In this episode of The Chaos Commanders Podcast, we get vulnerable about the emotional rollercoaster of unemployment—and how to hold on to your worth when the world makes you question it.
Annie opens up about her recent layoff, the toll it took on her mental health, and how the bureaucratic unemployment system in Iowa left her feeling more like a number than a human. Katelynn shares her journey through job loss and what she’s learned from launching a business during hard times.
They also dive into:
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Frustrations with remote job hunting (and the truth about application black holes)
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The upside of forced rest and reevaluating your goals
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A terrifying health scare that reminded Annie how precious life really is
If you're currently unemployed, searching, starting over, or just questioning your next step, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and empowered to keep going.
QUOTES
“I felt like I was worth more to my family dead than alive.” – Annie
“Unemployment isn’t a vacation—it’s a full-time job you didn’t ask for.” – Annie
“We’re not doing brain surgery, people.” – Katelynn
“You are worthy. You are wonderful. Don’t doubt yourself.” – Annie
TAKEAWAYS
1️⃣ The mental health toll of being laid off is real. Even when you see it coming, it can shake your identity and sense of security.
2️⃣ Unemployment systems can be clunky, disempowering, and hard to navigate, but knowing the process can help you take back some control.
3️⃣ Losing a job can be an opportunity to reset, reflect, and reassess what you want next. Sometimes, it even saves your life.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
FEATURED CHAOS ANTHEM
“Unemployment” by J.J. Cole
A soulful, offbeat track that captures the humor and heaviness of navigating job loss—and finding yourself again.
🎧 You can find it (and all our episode anthems) on The Chaos Commanders: Season One playlists available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
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