To clarify that I did not get fired, rather that I resigned from the corporate world because I had other career plans for myself. But, those plans didn’t happen on my timeline. As a consequence, I lived with my parents and had zero active income for nearly 1 year! So, here are the lessons my unemployment has taught me.
#1 – Whatever resources I need, will come to me exactly when I need them.
I’d heard a lot about the abundance mindset that is promoted in the spiritual community, but this became my first-hand experience.
The first concern people have is the loss of a security net. Though I lived with my parents, there were some financial expenses and assets that I continued to take care of independently.
There was a certain amount of money I needed to complete my pending investments in the upcoming years, but being unemployed, my savings were not fitting.
It might sound unbelievable, but the truth is, as soon as the next installment would come around the corner and my account was depleted, I received the financial support I needed through different means, such as a gift, an older investment maturing, or returns from tax.
This happened on several occasions and now I have a safety net big enough to even generate some savings, too. I also know that there are times when people fall through the net and there can be many more struggles than what I went through. So I don’t want to suggest that the way I did was fool-proof: it was actually NOT. But because one of my life lessons is to learn how to trust the process and take a leap of faith, I am grateful for the way the Universe showed up for me.
I became a first-hand witness of the Divine Law of Compensation up close. And boy, was it refreshing!
#2 – You get to choose your story.
I often got judged, hard.
At first, I used to try to invoke sympathy by saying that I was fed up with my job and that it wasn’t my thing, and this and that… but later I realized, I was only trying to seek approval and second-guessing myself every time gave me that look of disappointment.
My story is as simple as this, now. I’m transitioning into a more fulfilling role. And in the process, I’m building my presence as a writer.
#3 – Other people’s success does not mean I’m failing. Unemployment does not mean failure.
When I’m “acting against the norm” and have self-doubt, I like to remind myself of the basics: if children and pets are not expected to do something and can still be loved, it is possible that the idea I have to do something falls under the outdated societal conditioning.
Just like this case – unemployment does not make anyone unworthy, unloveable, or a “burden”. Yes, we are all responsible for how we show up in the world, but our birthright to be loved and cared for has nothing to do with what society sets as the standard. This prejudice runs deep and here is how I experienced a flavor:
I was always somewhat proud to say that I’ve never felt envious before. Until the day my best friend started getting back-to-back job offers and I sensed a tinge of envy.
He took it really well, held compassion and even admiration that we could be so honest with each other. This became the opportunity for me to see that my life is succeeding in other spaces: be it my ability to restore my physical and mental health or the dozens of articles I wrote as a consequence of following my passion with so much conviction.
And knowing that I do experience envy allowed me to feel more human!
#4 – Unemployment doesn’t equate to purposelessness (I spelled that right on the first shot, phew!).
I used to work 5 days a week, now I work 7 in running My Spiritual Shenanigans as a full-time thing.
Building a morning and evening routine for myself was the best decision I could have ever made, and I’m only sorry I waited 25 years! I am able to do EXACTLY what I want to do with my time. And this has improved my mental health in ways I cannot even begin to describe.
Here are some other tips to take into account, regarding self-care.
#5 – You learn how to “un-workaholic” yourself.
As I said, after leaving my job, I became occupied around the clock – sometimes it was writing an article that came through at 3 am, and at other times it was learning how to create SEO-friendly pins on Pinterest. There was always so much potential and I kept striving to reach the “next level”.
Even if these were all meaningful ventures, it took me a lot of effort (aka conscious living) to undo my need to work so much. I eventually realized that my workaholic tendencies had roots in the unconscious programming like “not worthy if not earning”, “not successful until you earn x amount”, etc. I had to reprogram all of this and more.
So in the process of picking up my passion and learning to overcome the hustle culture, I saw a whole other side of me that came to the surface, looking to be healed and met with compassion. I started balancing myself.
I focused on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: where I prioritized my basics first and then worked my way up the ladder. So it meant not skipping meals, making sure I got some physical activity done, and that I connected with my family, friends, and peers outside of work.
This approach allowed more of my time to be distributed to all aspects of me: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. I gradually learned how to NOT put all my eggs in one basket.
Related Read: My Tips to Overcome Workaholic Behaviour
#6 – Unemployment is lonely.
I love being alone, it’s my comfort zone, to be honest. But even to me, it became quite lonely. When I was working and constantly surrounded by people, I always craved solitude. I spent whatever time I had after work just soaking in my own energy and trying to experience ‘freedom’.
Now that I had it unbarred, it taught me so much about the need for companionship.
So I began to appreciate group meditation, workshops, and even collaborations with people for my blog. Heartfulness Meditation group sessions were one of such grounding activities that brought me greater peace. I continued to connect outside my original circle and develop connections with people that were on similar career transitioning trajectories as me, who would eventually make this journey a lot more steady.
Once I moved to Vancouver, I also began building my “care team” – therapists, coaches, acupuncturists, etc that were often covered under my insurance plan and allowed me to feel less lonely, more focused, and well-cared for.
A big lesson came forward – I am not meant to live life on Earth alone. I just need to figure out the balance by practicing detachment and compassion. As my husband puts it, learning to be inter-dependent versus co-dependent.
#7 – Balance is NOT effortless, at least not at first.
In the truest sense, my time unemployed taught me to balance myself in a way that no job can teach anyone. When you are fully accountable for yourself, it can be daunting. Full accountability means being able to make small choices at every awake moment.
Do you spend your day sleeping because you slept late at night?
Do you take a shower the first thing in the morning or skip a few days at a time? Or…Do you spend time reading a book, or in front of the TV?
These questions aren’t just for the unemployed or self-employed, they’re universal. They are an invitation to instill certain routines, to keep growing, educating yourself, and moving forward, so that no matter what type of work you do (or not), you’ve worked for YOU.
