It’s not you, it’s me. Actually, no – it’s definitely you, Bubbles (faux company name).

They say you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure. But a career? That’s personal.

You give it your time, your energy, your mind when the emails pile up. You learn its language, its quirks, its politics. You tell yourself you’re building something. And then one day, it tells you it’s moving to Manila.

Not you. Just your team.

I sat in that meeting and felt the floor drop. My role,  my team, my people, my corner of the Bubbles world was being relocated to another continent. I was being told to find my way within if the shoes fit, out of the box I should think or just elsewhere.

This is the part of the corporate story they don’t tell you about. The part where you’re not leaving because you want to  but because you have to.

The Stages of a Career Breakup

Stage 1: Denial

Surely there’s been a mistake. Maybe they meant someone else’s team? Maybe there’s another role for me? I refreshed my inbox obsessively, waiting for a lifeline.

Stage 2: Anger

I felt the rage bubble up. Not at any person, but at the system. How could I pour so much of myself into a company only to be let go through no fault of my own?

Stage 3: Bargaining

I considered options I’d never thought of before. Moving to Manila? No. Finding another role within Bubbles? I tried and failed as every other restructure was cutting down. They said no.

Stage 4: Sadness

This is where I still live some days. The grief of leaving behind a team I loved, a role I’d grown into, a sense of purpose I’d built.

Stage 5: Acceptance

I’m getting there. Slowly.

What This Breakup Taught Me

1. Your worth isn’t tied to your job title

I am still capable, still valuable, still skilled. A redundancy doesn’t erase your potential.

2. Corporate loyalty is a one-way street

I gave my best to Bubbles. When it was time for them to save costs, they gave me a notice period. I learned that loyalty is great – but you must always be your own safety net.

3. You have more options than you think

I’ve applied to banks, fintechs, energy companies, consultancies, and even government roles. Each application is a reminder that my skills are transferable. My career is not over – it’s just pivoting.

4. Community is everything

I have told my story to former colleagues, LinkedIn connections, and friends. Every conversation has opened a door or planted a seed. Being vulnerable has been my superpower.

Where I Am Now

I am in the messy middle. The in-between. The resume-updating, LinkedIn-scrolling, interview-attending, hope-holding season.

I am also more resilient than I knew. More resourceful than I realised. More excited about what’s next than I thought possible.

If you’re going through your own career breakup – whether redundancy, burnout, or just realising you’ve outgrown a place – know this: you are not your job. You are your skills, your values, your relationships, and your ability to keep going.

One day, you’ll look back at this breakup and realise it was the push you needed to find something even better.

Until then, keep showing up. Keep applying. Keep believing.

Your next chapter is being written.

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Stephanie writes about career, life, and the messy middle at www.metrogypsie.com.