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.
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.
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 💕
