I recently left a job. I knew that for my own well-being I needed to leave, but I had never left a job without having a backup plan. For the first time, I put my emotional and mental health over my wallet. I was not completely unprepared though as I had a good amount of savings that I knew I could live on for a few months. However, what I did not plan for was the overwhelming feeling of stress that I battled in the months after. 

At the time I left my job, I was finishing up my spring semester at school and would be heading into the summer semester shortly afterward. School was the least of my worries though. After continually applying to many different positions and being rejected, I watched my savings slowly disappear. When opportunities for jobs did come up, many of them fell through or were not reliable enough. 

Not only was I dealing with the stress of finding another job so I could continue to pay for rent and school, but the failing of my previous job and the constant rejection from potential jobs began to take a toll on my mental health and I was struggling with self doubt daily.

There were many days when it was hard to want to get out of bed as I dreaded more rejection and disappointment.

But, I got up and faced it anyway. During the endless days of searching for work, waiting for an answer, and continuing to keep my studies up, I had many moments where I simply broke down and could not move forward without feeling my fear and listening to my discouraged heart. 

The journey was long and the road was full of rocks and ditches, but I purposed to keep going and take care of myself. I had to. One of the biggest moments that initiated change in me and helped me the most was when I began to share my situation and fears with people closest to me. The response I received and how I felt afterward was something I never expected. 

My family and close friends offered to help me, and letting others share my burden made it seem, not less serious, but lighter. I also saw my perspective on work and money drastically change. Work could no longer be my safety net, I was, and so were the people closest to me. Work also no longer defined my status and worth, I did, through my response and willingness to keep going.  

It can be so hard to manage our levels of stress when we are overwhelmed by the situations around us. Although things might be hard, it is so important to remember that you bring value to this world and will overcome eventually. 

When it comes to managing stress in overwhelming times; remembering your worth, who you are, and what you are capable of can help you keep your chin up and face your situation one step at a time.  

Our worth does not lie in the position we hold, the money we make, the status we have built, or the things that we have lost. Our worth lies in our response to failure, the effort we put forth in finding something better, the steps we take to move forward, and the courage to let others in when we are broken. 

The next time you feel overwhelmed by your situation, remember that it is okay to feel afraid or disappointed. No matter your situation, you are important and are worthy of love from others and yourself. Do not underestimate your value in this world. Take a beat, ask for help and support, and keep moving forward.