Three days ago, I dramatically quit my job like I was the lead character in a high-stakes movie. Except there was no slow clap, no victorious background music—just me storming out, my office plant in one hand and my dignity barely intact in the other.

At first, it felt exhilarating. FREEDOM! No more nonsense, no more emails marked “URGENT!!!” that are actually about someone forgetting to book a meeting room. No more politics. No more pretending to care about who stole whose lunch from the fridge.

But here I am, three days later, sitting at home in my pajamas, staring at the ceiling like a philosopher who just discovered existential dread. I have savings. I have a supportive family. I have a roof over my head. And yet… I feel homeless.

Why Does Losing a Job Feel Like Losing Yourself?

Honestly? Because work takes up too much real estate in our identity. We introduce ourselves as “Hi, I’m Butter, and I’m a [insert impressive job title here].” We measure our worth by productivity. So when the job disappears, it feels like we do too.

Also, routines keep us sane. Even if you hated your job, at least you had structure. Now, mornings are just one long abyss where time has no meaning.

The Five Stages of Job Loss Grief (According to Me, Not Science)

1. Denial – “This is fine! A break is good! I’m going to be so productive now!” (Spoiler: You won’t.)

2. Panic Buying on Amazon – Suddenly, buying a fancy notebook or a blender feels like taking control of your life.

3. Existential Dread – “Who am I without my job? Am I… nothing?”

4. Acceptance (But Also Binge-Watching) – The realization hits, but instead of processing it, you rewatch an entire season of something.

5. Rebirth (Eventually) – You start making plans. Applying. Dreaming. Realizing you’re not doomed.

How to Survive This Weird, Floaty Time

• Give Yourself Time to Mourn – Yes, even if you hated the job. Your brain needs time to recalibrate.

• Create a Fake Routine – Wake up, wear actual pants, go outside. Trick your brain into thinking you have somewhere to be.

• Remind Yourself: You’re Not Your Job – You’re still you. You still have skills, talents, and a great sense of humor (hopefully).

• Dream a Little – Maybe this is your chance to start that business, that blog, that creative thing you always pushed aside.

• Talk to People – You’ll feel less lost when you realize literally everyone has felt like this at some point.

And most importantly—breathe. You haven’t lost everything. You’ve just lost a job. And jobs? They come and go. But YOU? You’re still here, still standing, still full of potential.

And hey, at least now you don’t have to pretend to care about Steve’s missing lunch anymore.