It’s been over a month since I found myself unexpectedly unemployed. I thought maybe I’d land something quickly—after all, I’ve updated my resume, reviewed my portfolio, cleaned up my LinkedIn, and even landed four final interviews. Three came from referrals, one was pure serendipity. I poured myself into every application and conversation, did my research, followed up, stayed hopeful.

But none of those opportunities panned out.

The common theme in the rejections?

“You’re not senior enough.”

That phrase keeps echoing. It’s frustrating, not just because I know I’m good at what I do, but because I know I can grow—fast. I’ve always risen to meet the challenge, and yet the door still closed.

So, I’m trying something new.

The straight path isn’t working, so I’m mapping out Plan B, C, and D:

• 📋 Plan B: Looking for contract and part-time roles. Smaller commitments, faster timelines. Sometimes it’s about getting a foot in the door, not just a title on the resume.
• 📋 Plan C: Starting to take freelance work more seriously. I’ve helped people in the past with UX, design systems, and product workflows. Why not bet on myself and try to build something sustainable from that?
• 📋 Plan D: Pursuing baking. This one’s been quietly sitting on the roadmap for a while—eventually, I want to open a small, Instagrammable café. I know there’s so much to learn, from pastry technique to food safety to running a business—but something about it feels exciting in a completely different way. It’s creative, it’s hands-on, and it brings joy. I’m allowing myself to explore it more seriously now.

It’s not easy to sit with uncertainty. There are days when imposter syndrome creeps in. When my worth feels tied to interviews, callbacks, and job boards. But I’m reminding myself that unemployment isn’t a reflection of failure. It’s a liminal space—uncomfortable, but full of potential.

If you’re in the same boat, just know: it’s okay to grieve the stability you lost and still move forward. We’re allowed to pivot. We’re allowed to rest. We’re allowed to try new things.

This isn’t the ending—just a plot twist.

Let’s see where it goes next!

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If you’re hiring, collaborating, or just want to connect over the ups and downs of the job search—or talk baking—I’m all ears 👂🏼