Economic Uncertainty, Job Changes and Layoffs: Navigating Career Transitions By Calming Anxiety

"You know when it's time to go." - Taylor Swift

I used to cry on my way to work.

I ate lunch in my car just to get a few moments of silence, trying to meditate my way back into feeling positive.

But I knew it was time to leave the classroom.

I’d known for years.

I told myself it was easy; and it was easy to stay. It was secure. I was good at teaching.

And if I’m completely honest with myself (and with you), maybe teaching wasn’t where I was ever meant to be.

Or maybe it was, because it got me to where I am today.

That’s the thing about leaving a job.

Whether it’s by choice or by force, it’s scary, and it feels like you’re leaving a part of yourself behind.

In this post, I’m not here to diminish how emotionally and personally draining a layoff can be, or to pretend that giving your notice is a piece of cake. Instead, I’ll share the ups and downs, the emotions, and the three areas where you do have control, even when it feels like your life is spinning out of it.

My Story: From Teaching to Coaching

They say when you look back at your childhood, the things you loved as a kid often reflect what you love doing as an adult. For me, that was playing three games over and over again: School, Office, and Bike Mechanic, where I’d grab a socket wrench and pretend to fix my friends’ bikes after we spent hours riding around the neighborhood.

As a teenager, I was a lifeguard, I taught swimming lessons, and I babysat. I was always good with kids, so teaching seemed like the obvious path. After all, who doesn’t love spring break, winter break, and summers off?

I was good at teaching, and I loved the kids. But my heart was never in it.

It feels wrong to admit that, but it's true.

I wanted to be home with my kids. I wanted to make more money, create my own schedule, and do something bigger. After more than fifteen years of teaching, always keeping my eyes open for something new, I learned about coaching, got my health and life coaching certifications, and got to work.

I had a plan. A business. Clients. An exit strategy.

I was beyond burned out and more than ready to leave.

And... I was terrified.

"Sometimes givin’ up is the strong thing. Sometimes, to run is the brave thing. Sometimes, walkin’ out is the one thing that will find you the right thing."—Taylor Swift, Time to Go

Economic Instability = Anxiety

When I left on that last day of school in June 2022, I wasn’t sad. I was relieved and terrified.

I didn’t want to stay, and I was thrilled to be out on my own. You might think leaving on your own terms wouldn’t cause anxiety, but trust me, it does. And if you’ve been laid off or are facing layoffs, your situation might be completely different from mine, but the instability and lack of security - of a steady income, routine, and sense of control - can trigger anxiety no matter how you leave your job.

"I’m kind of a control freak."

Some version of that statement comes up in nearly every coaching session I have.

Our brains love knowing what happens next.

They want the perfect, right choice.

They want to solve problems before they even exist.

And when something as important as financial security feels uncertain, your brain throws a fit.

Losing or leaving your job isn’t just about income, it impacts your identity, self-worth, and stability in all areas of your life.

You can go from celebrating your freedom to freaking out over the cost of an apple in two minutes. (Trust me, I’ve done it.)

And the fear doesn’t always stop with money. It seeps into relationships. It causes resentment when your spouse spends money on golf with his buddies. It triggers guilt when you imagine telling your kid they can’t sign up for travel soccer. It sends you spiraling into worst-case scenarios, like wondering if you’ll need to move your parents into your basement just to stay afloat... even when nothing has actually changed yet.

Brains are dramatic like that.

Who Are You Now Anyway? - Changing Your Identity While Navigating Career Transitions

For over a year after leaving teaching, I’d introduce myself by saying,

"I’m Megan. I used to be a teacher, and now I’m a coach."

I just couldn’t let go of the “teacher” identity. It had been my label for so long.

It took my own coach calling me out, asking me why was I still introducing myself as a former teacher. When navigating a career transition, whether by choice or by force, you’re also leaving a part of your identity behind.

Even if you want to leave, it can be emotionally exhausting to let go of the "Hello, My Name is Teacher" you’ve worn for so long.

The Emotional Impact of Changing Your Career

In episode 119 or More than Anxiety, I interviewed Laura Krauss author of The Layoff Cooties: It's Them, Not You. She openly shared what it was like to be blindsided by a layoff, the sadness, the anger, and the intense grief that followed.

"Our society doesn’t talk nearly enough about the emotional impact of a layoff and the pain of losing friendships in the blink of an eye." (Laura Krauss)

Whether you’re losing your network, your work bestie, or your entire sense of stability, you’re going to experience the full spectrum of emotions as you navigate this change.

So… do you know how to handle them?

If not, working with a coach can help you:

• Rediscover your values and interests

• Process emotions like anxiety, grief, and fear

• Build a path forward that feels right for you, whether that’s a new job, opening a business, or taking a break to focus on family

How To Stop Doubting Yourself And Start Again

I had a plan when I left teaching, but that doesn’t mean it was easy. And it definitely didn’t go exactly as planned.

One of the biggest obstacles women face when changing careers is self-doubt; especially the need to see every step before making a move.

Your brain craves certainty. If you’re questioning:

• Your value or skills

• Your likability or worth

• Whether you should go back to a job you didn’t even like...

Then you’re staying stuck.

But give yourself the credit you deserve! You have a lifetime of experience that makes you qualified for opportunities you haven’t even considered yet!

If you’re avoiding LinkedIn, avoiding job searches, or panicking about the future, we should talk—because these anxious reactions aren’t going to get you what you really want:

• Joy in your work

• Time and energy for your life after work

• Confidence in your skills and decisions

Get Clear, Feel Confident

If you're struggling to know where to start, I've got you covered. Join me for a free Boundaries and Balance Audit where you'll:

• Get clear about what's working,

• What feels sticky or clunky in your life,

• Where to focus so you feel confident about what comes next.

You can learn more about the audit by clicking HERE.

Remember, career changes can feel scary and overwhelming, whether you want the change or it's a forced change. It's normal to feel anxious and excited, overwhelmed and relieved, grief and joy. (Sometimes all at the same time.)

By choosing what you focus on, how you take care of yourself, and preparing before, during, and after the change will help move your closer to what comes next.

For now, be sure to choose a time to schedule your Balance and Boundaries call today.