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There was a time in my life when I found writing to be a deeply cathartic exercise, particularly when processing trauma—the end of my marriage, both of my parents’ battles with cancer and early deaths, and other crossroads when I was uncertain about my choices. After a long stretch of good fortune and a sense of security, however, my writing—aside from professional purposes—came to a halt.
Now that I’ve been laid off—yes, I can say that without sadness or embarrassment—I once again have time with my thoughts, and I believe writing about this transition may be helpful. I write this essay not with sadness, but with pride and a sense of accomplishment. The anti-vax rhetoric of the current U.S. administration froze my former organization’s revenue stream in this country, which led to the closing of our D.C. office and the reduction of many staff positions. My role was one of those eliminated. A small group of staff members continues to work from a co-shared office space, and I was able to secure a limited consulting contract with my former employer to support the remaining team.
That said, I look forward to the opportunity to find something new and intriguing, whether through alternative employment or through my consulting and coaching practice, Val the HR Gal. I sit squarely on the fence about my prospects and how best to move forward. Part of me wants to lean fully into my new LinkedIn moniker of “professional coach and fractional HR practitioner,” but that still feels unfamiliar. Although I’ve had my LLC for six years, it was comforting to dabble in discrete projects and coaching assignments as a sideline rather than rely on them as a major source of livelihood.
Although I was in the same position for nearly 16 years, I did not feel stifled or limited. My former organization did an exceptional job of promoting professional development, and I earned numerous certifications and credentials that I am proud to carry with me wherever I go. I am a strategic human resources problem-solver who brings order and consistency to key business functions while adapting to change. With extensive experience in designing, managing, and facilitating leadership development programs; creating cultures of collaboration; and supporting workforce excellence, I know I can continue to make meaningful contributions. I possess experience in several aspects of human resources, including global recruitment, employee training, incentive programs, ICF-certified coaching, and EQ-i 2.0-certified emotional intelligence assessment and coaching.
As I write this, I do not feel the stigma often attached to being laid off; I feel liberated. There is a purpose that is more, or better, or perhaps simply different waiting for me. I just have to find it—or maybe it will
find me.