2024 Wrapped
From Highs to Lows: A Journey of Resilience, Growth, and Building Connections
A Promising Start
2024 began well and I was riding the wave of 2023's professional triumphs. Working with an incredible team, crafting impactful strategies, and earning accolades at a Fortune 50 company. We had grand plans to scale our success and mentor others. But then, life threw a curveball.
A Harsh Reality Check
By the end of January, I was among the 150,000 hit by the tech layoffs of 2024. My 15-year career at Dell ended abruptly. Overnight, I went from driving innovation to grappling with unemployment. For someone who had been working since 16, this wasn’t just a career hiccup—it was a crisis. The hustle that fueled my creativity and provided for my family came to a screeching halt, leaving me in uncharted territory.
The Struggle
Initially, I threw myself into action—studying for my PMP certification, updating my skills, and reconnecting with family and my network. But as the months dragged on, anxiety and self-doubt crept in. The financial pressures of being the breadwinner only amplified the challenges.
Unemployment, often romanticized as “a chance to reset,” felt like anything but.
Losing my job took a toll on my finances, mental health, and my family. Yet, I kept pushing forward. I applied to over 250 jobs, networked daily, pursued certifications, and launched Miss Teams 365—a platform to share insights on simplifying work with tools like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
This year has been humbling. I aced interviews only to be ghosted. I was told I was perfect for roles but lacked the right certifications. Each rejection chipped away at my confidence.
Finding Hope in Community
Through the struggle, my network became my lifeline. Family, friends, former colleagues, and new connections offered support that kept me going. A high school classmate led me to a hiring event that resulted in my new role. Techlahoma offered a scholarship that helped me pass my PMP exam. The Microsoft and Techlahoma communities provided opportunities to speak, mentor, and share my passion for helping others. A former coworker gifted my family a vacation, giving us a much-needed break.
These acts of kindness reminded me of the power of relationships and the importance of leaning on others when times are tough.
Takeaways from 2024
Community is Everything: Building genuine connections has been a lifesaver, both emotionally and professionally.
Invest in Yourself: Certifications and learning opportunities, during tough times, can pave the way forward.
Resilience is Key: Even in the face of rejection, showing up every day makes all the difference.
Embracing New Beginnings
As I settle into a new role, I reflect on the intensity of the journey and how far I’ve come. The position isn’t what I initially envisioned, and the salary is less than I’m accustomed to, but it’s a step forward—a new adventure in a year defined by challenges and perseverance.
To anyone facing an unwanted career transition: stay curious, stay inspired, and lean into your community. Even on the worst days, you’re stronger than you think, and help is closer than it seems.
For all my favorite moments and highlights from the year, check out the 2024 Wrapped with Miss Teams 365 video.
P.S. - A Few Final Reflections
The challenges brought on by unemployment didn’t automagically disappear the moment I started my new job. The emotional weight I carried, including the depression that began during those months, remains a work in progress. With more affordable insurance now available through my employer, I’m committed to finding a therapist to help me navigate this chapter.
I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who visited Miss Teams 365 this year—whether through the website or social media. This platform has been a source of joy and creativity during one of the toughest years of my life. If even one person found value in what I shared, then the effort was absolutely worth it. I’m excited to keep sharing insights for simplifying your work life while connecting with more curious and inspiring humans in the year ahead.
Throughout this journey, my prayer was simple: to find a job with a supportive manager, a team of kind and collaborative people, and a role where I could make a meaningful impact. I’m so relieved and grateful that my new role seems to offer all of those things.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Here’s to resilience and brighter days ahead.
