I find myself finally able to pause, breathe, and reflect on what these past few months have taught me, about resilience, faith, and the beauty of starting over.

Retrenchment shook me, it stripped away the comfort of certainty, the rhythm of routine, and the security of knowing what tomorrow might bring. But it also gave me something more valuable ~ perspective, resilience, and a deeper understanding of who I am when everything else is taken away.
There were days I felt lost, anxious, and afraid, and yet, somewhere in between the stillness, the early morning walks, the support of loved ones, and the moments of unexpected kindness, I began to rebuild.
Slowly, I found peace in the uncertainty, and faith in the unfolding of my journey.

These are the 10 lessons that carried me from the shock of retrenchment to the quiet confidence of rising again:


1. The Shock Is Real, But So Is Your Strength
That first moment when you hear the words “you being offered a voluntary severance” feels surreal. You go into survival mode instantly. The urge to act, fix, or scramble is strong, but sometimes the bravest thing you can do is be still.
Lean on the people who care about you. Let their support hold you while you find your balance. Strength isn’t always loud, sometimes it’s in the quiet choice to breathe before reacting.

2. Choose Your Path Consciously

Once the dust settles, you have a choice - fight to stay in the same space or move forward toward something new, and sometimes there is no choice. Whatever you decide, take a moment to assess your mental and emotional well-being. Ask yourself, what do I truly want next?

It’s okay to pivot. It’s okay to start over. What matters most is that your choice aligns with your peace.

3. Face Your Finances With Courage

This part is tough. The financial pressure can feel like a wave that won’t stop coming. Even if you have savings, the uncertainty of not knowing what’s next can trigger deep anxiety.
Take charge where you can, assess your situation honestly, cut back where possible, and make your budget lean but sustainable. Control what’s in your hands, it brings a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

4. The World Has Changed, So Must You

The job market evolves faster than we realise. Skills that once made you valuable may now need refreshing.
Take this time to learn, upskill, and invest in your growth. Whether it’s a course, certification, or just brushing up on tools of the trade, let curiosity lead you. You’ll emerge sharper, more confident, and more relevant.

5. Your CV Is Your Story, Tell It Well

Your CV is often your first impression, so give it the attention it deserves. Update it to reflect your strengths, projects, and the value you bring.
Use the tools available to you , AI, templates, or professionals, it truly makes a difference. Your story deserves to be told clearly and proudly.

6. Routine Is Your Anchor

Every day feels different when you’re not working, some days hopeful, others heavy. What helped me most was creating small rituals, morning walks, yoga, dinner with loved ones, coffee with friends, or journaling my gratitude.
These moments ground you. They remind you that even when life feels uncertain, you are still in control of how you show up for yourself.

7. The Job Hunt Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

There were days I sent out dozens of applications and heard nothing back. Days when rejection emails felt endless. But over time I learnt, it’s part of the process. For this reason, I added my analysis to illustrate what I mean.
For every ten applications, maybe one will turn into a call. Don’t lose hope. Stay consistent, stay curious, and keep believing that the right door will open.

8. Fill Your Cup Along the Way

The search can drain your energy, so make time for joy. Have tea with a friend, walk on the beach, dance, take photos, anything that reminds you of life’s beauty.
Those small acts of self-kindness refill your spirit and give you the resilience to keep going.

9. Support Comes in Many Forms

Not everyone will fully understand what you’re feeling, and that’s okay. Some will show up with advice, others with a meal, and some with quiet presence.
Each gesture, no matter how small, matters. Gratitude turns these moments into fuel for the journey.

10. Remember to Breathe, Life Is Still Beautiful

When it all feels too heavy, pause. Step outside, take a drive, feel the wind on your face. Remind yourself that life hasn’t stopped, it’s just shifting.
Every storm passes, and when it does, you’ll see that this was never the end, it was the beginning of something new.


Retrenchment taught me that resilience isn’t about never breaking, it’s about finding the courage to rebuild.
Every application, every prayer, every walk along the promenade became part of my healing. And as I step into my new role and this next chapter, I do so with deep gratitude for the lessons, the love, and the quiet strength that carried me through.

