So maybe this is growth?
It’s wild how quietly everything can change.
One moment, you’re immersed in work you care about, and the next, you’re rewriting your own ending.
This week, I was laid off from my role at Passion Planner, part of a larger wave of restructuring across the company. Like so many organizations right now, Passion Planner is facing big transitions—tough decisions, shifting priorities, and, unfortunately, layoffs. My role was one of many to be cut.
This isn’t my first layoff—or even my second. It’s the third time I’ve had to say goodbye to a job I cared deeply about. And the truth is, the first two times knocked the wind out of me. I wasn’t ready—financially or emotionally. I scrambled. I didn’t know what was next.
But this time feels different. I know it has nothing to do with my worth or performance. I’ve grown enough to understand that sometimes things end not because you failed, but because the path is shifting—because the company is shifting—and you’re simply caught in the ripple.
This time, I’ve built a side hustle I genuinely love. I’ve been actively investing, saving, and creating systems that support me—and surrounding myself with people who do, too. I’ve been quietly preparing for change—not because I saw it coming, but because I’ve finally learned that building a safety net is an act of self-care. It’s how I protect my peace. It’s how I move forward, even when the ground shifts. I’ve built better boundaries. I’ve made peace with uncertainty. And I’ve learned to trust myself—to see endings not as failures, but as space being made for what’s next.
Maybe this is what growth looks like.
And while this is the end of a chapter, it’s also a moment to celebrate what’s been built. Because this wasn’t just any role. It was the first time I’ve ever been in a position where I could show up as my full self—not just in what I could do, but in who I am. I brought heart to every conversation and led with purpose and intention. I was seen. I was trusted. And I got to work in alignment with what I value most: community, impact, connection and care.
So here are some wins I want to honor from the past five years:
Co-developing and managing an ambassador program that fostered meaningful community engagement and strengthened brand loyalty. So much love for our PashFam Ambassador fam.
Securing all sponsorships that made Passion Planner’s milestone 10-Year anniversary weekend possible.
Leading word-of-mouth marketing campaigns that boosted brand visibility and community participation.
Coordinating strategic giveaways to drive email list growth and deepen community connection, while building strong partnerships aligned with the company’s mission and values.
Overseeing timely and accurate distribution of donations to nonprofits, supporting their critical work and reinforcing Passion Planner’s commitment to social impact.
Collaborating across departments to align initiatives and maximize impact.
Learning that nurturing meaningful work also means protecting space for rest and reflection—balancing drive with self-care to sustain growth over the long haul.
Building genuine, lasting relationships with colleagues whose insight and support have truly shaped me. I hold deep respect and gratitude for these connections—relationships that extend far beyond the day-to-day work.
I’m walking away with clarity and appreciation for how far I’ve come. So what’s next? I don’t know yet. But I’m walking toward it with a full heart. If you’re navigating something similar—another round of change, another pivot, another goodbye—you’re not alone. Let it set in. Let it shape you. And then keep going.
More soon,
Riss