And most importantly, my unemployment taught me that my job doesn’t define who I am.
I define who I am.
And I am a little more awesome, every single day!
P.S. If you’re wondering how to find your life purpose, this post could help. These are the series of steps I followed to narrow down my options, and I have faith that it will bring you some clarity too!
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I’m thinking to leave my job. But I can’t live for long without any income. But even little money is enough. I can live happily. This corporate job is taking all my time. I want to find my connection with the universe. I don’t know if I have to leave everything behind
Hi Shivaram, I understand… went through the same questions for many years! And you don’t necessarily have to quit your job to find your connection with the Universe. There’s a saying “the obstacle in our spiritual path, IS our spiritual path”. 🙂
Feel free to drop me an email at contact@myspiritualshenanigans.blog if you’d like to talk in more detail about this, I’m always happy to help! 🙂
So, I’m curious – how do you make income now? From your blog? If so, I would love to know how! I mean I know all of the routes, but I can’t get anything to actually make money. it’s driving me insane. But, if you’re livin the backpack type life, thats cool too!
Hehe, I know what you mean. Ads didn’t work out for me, and affiliate marketing is so-so… And so lately I’ve been plugging away by conducting workshops and webinars! I’m wondering if there’s a possibility for you to do that in your blog?
There might be! I’m not really sure… I think when it comes to marriage and family anything can be designed. It’s a complex topic 🙂
I highly recommend it! It is also great to sell digital and/or physical products related to your content 🙂
This is an eye-opening post. Experiences make us who we are!
They most certainly do 😊
Great post! You do feel lonely when you are unemployed and embarassed. But you do get to make your own story! Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely! 🙂
Thank you Nikki, so glad you could resonate ♥️
Please don’t ever, ever feel embarassed because you are not employed! It is a natural state of human being, roaming the planes, hunting and gathering, breathing, living, runing, swimming, enjoying your one and only life that you have. Being in nature you’ll notice that badgers, swallows, wolfs and bears don’t work from 9 to 5, and niether should we.
Such a beautiful thought! Thank you so much for your loving message Milan ❤️
I worked for almost 14 years with a different company and I must say when I lost my job I feel lonely for that time awesome post!
Oh wow! I can’t imagine being in your shoes! But the lessons do shape us into much wiser and bolder people, don’t you think? ♥️
Having been unemployed more than once this is excellent advice.
Wow, more power to you! And thank you for reading 🙏
Interesting read. Love the positive perspective, more people should look st thinks that way.
Always the objective, to spread positivity and Light. Thanks for reading 😊
I needed to read this. I am coming up to month 7 of being unemployed. I know I am much better off now than i was at my job. This definitely hit me hard. Pinning this for later!
Aw, Michele. Hugs! More power to you, my friend. ♥️
Great list! What a challenging time. I love the idea that you get to write your own story… we have so much power over our destiny based on our mentality.
Absolutely! ♥️
I remember when I lost my job because I chose to go traveling for a longer period of time. I thought I was lost, but in fact, it was the best thing that could have ever happen to me. Looking back now, if I wouldn’t have taken the decision to leave anyway, my life would have probably been still in an office, working a 9 to 5 job that I hated.
That definitely sounds like a breakthrough period. I’m so glad it worked out for you 👏♥️
Wow, what an experience being unemployed for a year. It might seen as a negative thing but if you take a step back, unemployment can be a good thing: you can find purpose and just unwind.
It was definitely a period of transformation and inner growth, and I love every bit of the person it has turned me into 🙏
This article was great. I think every should experience a moment of sabbatical and not work. We are so caught up in our jobs defining who we are and should be. We don’t take a moment to just be still and find ourselves,
We absolutely should! I love the idea of a year break, which is growing popular around college. It’s vital to keep taking breaks and going within for introspection 💛
Other people’s success has no reflection on us. We need to raise one another up, no matter where we are in our lives. Thank you for sharing this and your journey.
Absolutely 😊 Thanks for reading! ♥️
Thanks you for make this post for us. Very helpful post. Thanks a lot.
😊
Great article. I learned something new from your post. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Thanks you for make this post for us. Very helpful post. Thanks a lot.
I think I would like the freedom for a little while, but I would get bored and lonely pretty quickly.
Hehe, I can empathize! Being fully accountable for my time helped me channel that inner energy into everything I needed it to be ♥️
A must read for anyone going through this!!!
Thank you 😊
Aw, thank you so much 😊🙏
I love how positive you were during that time. I never truly experienced the unemployment as I was always going straight from jobs to jobs. But I am wondering – what was your biggest struggle? Being unemployed?
Thanks Anja! For me, hmm.. it was learning to let my parents financially support me again, and cutting down my expenses to accommodate my circumstances.
Even I am in the same phase of life. Quit to find more fulfilment in life.
I’m sure the Universe will help you find your true creative calling 😊
Thankyou ♥️
I completely agree with you! Sometimes we are just seeking for someone’s approval, and that’s now the right way to go.
Absolutely! Balance is key in healthy relationships.
Brilliant post. I have been unemployed on several occasions and it’s tough but it really does allow you to find who you are, what you want and re-evaluate.
Thank you for sharing x
So true Claire. Only those that go through this know the bittersweetness it brings 🙂
Thanks for sharing your story. I recently decided to take a bit of a break from work. This is exactly what I needed!
Aw, hugs! I’m sure it must be helping your mental health a ton!
Hey Vasundhara, loved reading this. It talks about a lot of wrong fears attached to unemployment, we have within ourselves. I could relate to this post at many levels. Thanks for writing this piece.
Thanks Manan!! The learning that came from this experience is something that changed my life. Glad you could resonate off this too. 😊