Here’s to rising again ~ wiser, stronger, and with an open heart.

~Nerusha 💕

Week One: Piece by Piece, I Rise

My first week at Nedbank felt like being handed a 2,500-piece puzzle, daunting at first glance, but slowly, steadily, I began to piece it together. One login, one meeting, one acronym at a time. The systems and applications were new, the processes unfamiliar, but with each step, I felt myself settling into the rhythm of this new journey.

Once my access was sorted, I began connecting with the team, introductory sessions, broader team engagements, and walkthroughs of the core processes that will eventually become my focus. There’s something energizing about touching the new, familiarizing yourself with the lay of the land, and simply allowing yourself to learn. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.

The team has been incredibly welcoming, supportive, patient, and generous with their time. It’s made all the difference. I can feel the transition taking root. This is a new beginning, a fresh space for growth, and it carries that evergreen feeling of new life. A reminder that even after seasons of uncertainty, renewal is always possible.

A growth mindset is essential in spaces like this, and from my interactions this week, I believe I’ve found a place where that mindset is not only encouraged but nurtured. Every time I decode a new acronym, every meeting where something clicks, every lightbulb moment, I feel myself getting closer to laying the foundation I need to truly add value. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

It’s been a wonderful first week. And now, I look ahead with excitement to the next, starting with a trip to Johannesburg to meet the team face-to-face and engage in some team building. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. These are the people I’ll be working closely with, and I feel blessed to connect with them so early in the journey.

As I reflect on my first week, I’m reminded of the quiet symbolism in the small things. A photo taken in the morning light, felt like a soft affirmation. A reminder that I’m exactly where I need to be. That this new chapter is not just about work, but about heart, alignment, and rising into purpose.

Here’s to another amazing week, more learning, more connection, and more rising.💚💚💚

~Nerusha

The New Chapter Begins - Day 1

Sleep was elusive last night, my excitement carried me through the hours as I prepared, in mind and heart, for this new beginning. Today marked my first day as a Senior Quantitative Analyst aka Quant, at Nedbank, a role that both humbles and excites me. I know it will stretch me, challenge me, and grow me in ways I can’t yet imagine, and that’s exactly what I’ve been praying for.

The morning started with prayer, a quiet moment of gratitude for this opportunity and for the journey that has led me here. By 7 a.m. I was out the door, nerves and anticipation dancing inside me. My heart raced, not just because of the unknowns of traffic heading into town, but because I was stepping into a whole new chapter of my life.

For the first time in many years, I wore a suit to work. It may sound simple, but it carried a powerful weight. There’s something about putting it on that makes you stand taller, it’s more than fabric, it’s a feeling of presence, professionalism, and readiness.

Walking into the building, I felt the unmistakable energy of new beginnings. My team lead greeted me warmly and helped me get set up with IT. Soon after, the rest of the team arrived, and we gathered in the boardroom. What touched me deeply was that although the team works fully remote, they all made the effort to come into the office just to welcome me. That gesture alone spoke volumes. It made me feel supported, valued, and truly part of something bigger. Later, over coffee, I began building those first connections that I know will grow into meaningful relationships.

The rest of the day was spent setting up my home office and familiarising myself with new applications. It was a mix of the practical and the emotional, the small tasks of logging in, the quiet excitement of realising, this is my space now.

Day one was everything I could have hoped for, structured yet welcoming, energising yet grounding. I know the learning curve lies ahead, but for the first time in a long while, I feel anchored by routine, discipline, and purpose.

This is not just a job. It’s the start of something significant. A reminder that resilience bears fruit, that prayers find their answers, and that with every ending comes a new beginning worth stepping into wholeheartedly.

~ Nerusha 

 

A Day of Grace, Gratitude, and New Beginnings

 Sunday morning greeted me with rain and a slightly scratchy throat, so I decided to stay in, rest a little, and allow my body the pause it clearly needed. The day ahead was special, we had our Ladies High Tea planned, and I had the privilege of being asked to capture the moments through photography. It felt like such an honour to be trusted in this way, and I silently prayed for two things: for the weather to clear and for me to feel well enough to fully enjoy and be present.

