When I talk about being let go, I say it was the best thing to happen to me.
Which is true.
Now.
What I don’t say is how long it took me to feel this way.
And that it still bothers me sometimes.
I’ll never forget the moment I realized what was happening.
That sinking feeling in my gut.
I had been on the other side of the table before.
This time it was me sitting with HR.
Waiting for the CEO to arrive, and deliver his script.
My immediate reaction was disbelief.
Then anger.
Fear.
Embarrassment.
Loneliness.
I sought out people for validation.
I needed to hear I deserved better.
I needed to hear I was a great leader.
That it was their loss.
But even as I moved on to new roles, the sting persisted.
I wanted everyone to think I was good.
Better than ever.
But the self-doubt lingered.
Maybe they were right.
Maybe I wasn’t ready to be a VP.
Maybe I was in over my head.
Since then, I’ve built an amazing business.
And I’ve honestly never been happier.
But that doesn’t mean doubt doesn’t creep in.
Everyone talks about bouncing back from setbacks.
How they make us stronger.
But not every day.
This journey is not a straight line.
Maybe the scars never completely go away.
They just fade with time.
If this resonates, I’m sorry.
You probably deserve better.
And I’m here with you.
