Unemployed and Winning: Why Losing Your Job Might Be the Best Thing That Happens to You

Apr 1
4 min read

“Some days you feel like you’ll have four competing offers. Other days you’re crying, convinced you’ll never work again.” – Raina Rusnak

There’s something profoundly disorienting about losing your job. It disrupts your rhythm, your routine, and, often, your sense of identity. But here’s the thing — as hard as it is to believe in the moment, unemployment can also spur you to some of the most meaningful growth in your life.

Recently, I spoke with Raina Rusnak — strategist, mountaineer, and author of Sampling Life: 100 Ways of Finding Joy in Unemployment. Her story isn’t just inspiring—it’s practical, human, and deeply relatable. Raina reframed unemployment not as a failure but as an unexpected intermission that offered time, clarity, and a new sense of purpose.

And I have to say, I agree with her. Being unemployed can be the best thing that happens to you — if you choose to engage with it intentionally, even though it is terrifying.

1. You’re Time-Rich — Use It Well

We often talk about financial capital but rarely about time capital. When you’re unemployed, you suddenly have it in abundance. Raina calls this being “time-rich,” and it’s a superpower we tend to overlook.

Instead of treating every day like a frantic job hunt, she created a rhythm: structured job search time in the morning (her peak energy hours) and intentional space in the afternoon for reading, reflection, exercise, or personal projects. She made two lists — one for chores and one for fun — and worked her way through both.

What would it look like for you to treat this time not as a burden but as an invitation?

2. Don’t Job Search 24/7 — It Will Burn You Out

The hustle mindset tells us we should be job searching every waking hour. But that’s a recipe for burnout and low morale. Raina emphasized the importance of creating a daily structure that prioritizes progress without obsession.

Take weekends off—block time to recharge. The job search is important, but so is your well-being. The latter directly affects the former.

3. Beware the Inner Critic — But Don’t Let It Lead

There will be days when self-doubt takes over. Raina spoke openly about those moments — the tears, the fear, the inner voice whispering, “I’ll never work again.”

What she’s learned — and I often echo with my clients — is that you must name those thoughts, feel them, and then move through them. Let the tears come. Then dust yourself off and take one small, brave step forward.

Resilience isn’t about suppressing the struggle. It’s about walking with it.

4. You Are Not Alone — Build Community

One of the hardest parts of unemployment is the isolation. You go from collaborating on teams to feeling like you’re in it alone. But connection is a game-changer — and it doesn’t have to be transactional.

Raina found support through networking groups of others in the same situation. Even though none of them had jobs to offer each other, they had networks, encouragement, and the shared experience of navigating uncertainty together.

The job she eventually landed? It came from a connection with two others who were also unemployed.

5. Be Generous — It Comes Back

Here’s a powerful mindset shift: stop approaching networking with “What can they do for me?” Instead, ask, “How can I support them?”

Raina now intentionally keeps her network warm—not just for the sake of future jobs but because building real relationships feels good—it’s like building a family.

That energy—the abundance mindset and generosity—creates ripples. It will come back to you, often in unexpected ways.

6. Get Outside — And Out of Your Head

As a mountaineer, Raina knows the mental clarity that nature can provide. She talked about the “three-day effect” — that transformative shift in mental space after a few days in the wild. You don’t need to summit mountains to get that reset. A local hike, a walk in the woods, or even time in your neighborhood park can work wonders.

When we unplug, we remember who we are outside our professional titles. And that perspective is so important.

7. Try Something New — Even If It Feels Weird

From learning the Thriller dance to exploring different religions, Raina used her time-rich period to stretch beyond her comfort zone—not for resume points but to reconnect with joy, curiosity, and community.

One of the more provocative ideas in her book is to explore three new religions—not to convert but to expand understanding. This is a practice of empathy, reminding us that even when our careers feel stuck, our personal growth doesn’t have to be.

What’s one thing you’ve always been curious about but never made time for?

8. Tell Your Story with Heart

Raina’s LinkedIn profile doesn’t read like a traditional resume. It starts with her mountaineering grit — because that’s who she is. She tells a story, highlights her values, and includes real quotes from past colleagues.

Your profile (and your pitch) is a chance to reflect your full humanity — not just your skills, but your mindset, your journey, and your voice.

If you’re job searching right now, ask yourself: What story am I telling about who I am and what I bring to the table? And is it one I believe in?

Final Thoughts: An Invitation to Reframe

If you’re currently unemployed, I see you. It’s hard. It’s vulnerable. And it’s not forever.

But it can be a powerful pause — a chance to reconnect with yourself, your values, and your voice. Whether it's through journaling, nature walks, community connection, or simply resting in the quiet of your own thoughts — this season holds possibilities.

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