Resilience After the Restructure
Leslie Ott’s Guide to Pragmatic Resetting
Want to follow Leslie’s next chapter?
Find her on LinkedIn
What role and industry were you in before the layoff?
Leadership & DEI Recruiter, IT Services, Consulting Services
How did this first time layoff unfold, and how did it feel?
This layoff took a bit of time to be announced. Our team knew changes were coming, but we were not privy to how our roles would be impacted. The ambiguity and uncertainty were morale crushers.
Were you already feeling burned out before it happened?
I was feeling displaced before being told how our team was being restructured.
Did the layoff feel like relief, grief, or a mix of both?
It was a mix. Having clarity did provide a sense of relief, however, there was still some ambiguity on dates. There was a high level of anxiety until I learned that I was being given a long runway to find something internally or externally. Having a firm decision also produced feelings of grief, as I was holding onto hope that my role might not be impacted.
How did the burnout show up for you—mentally, physically, emotionally?
Burnout always shows up in all three ways for me. Physically, I will feel more tired due to a lack of sleep caused by anxiety and worry. I can tell that emotionally and mentally, I am distracted and less "on my game." I was more forgetful as I was less focused due to my mind racing.
What helped you begin to recharge or find clarity?
I had to make sitting with my feelings and moving on with my day a habit. Pushing down your feelings is never a healthy choice, in my opinion. I try to take some time to acknowledge them, feel sad, angry, apprehensive, uncertain, or afraid, and move forward with my day. I recharge by taking breaks, walking away from my computer, exercising, and spending time with people who fill my cup. People joke about taking dance breaks, but I am a firm believer in them.
Did your definition of “success” or “work” shift after this experience?
Yes and No, working for corporate America, you realize that you are a number. Being caught in a layoff is a resounding "Hello" to what I knew, and it has made me reflect on my priorities. It made me realize that I need to differentiate between taking pride in my work vs being proud of my role. If you let your role define you, getting let go will strip your sense of worth. By shifting my thoughts to taking pride in my quality of work and my work ethic, my mental health remains in a better state.
Have you made any changes in how you work, live, or plan your next move as a result?
Not really. Staying late after work is a necessity sometimes, but prioritizing my child, myself, and family will be the standard and remain my focus. I am a former diver and have always loved the saying, "Plan your dive and dive your plan." I've always been pragmatic and methodical, so I'm putting the same intention into my next move.
How are you thinking about what’s next—are you exploring new paths, taking a break, or still figuring it out?
I'm exploring new paths to pursue roles that will ignite my passion and excite me about my work. I'm very focused on joining a company where I feel like I am part of a team and can feel the difference I am making in bringing in top talent.
What’s something surprising you’ve learned about yourself through this process?
After finding out that my husband was cheating on me while I was pregnant and going through a devastating divorce with a newborn, I know I am resilient. In this scenario, I am proud of staying positive and on point in work and life. I recognize that the work I did to heal after my first calamitous situation allows me to deal with failure and disappointment. I have realized that validation of my worth needs to come from inside me and not from a relationship or job. I am proud of myself for maintaining my optimism and trusting that even though I can’t see the plan, everything will work out.
What advice would you give someone facing both burnout and a layoff at once?
Ignore anyone who tells you it is not personal. It is very personal when you lose a job. It hits your ego, even when you know it is not performance-based. It is scary to think about what you will do once unemployed, if you are single, a parent, or the sole provider for your family. Give yourself grace when you are having a down or bad day. Remember that layoffs are a business decision, and have faith that you are being led down a better route. Figure out a mantra that keeps you grounded, I like the three Ps of Positivity, Perseverance, and Perspective. Develop a plan for your next steps with a timeframe and outline that builds your confidence.
Want to follow Leslie’s next chapter? Find her on LinkedIn
