This past year has flown by so quickly. It feels like John and I signed our lease to our apartment just yesterday, but it’s been over 14 months since we signed. So much has happened, but at the same time, I feel like not enough happened? I blame it on my Aries sign, always feeling like there’s something to do.
But let’s do a Q4 check-in and my current plans for 2026.
I’ve been so busy with life and my career, but lately I’ve been living in a strange space between what was and what’s next. At the beginning of December, I spent time with John’s family in Hawaii to celebrate his sister’s graduation. But in the middle of it all, the company I worked for announced that they were officially closing its doors. This meant my role was impacted and I was getting laid off. Thankfully, I was asked to stay on until March 31st to help finish closing tasks, which gives me a three-month runway to figure out what’s next.
The timing wasn’t great, especially right before the holidays. It felt bittersweet that it happened while I was on vacation. Hawaii was a really good distraction, but at the same time, I couldn’t fully enjoy it because I was overwhelmed by what the news meant and what my plans would look like moving forward. I still had a great time in Hawaii with familiy, and honestly, I’d much rather receive the news there, than at home where I could melt in my thoughts.
2025: A Year of Building
2025 was a big year for my freelancing. I reached my goal of doubling my freelance income from last year, which I’m incredibly proud of. When I think about it now, it still feels a little surreal. Last year, I generated five figures freelancing and told myself that I’d double it this year – without a super clear plan, just a lot of belief, hard work, and a willingness to reach for the stars. And somehow, it happened. I did it.
This was the year that made me realize I could actually grow it into something much bigger if I went full-time. I’ve been thinking seriously about that possibility, while also appreciating the season I was in – balancing my corporate job and freelancing, and building two steady streams of income. Working hard (maybe too hard) has always been in my blood. I’ve worked since I was legally allowed to, and I’ve always taken pride in my work ethic.
After graduating, I poured much of that energy into my corporate career because that’s what gave me stability. And for someone who didn’t grow up with much stability, that structure has always meant everything to me. I’m someone who deeply values security. It’s shaped the way I move through the world and the choices I make.
Reflecting & Processing My Emotions
So getting laid off has brought up a lot of emotions, many of them conflicting. There’s the grief of losing something not on my own terms, and the sudden goodbyes to coworkers I’ve spent the past four years alongside. I had been working toward a promotion, advocating for myself, and putting in the effort, so it was hard not to feel like all of that work didn’t matter in the end, even though I know that isn’t truly the case.
Then there’s the worry – about paying bills, about income, about what’s next. I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on whether I want to pursue another corporate role or take the leap and go full-time with freelancing. And ultimately, I’ve decided to try. The same work ethic I’ve always given to my corporate roles, I want to finally give to myself. For so long, I poured so much energy into building for other people’s visions, while holding my own dreams at arm’s length. In 2026, I want to change that.
Looking Toward 2026
Now I’m sitting in this space of being both deeply excited and deeply scared… but it feels like exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’m excited to finally take this risk and see what I’m capable of when I fully commit to my own life and my own goals.
Being laid off is never a good feeling. But I’m choosing to believe this is a blessing in disguise, and that whatever comes next will be even bigger.
xx Destiny
