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When I suddenly left the editor’s job I simply adored I spent years angry and bitter, then sad, mainly because I had been ripped away from my editorial family and was scared I’d never find the same kind of familial vibe. I ended up having a bit of counselling ah she said to me I was grieving the loss of that job and that I was too preoccupied trying to seek out another job where I would find a similar family, which she said would be hard to do. Hearing those words, I finally let go and embraced the future and knew that while things may never be the same I always had those great memories.

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Thank you for this really thoughtful comment and the other lovely ones you have left, Christian. Welcome to my Substack! It's great to have you here. I've learned that it's totally about how you frame it for yourself. And as cheesy as it may sound, it's true that if you decide you're going to welcome other great opportunities in, and get excited about that and look for them, generally it happens. xx

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And it’s been a pleasure reading all of your pieces. We’re around thee same age so have very similar experiences and views? Yes, too go mad at the mechanical term ‘content’ - it conjures up people wired up to a computer and banging out basic material to fill space. Erm.... 😜 keep up the good work!

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Belonging is a basic need. Being forced out is frightening (I thought I was fitting in) humiliating and forces us to search for a whole new context with no preparation. You’ve coped so well. Love Palace Confidential

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May 15, 2022Liked by Jo Elvin

🙌🙌 loved this so much.

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I’m going through exactly the same thing now. I’ve been redundant for 2 weeks and I suddenly feel as if the floor has opened up and I’m falling down a dark hole. I’m lost without my job.

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Sorry to hear this, Julie. It's awful, I know. But you WILL get past it and move on to better things. I know it doesn't feel like that now. Just give yourself time and space. Talk through how you feel with people you trust. And fill your diary with things to look forward to. It's such early days in that process for you but start to think about the things that you can do now that you're not doing that job. Even if, for a little while, that means doing absolutely nothing. It takes time I'm afraid. Reach out to people and just have conversations over the next few weeks and you'll soon start to see the world is SO much bigger than that job. xxxx

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Thanks Jo. It’s the doing absolutely nothing that’s the hardest, I’m so used to weekly deadlines! Your feature was so perfectly timed and it’s good to hear and see that there’s life beyond the magazine world.

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So enjoying your writing and your honesty Jo. Thanks for being so open.

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Thank you so much, Charlotte. xx

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This is so honest and so true, Jo! Great piece.

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Thanks mate! We've all been there.... xx

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Thanks for being so honest! I loved this piece.

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Love this - I left an organisation I loved for a promotion that I was told I wouldn't get there. The heartbreak I experienced in the following months was like I had come out of a relationship.....Its been 4 years and I sometimes still tear up talking about it!

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Yes it sucks! But maybe it’s about framing it that it’s great that you had a job you loved that much. Nothing is forever, so be happy it happened, rather than sad that it ended? That helps me, anyway. Xx

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Brilliant and such good advice thank you Jo

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I’m convinced better days are ahead for you!

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Thanks Doug! Yes, what I'm writing about here was nearly five years ago so I feel able to talk about it with the gift of some distance. I'm fine. FINE! xxxx

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May 15, 2022Liked by Jo Elvin

I missed that. Duh! I decided about three weeks ago to start reading better stuff. So happy to have found you!

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