It was a chaotic scene as I bolted out of bed, half-dressed, and rushed outside along with most of the neighbors on my block.

Thankfully, no one was hurt.

But, everything following that morning has been a nightmare – dealing with opposing insurance has become a part-time job and it’s led to a lot of frustration.

I was left to deal with the aftermath of something that wasn’t my fault.

It reminds me a lot of those who have experienced being laid off.

Often, it comes as a complete surprise, a blindside.

You devoted years to a place. You bought into the company mission. You invested in the company culture.

A 15-minute meeting with HR pops up on your calendar. * Poof * you’re shown the door.

You didn’t make the decisions to over-hire. You didn’t make the poor decisions guiding the company strategy.

Yet there you are, left to pick up the pieces.

So much out of your control — frustration and self-doubt set in.

It’s easy to make it about what you did wrong, but I promise you it’s not your fault.

I’ve been there. I’ve navigated layoffs multiple times.

If you’re currently in “no-mans land” or the land of layoffs, I’m so sorry this happened to you.

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Lean on your support systems. I promise you, people want to help.

And if you need it, I’d be honored to help you too.

I believe in you and I know you can make it through this.