Maslow's hierarchy of needs offers a fascinating perspective on human growth and progression. It highlights how we ascend from addressing basic survival needs to pursuing self-actualization. My personal experience with this theory has been both challenging and enlightening.
In the mid of 2024, around 1800+ employees were mass laid off from my past company. I was among those affected, and the economic downturn made finding a new job incredibly challenging. Initially, I was consumed by anxiety—haunted by fears of depleting my savings, the shame of unemployment, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. These worries loomed large, leaving me feeling restless and deeply unsettled.
Gradually, I returned to the present moment. I took stock of my skills and interests, which provided a sense of direction, albeit unclear at first. Among the few options I identified, I explored a couple of them with hope and determination. While the destination remains distant, I feel confident in my ability to navigate this journey.
This phase of uncertainty also forced me to confront deeper questions about identity. Without the label of a job or career, I felt adrift and incomplete. It was an uncomfortable but necessary part of my growth, as it pushed me to redefine who I am beyond external roles.
It is not only me! My teenage daughter was disturbed too. “Dad! I had told all my friends that you are a software developer. I can’t change that. So, you please find a job in the software industry,” she said, her words a mix of concern and pressure, reflecting how my situation impacted those around me.
One profound realization during this journey is that striving for higher goals often diminishes the weight of lower-level worries. By focusing on growth and purpose, I found a sense of fulfillment and resilience that transformed my experience of this challenging time.
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