The Knot Is Getting Looser

You might know that I got laid off.

I had a few days to process the news before my final day arrived and when it did, I wrote a post to say goodbye, and to let people know what had happened without having to tell the story a hundred times. And quite a lot has happened since I shared that news...

I’ve received dozens of messages from people who have my WhatsApp number. On LinkedIn, there have been hundreds of comments, messages and reactions.

It has been incredibly humbling. I’ve always tried to do what I believed was the right thing, even if I wasn’t always sure whether anyone noticed. The messages have reflected something back to me: people remember the trust, the support, the conversations, the laughter and the moments when someone helped them keep going (and amazingly not a single Dad joke comment).

They have written about things I taught them, but also about how I made them feel. They have reminded me that our impact is not measured only by the work we deliver or the title we hold. It lives in the people who grew, felt supported or found their way because our paths crossed.

I’m not sure there could be a more meaningful affirmation than that.

And many who have been through layoffs have reached out to ask:

“How are you feeling?”, “Are you okay?”, “I’m here if you need me.”

Those messages have been more powerful than I can easily explain.

If I answer the question honestly, how am I feeling? I’m angry, hopeful, sad, excited, nervous, curious and feel full of possibility, with just a little fear mixed in.

It’s a whole bundle of feelings, all rolled into one.

But every time somebody sends a message, leaves a comment or even clicks “like,” that knot of tension softens a little more.

So, to everyone who has reached out: thank you. It has meant more than you probably realise.