My prayers were answered. As I pulled up to the Mandir, the clouds parted and the sun appeared, as if blessing the day ahead. From there, everything just seemed to flow beautifully. The function unfolded seamlessly, filled with joy, connection, and inspiration. By the end of it, I felt deeply fulfilled and grateful to have been part of something so meaningful.

Being on the planning committee gave me an even greater appreciation of the event. It was moving to see how so many talented women came together, pooling their skills, creativity, and time to bring the vision to life. It was collaboration at its finest. And to top it all off, we were each gifted a beautiful flower arrangement as a gesture of appreciation, a thoughtful surprise that touched my heart.

As the day drew to a close, I made my way home, my thoughts shifting toward preparation for my first day tomorrow. The excitement was building, so was the anxiety (a healthy mix of both, I’d say 😅). But underneath it all was a grateful heart, grateful for the women I shared the day with, the blessings of answered prayers, and the promise of a new chapter unfolding.

This journey has taught me that prayers are often answered in the simplest ways, and that when women come together with purpose and heart, true magic happens.

~Nerusha

Saturday - A Day of Connection and Celebration

The day began the way so many of my weekends do, with a refreshing walk along the promenade, this time with my family by my side. There’s something grounding about starting the day together, taking in the sea breeze, sharing conversations, and simply being present. Today was extra special as we celebrated my cousin’s birthday, and that added layer of joy made the morning feel even brighter.

Later, I joined a friend for a dance class, a chance to move, let loose, and feed my soul with something lighthearted and fun. Dancing has this incredible way of releasing tension, and by the end of it, I felt both relaxed and energized. We rounded it off with a quick cuppa, small but meaningful moments that carry so much weight in this season of my life.

The afternoon swept me into celebration mode again as I got ready for a baby shower. The hours passed quickly, filled with laughter, conversations, and that unique joy of celebrating new beginnings.

As the day wound down, I spent the late afternoon and evening with a loved one. We explored the malls in Ballito, unhurried and content, and ended the night with a cozy movie. It was the perfect close to a day that had been full yet fulfilling, a day stitched together with connection, celebration, and love from all directions.

These are the kinds of days that remind me of the beauty of balance. Life may be busy and uncertain at times, but when it is filled with family, friends, and love, it feels abundantly rich.

~ Nerusha 

Friday – The Closing of a Chapter, the Beginning of Another

 The rain this Friday morning may have deterred me from my usual walk, but it didn’t stop me from rising early and easing into the day with admin, the sort of thing we can’t ever quite escape. Today carried extra weight: it was my last day of being unemployed. I’m still letting that truth sink in, still soaking in the idea of stepping back into the rhythm of work, into a new chapter.

I made a stop to bid farewell to my nail technician who is leaving for greener pastures. It reminded me of how important it is to acknowledge and express gratitude for the people who leave their mark on our lives, no matter how big or small their role may seem.

Later, I visited a dear friend who has been walking this same uncertain path alongside me. She too secured a job this month, and it has been such a comfort to share this season of challenge with someone who truly understands the highs and lows. There’s a bond that forms in times of trial, something unspoken, rooted in resilience. Our conversations, no matter how they start, always end in laughter. They leave me lighter, brighter, and deeply grateful for the company of kindred spirits.

The next stop of the day was my side hustle: a corporate team-building and birthday event at Create Ceramics. It was the perfect opportunity to put my photography skills to work, and I felt alive behind the lens, capturing smiles, connections, and those small, precious moments that tell a bigger story. Being surrounded by people, energy, and creativity filled me in ways I can’t fully describe.

The evening was sealed with a celebratory dinner with dear friends, a chance to catch up, laugh, and toast to new beginnings. My day was full, my heart was fuller, and as I look forward to a jam-packed weekend, I feel ready to step forward into the next chapter with gratitude and excitement.

Unemployment tested me in ways I never imagined, but it also shaped me. It taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of leaning on love, laughter, and faith. And now, as I step into what’s next, I carry the lessons and gratitude with me, proof that even in the most uncertain seasons, we can rise.

~Nerusha