Ten years ago, I lost more than a job. It wasn’t just a job that I lost, it was a part of my identity. Overnight, I went from being a UN professional with decades of service to an invisible statistic in a system that seemed to eat its own.
I still remember the day it happened. I was called into a meeting with my superiors and told that my post was being abolished. There was no warning, no explanation, and no opportunity for closure. It was a quiet erasure of a role that I had poured my heart and soul into for so many years.
At first, I was in shock. I couldn’t believe that after all my hard work and dedication, I was suddenly out of a job. I felt like I had been de-linked from my role and from the organization that I had been a part of for so long. It was as if my contributions and accomplishments no longer mattered.
But as the days turned into weeks and then months, I began to realize that losing my job was just the beginning. The real struggle was dealing with the aftermath of being let go. I found myself in a sea of job applications and interviews, trying to prove my worth to potential employers. I was competing against hundreds of other qualified candidates, all vying for the same few positions. It was a daunting and demoralizing experience.
But the biggest blow came when I realized that I was no longer a part of the UN community. I had lost my network of colleagues and friends, my sense of purpose and belonging. I was adrift in a system that had once been my home, but now felt foreign and unwelcoming.
It’s been ten years since that fateful day, and I can honestly say that it has been a difficult journey. But through it all, I have learned some valuable lessons that I want to share with others who may be going through a similar experience.
First and foremost, I have learned the importance of resilience. Losing my job was a huge blow, but I refused to let it break me. I picked myself up and kept moving forward, determined to not let this setback define me. And it was this resilience that ultimately led me to find a new job and start a new chapter in my career.
I have also learned the power of networking. While I may have lost my network within the UN, I quickly realized that I had built a network of professionals throughout my years of service. I reached out to former colleagues and acquaintances, and they were more than willing to help me in my job search. I also joined professional organizations and attended networking events, which led me to new opportunities and connections.
But perhaps the most important lesson I have learned is the importance of self-worth. Losing my job made me question my value and contributions, but I refused to let it define me. I reminded myself of all the achievements and successes I had during my time at the UN, and I refused to let them be diminished by my job loss. I also took the time to reassess my skills and strengths, and I used that knowledge to market myself to potential employers.
Looking back, I realize that losing my job was not the end of the world. In fact, it was a blessing in disguise. It forced me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. It also taught me invaluable lessons that have made me a stronger and more resilient individual.
To anyone who may be going through a similar experience, I want to remind you that you are not alone. Losing a job is not a reflection of your worth or capabilities. It is simply a bump in the road that can lead you to new and exciting opportunities. So keep your head held high and never lose sight of your self-worth. You are more than just a job title, and your value cannot be erased by a simple post abolishment. Keep moving forward, and I promise you will come out stronger on the other side.