Though I saw it coming, I was laid off recently (last week). The layoff was unrelated to COVID-19, but laid off none the less. Luckily I have enough saved to not be too burdened by it. I have an interview tomorrow and Friday, but I see it more as an opportunity for something else. In my spare time I have been working very hard to build a startup in the Insurance Tech space. Though I have been looking for jobs, part of me keeps wanting to see this as an opportunity to do what I really want which is to start my own business. Having thought about it, I think I will be looking for freelance/contract work instead of another full-time gig so that I can focus more on my company.

With that being said, the job market is going to become much more brutal very soon, which slightly terrifies me... but I'd probably regret not at least taking a chance working towards my dream, even during these uncertain times. I did panic a bit when I got the news that I'd be losing my job, which lead to the frantic job applications and reaching out to my network. After I took a step back and thought about it though I was able to see this as an opportunity.

To anyone else out there who recently lost a job and is panicking, try to take a step back and evaluate your current situation. It might actually be setting yourself up for something better. If nothing else, take the time that you have to sharpen your skills or learn some new ones. Make the most of a bad situation.