When You Lose a Job You Love: Choosing Center Over Fear

There are some jobs that are just jobs—a paycheck, a to-do list, a clock-in/clock-out routine. And then there are the rare ones that seep into your heart, the ones that feel like purpose disguised as work. Losing the latter isn’t just about income—it can feel like losing a piece of yourself. This happened to me on Friday so it is raw so I thought I would share my journey.

But here’s the truth: a job, no matter how meaningful, is not the sum total of who you are.

The First Wave: Grief, Panic, Fear

It’s natural to feel it. The sting of goodbye, the uncertainty of what’s next, the whisper of fear asking: What if nothing better comes along? Our minds, built to protect us, will flood us with worst-case scenarios. And in those moments, the most radical act we can take is to pause—breathe—remember that fear is not the compass.

Coming Back to Center

Centering isn’t denial. It’s not pretending you’re fine when you’re gutted. It’s choosing to stand steady in the storm, to anchor yourself in what remains true:

• You are capable.

• You are more than your job title.

• You are still on your path, even if the scenery has changed.

Practices like meditation, journaling, or simply walking outside barefoot on the earth can reconnect you with that steady ground within.

Shifting the Lens

Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” try asking, “What is this creating space for?” Sometimes endings are doorways disguised in loss. That job you loved gave you tools, friendships, and experiences that will never leave you. Now the universe is nudging you forward, even if the next step isn’t fully visible yet.

Fear vs. Faith

Fear thrives in the unknown. Faith whispers: the unknown is fertile. Which voice you listen to is your choice every single day. Choosing faith doesn’t mean ignoring reality—it means trusting that your reality is still unfolding, and that you’re allowed to dream bigger than the fear allows.

Final Thought

Losing a job you love doesn’t mean losing yourself. Stay anchored in center. Don’t let fear narrate your story. Because the next chapter? It’s already on its way—and it just might hold a version of you that is freer, fuller, and more aligned than you ever thought possible.