Embracing Change in the Face of Uncertainty - A journey of resilience
Photo: Monika Gostomska, Dublin 2023,

Embracing Change in the Face of Uncertainty - A journey of resilience

In the whirlwind of the last two years, I've found myself on a rollercoaster of uncertainty, navigating a landscape marked by constant layoffs across various industries, including the tech realm that I call home. Little did I know that this period would become a profound chapter in my life, shaping not just my career but transforming the very essence of how I approach work and life.

Twice in the past two years, I've received the dreaded news of redundancy. Each time felt like a seismic shift, shaking the foundation of what I had come to perceive as job security. It's a disconcerting experience, standing at the crossroads of professional uncertainty, unsure of where the next path might lead. Yet, amidst the chaos, I've discovered an unexpected silver lining—a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to personal and professional growth.

During those moments of solitude, often accompanied by the comforting rhythm of audiobooks and podcasts, or in the company of my faithful four-legged friend on long walks, I found solace. These moments of reflection were not just an escape from the tumultuous job market but a sanctuary for genuine introspection, where I began to redefine my relationship with work and the ever-changing nature of the professional world.

In the echoes of countless colleagues tirelessly proving their worth to skeptical recruiters for months on end, I found a powerful catalyst for change. It was a stark reminder that the illusion of job security is just that—an illusion. The arduous journeys of those talented individuals served as a poignant lesson: never take anything for granted, and never get too comfortable.

This realization triggered a paradigm shift in my approach to work. The days of settling into a predictable routine were replaced with a commitment to adaptability and continuous learning. Each opportunity became a stepping stone rather than a destination, and every challenge was an invitation to grow, to evolve.

As I embraced this mindset, I started thinking beyond the confines of traditional paths. Ideas that once seemed far-fetched or unconventional began to take root during those moments of contemplation. It was a departure from the conventional, a refusal to be confined by the limitations of my past experiences. And while the journey is ongoing, the transformation has been profound.

The turbulence of the past two years has also taught me the importance of staying anchored to joy. In the quest for professional success, it's easy to lose sight of personal happiness. The layoffs, the uncertainties—they were reminders that happiness is not contingent on job titles or corporate stability. It lies in the simple joys of spending time with loved ones, pursuing passions, and relishing the beauty of life beyond the office walls.

In sharing my personal journey, I hope to resonate with others who have faced similar challenges. The resilience found in uncertainty, the growth spurred by adversity, and the commitment to personal happiness have become guiding principles in my life. As I continue to navigate the ever-shifting landscape of the professional world, I carry with me the lessons learned during these tumultuous times—a testament to the power of embracing change with an open heart and a resilient spirit.

Emer O'Connor

Event Manager | Employee Engagement | EX | Communications | DEIB Strategist | ERGs

9mo

What a beautifully written piece, Monika! Thank you for sharing your experience over the last two years. I particularly connected with the sentiment that job security is an illusion and I think, in light of the many occurrences accross the globe currently, any kind of security is an illusion. The only constant is change and I think a cornerstone to resilience is the ability to accept & not resist change (something I’m still working on…& probably always will!) A big lesson that I’ve learnt over the past couple of years is, perspective. To really focus on putting perspective over situations & practicing gratitude. Maybe these are my stepping stones to resilience. Wishing you all the best for 2024…and the changes it will bring ;)

Soyirindhi Hore

Strategizing to optimize people centric offerings with diversified functional HR knowledge | Total Rewards practitioner, Benefits management, HR Business partner | Ex Oracle Ex Yahoo

9mo

Thank you for talking about your experience. The word resilient has always struck a strange chord with me. We sometimes miss the small joys in pursuit of the bigger picture. It is often those little moments of victory within, that help us regain strength.

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