In this deeply personal essay, Amy Abbott recounts her experiences of being laid off twice during her son’s childhood. The first layoff occurred when her child was just 11 months old, and the second happened while he was attending an expensive private university. These events not only tested her financial stability but also took a toll on her mental health. Initially overwhelmed by feelings of shame and inadequacy, Abbott sought therapy to rebuild her sense of self-worth. Through these challenges, she learned valuable lessons about resilience, acceptance, and the transient nature of career setbacks.

Abbott’s first layoff came at a particularly vulnerable time in her life. With a newborn son, a mortgage rate exceeding 9%, and a husband striving for tenure, the loss of her marketing management job felt devastating. Her position was eliminated as part of broader corporate cuts, leaving her emotionally shattered. Unable to cope with the stress compounded by postpartum depression following a miscarriage, Abbott spiraled into despair. Therapy became instrumental in helping her regain perspective and strength. She realized that losing a job did not define her worth and that such setbacks were temporary blips in the grander scheme of life.

The impact of these layoffs extended beyond mere professional consequences. Abbott describes how her husband stepped up heroically, managing childcare, cooking, and cleaning while working full-time. Despite his efforts, Abbott struggled initially to reconnect with her family. However, over time, she found solace in redefining her priorities and appreciating the simpler joys of family life. Nine months after her first layoff, she secured a better job, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with gratitude and renewed purpose.

Amy Abbott’s story underscores the importance of emotional recovery alongside professional adaptation. By confronting her fears and embracing vulnerability, she transformed what could have been lifelong regrets into powerful learning experiences. Her journey highlights how overcoming adversity strengthens familial bonds and fosters personal growth. Ultimately, Abbott views her career setbacks not as failures but as stepping stones toward a more meaningful and balanced life, setting an invaluable example for her son and readers alike.