Back Into Business (For Myself)

One year ago today, I got laid off. Yep—exactly 365 days of chaos, learning, and more than a few moments of panic. After sending out hundreds of applications and racking up 400+ rejections, I finally had to admit something: I know how to do the work. The problem wasn’t me—it was trying to play someone else’s game, running someone else’s dream, jumping through hoops that made no sense.

So here I am, back in business for myself. Not with fireworks or a LinkedIn post, but quietly, deliberately. I’ve got two freelance gigs going, a few small projects in motion, and yes, I’m DoorDashing like a delivery goblin on a side quest. It’s messy, sometimes exhausting, often hilarious—but it’s mine. For once, the grind feels like it’s for me, not someone else.

And really, that’s the point. Faith, health, and reclaiming my own energy—they’re what brought me here. Doing work that actually feels like mine is a relief, and it’s energizing. Some days are tiny victories, some days are full of doubt—but they all count. And today, a year after being sent packing, I’m reminded: I can do this my way, and that’s more than enough.