The Summer I Lost My Job and Found My Sanity (Sort Of)

I left my long-time job unexpectedly in July. It wasn’t part of any grand plan or midlife-manifestation moment. I didn’t even have a “take this job and shove it” playlist ready. It just… happened.

After more than a decade in a family business, where I’d always joked I was “loyal to a fault,” things changed. Fast. One day I had a paycheck, benefits for my family, and a predictable daily grind. The next day, poof. Gone. Cue the panic.

The first few weeks were a blur of shock (mine) and disbelief (mostly my husband’s). But once that initial “holy crap, what did I just do?” fog lifted, I realized something: it was summer.

For the first time in forever, I got to be fully present with my kids. No laptop on the pool deck, no guilt about taking PTO, no juggling Teams calls with snack demands. Just pool days, beach days, ice cream for lunch days. Total freedom. It was glorious. And exhausting, because let’s be honest, being a full-time mom is its own unpaid, no-benefits, 24/7 job.

Eventually, reality knocked again. The one-income life wasn’t sustainable (shocking, I know). So I dove headfirst into job hunting. AKA, the ninth circle of modern-day hell. I’ve been ghosted, rejected by AI, and catfished by “marketing” jobs that turned out to be MLM scams. It’s been humbling, hilarious, and horrifying all at once. I’m close to landing something amazing now, but a few health issues have me pressing pause before the next chapter officially begins.

So, while I’ve been marinating in this weird in-between season, equal parts “free spirit” and “financial panic,” here are 10 things I’ve learned along the way.

1. Loyalty is admirable… until it isn’t.

Being loyal “to a fault” sounds noble until the fault line cracks. Sometimes walking away, even when it wasn’t planned, is the only way to protect your peace (and your sanity).

2. Shock comes in waves.

The first wave is “What did I just do?” The second is your spouse’s face when they realize the health insurance vanished with your badge access.

3. Freedom feels weird.

At first, being able to go to the beach on a random Tuesday feels like winning the lottery. Then you realize you’ve been wearing the same swimsuit for five days straight and the kids think popsicles = lunch.

4. Being a stay-at-home mom is no joke.

To all the full-timers out there: I see you. I salute you. I was not built for this life long-term. The mental, physical, and emotional load is Olympic-level.

5. Job hunting is broken.

Everything’s an “easy apply,” but nothing about it is easy. AI rejects you before a human ever sees your name, and half the listings are scams in disguise. 10/10 do not recommend.

6. Ghosting isn’t just for dating.

Apparently, hiring managers are out here haunting us too. One day you’re “a perfect fit,” and the next ... silence louder than my kids when I ask who made the mess.

7. You can’t manifest a paycheck, but you can hustle for one.

I’ve learned to pivot, freelance, pitch myself, and try new things. Turns out, when survival kicks in, creativity follows.

8. Health comes first, whether you plan for it or not.

Nothing like your own body forcing you to slow the hell down to remind you what actually matters. (Also: shout-out to insurance nightmares, truly the cherry on top of adulthood.)

9. Kids don’t care about your LinkedIn updates.

They just want snacks, attention, and for you to watch their cannonball—again. And honestly, that’s been a grounding reminder of what’s real.

10. You’re tougher (and more resourceful) than you think.

I’ve cried, panicked, doubted, and still managed to laugh, parent, apply, and get up again. Turns out, resilience looks a lot like messy hair, coffee breath, and a half-written cover letter.

It’s been three months of uncertainty, growth, and a lot of snacks. I may not have a job title right now, but I have something better: perspective.

Because sometimes life strips away everything comfortable so you can finally figure out what you actually want next.