6 Comments
User's avatar
André Darmanin's avatar

Well said Kathy. I need to sit here with this. You tug at the strings with this post. While I've never been laid off, other situations have occurred in my career. A long layoff for many of us experienced people. We have all rhe feelings. It's a matter of feeling confident and trying hard not to take it hard. Just like the stages of grief, we need to be ok with letting out feelings play out during whatever employment situation one is. Nothing stays the same forever.

Expand full comment
Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

Thanks, André. I find that as leaders, we are trained to be stoic and reserved. But when we are hit with something unexpected that feels personal (even if it isn't), that strategy doesn't work. We end up suppressing our emotions and delaying our healing process. I hope this piece gives more leaders permission to feel their feelings and in doing so, reduce the amount of time they have to suffer.

Expand full comment
Kevin Ertell's avatar

This is really great, Kathy! I went through a lot of what you describe when I was laid off, and I think your advice is spot on. I just shared it with a friend who was recently laid off, and I’m going to save it for others who are inevitably going to be in the same boat at some point (sadly). Thank you!!

Expand full comment
Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

Thanks, Kevin, for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it!

We don’t have a culture that makes it OK to talk about the tough times enough. I hope your friend is taking care themselves and knows how much you care about them.

Expand full comment
Beth's avatar

A really nice article for people who have been laid off. You have to take care of yourself.

Expand full comment
Kathy Wu Brady's avatar

Thanks, Beth! I’m so happy it resonated for you.

Expand full comment