My Career “Break”
When I was laid off from Google in 2023, I was too heartbroken to think about a new job right away and my self-worth and confidence were destroyed. Fortunate to be in the financial position to finally take time off after working since age 12 out of necessity, I wondered how much time was “acceptable”, worried if a resume gap would affect future employment and wasn’t sure how to fill my days. So what exactly have I done during this “break”?
✔ Soaked up every Xoogler webinar, learning/support/coaching group and connection opportunity I could fit into my calendar. (Enormous thanks to Erika Gerdes Anna Roth Nicholas Whitaker Kate Lockhart Catherine Lacavera Christopher Fong Reggie Butler Laszlo Bock Eitan Sheer Terry O’Connor Yu Chen Julia Arndt Zoe Samuel Kristin Maczko and any others I’ve failed to mention for so generously sharing your talents and time with fellow Xooglers in need! These sessions have been a lifeline; I’m eternally grateful!)
✔ Threw myself 1000% into pre-existing volunteer positions as a non-profit Board Member and PTO Officer at my kids’ public elementary school.
✔ Created a resume (a hugely daunting task given I didn’t even have a document titled “resume” let alone any content to cover my 17 years at Google), applied to jobs and interviewed for the first time since 2006!
✔ Managed social media for a local non-profit, with zero qualifications except a growth mindset and the willingness to contribute to an important cause. I’m a total amateur, but it has been an incredible learning experience and I’m very proud of myself for leaping WAY outside my comfort zone to step up to the challenge when the team needed help.
✔ Public speaking activities, which I loathe but force myself to do anyway.
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✔ Connected with favorite former colleagues. (Open invitation to anyone who wants to catch up; I’d love to hear from you!)
✔ Founded a new Girl Scout troop, recruited a co-leader & members, set up administrative & financial systems, planned & executed meeting agendas/activities, led the team into our first-ever venture into the crazy world of Girl Scout Cookies! (The best part about this role has been seeing my 9 year old shine as a cookie selling BOSS. I have no idea where she gets her courage and tenacity from but she’s my hero!)
✔ Planned 5 family vacations! (Portugal was especially thrilling as I’d been wanting to visit for >10 years! Life goal=unlocked. I highly recommend you go ASAP if at all feasible!)
✔ Started exercising, read some books, listened to podcasts and took beginner ASL classes.
Needless to say, it’s been a very busy year FILLED with tremendous growth. Though I haven’t been doing paid work, I have worked my tail off, chaotic days and many late nights included. Along the way I’ve developed new skills, rediscovered confidence in myself and achieved personal fulfillment, all while making a real difference in my community. A year really can do a lot to a person. Turns out this “break” was exactly the new role I needed!
Still yet to accomplish:
👉 Watch TV during the day at least once
👉 Sort through my Google boxes
👉 Curate family photos
… Wish me luck! 😊
