Life is full of unexpected turns, and sometimes, what seems like a setback can lead to new opportunities and cherished moments. This summer has been full of those types of moments, from being laid off from Intel after 10 years to a cancelled Taylor Swift concert. For me there is only one way to look at this, through a positive lens.
Here are my top 5 positive takeaways from recent life changes:
- Opportunity for New Beginnings: After 10 years at Intel, I was impacted by the latest round of layoffs. My run with the company was pretty amazing though. I was able to travel the world and work on some fun projects, including marketing campaigns for 5G, social media promotions for products, and marketing strategy and execution of 5G and AI campaigns for Intel’s sponsorship for the Olympic Games, to name a few. I'm a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience and knowledge. I’m using this newfound time to research opportunities around personal branding, thought leadership and content creation, and how I can help others through my expertise while opening doors to new ventures.
- Quality Family Time: The unexpected break from work opened up a summer of spending time with my kids. With one daughter heading into her senior year and the other one embarking on her high school journey and sport tryouts, I’ve been given the precious gift of time to support and enjoy these pivotal moments with them.
- Personal Growth: Transitions often bring self-reflection and growth. The end of a significant career phase is also the beginning of a new chapter. I have been able explore fresh avenues, learn new skills, and look at how I redefine my professional identity. I have also been able to reconnect with my network which reminded me of how amazing and talented people are.
- Gratitude and Safety: My kids and I spent over a year waiting to see the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. I was unable to secure tickets to any show in the US but was able to score tickets in Vienna. We had been looking forward to this for so long. The night before the concert, we found out that all three shows were canceled due to an attempted terrorist attack. While I am extremely disappointed that we were unable to attend the Taylor Swift Eras Tour in Vienna, I am so grateful that we are safe. I am also thankful that we were able to go to the merch stand the day before the concert so we could at least bring home memorabilia.
- Community and Resilience: The cancellation of the concerts was definitely a disappointment, but the Swiftie community wasn’t going to let that get them down. Instead, it became a testament to the resilience of the Swiftie community. I enjoy her music, but I wasn’t a die-hard Swiftie. However, after last weekend, my view of being a Swiftie changed. This community is one of love, friendship, and belonging. The spontaneous gatherings of thousands of Swifties singing songs, trading friendship bracelets in the streets, and the city of Vienna opening their doors to us to show their love and support, created an unforgettable experience, proving that joy and connection can thrive even in the face of adversity. The experience we had in Vienna will forever be one of our greatest memories.
As I navigate through the rest of this summer, I remember that every ending is a chance to start anew. I am embracing the possibilities, cherishing the moments with my loved ones, and looking forward to the exciting opportunities that await.
Would love to connect and grow my network. I know there are so many amazing women out here who are in a similar postion. Also, if you want to exchange friendship bracelets, I’d love that as well! 😊
Take care,
Jen
