Finding My Footing Again in the Communications Industry Post Workplace-Trauma

In my previous article about workplace harassment, I was moved by the number of messages I received from my friends, acquaintances and even strangers who shared similar experiences. Many, prominently fellow immigrants and people of colour, expressed their support and stories, affirming that these challenges were not just in our heads. This connection was my goal in writing that article, and I’m grateful for it. 

Experiencing workplace trauma can be extremely daunting, but also an opportunity to rebuild and find strength in unexpected places. Refusing to let those six months define me, I took deliberate steps to rebuild my confidence, find my light and get back into the game. 

But before I talk about the steps I took, I am making an umbrella statement – none of these steps would have helped me to the extent they did had I not been surrounded by my tribe! My family and my friends. My people. It is SO important to make sure that we surround ourselves with people who lift us, not push us into the ground. So, while this period showed me who my real people are, I also shed off some who were weighing me down. And I’m glad I did. 

Okay, now onto the steps that I implemented to stand back on my own two feet, and would strongly recommend to anyone having experienced or experiencing similar challenges:

I felt it

The first step in my recovery was acknowledging the impact of the trauma. Plus, understand that recovery from any trauma is not a linear journey. It requires patience, self-compassion and a willingness to embrace growth. Therapy helped me actually to feel my pain. This pain included anger, frustration, insecurities, fear and confusion that had taken root in me. In fact, I made friends with this pain. Why? Because the moment I treated it as one entity, I opened doors to understanding the underlying reasons for my constant high emotional responses, allowing me to channel my aggression and fear better. I learned that anger is always a secondary emotion, masking deeper feelings of hurt or fear. This started my healing. Important to note: healing, not distracting.

Volunteering

The second step was accepting that I was unemployed. Period. Employment Insurance (EI) was limited. And honestly, in a city like Toronto, EI barely covers the rent. Hence, I was burning through my savings. But that’s what savings are for—rainy days, and this felt like a monsoon. So, I pulled up my socks and focused on volunteering. Why not apply for jobs, you ask? To find my passion for communications and confidence in my skills instead of sending out panic-filled resumes. Also, as a volunteer, one is unperturbed by the “gain” aspect of putting in the work, which is gratifying and uplifting in its own way.

As the Director of Communication, Marketing and Social Media at the Toronto chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/Toronto), I had been involved for about nine months before my traumatic experience. However, I immersed myself in the work during this period, coinciding with a major awards function. Focusing on social media posts, designs, networking and learning about the awards process became more than just tasks—they were lifelines. Preparing for the event, from the detailed planning to even choosing what to wear, helped me regain confidence in my appearance, skills and overall personality. I began to trust my skills and, more importantly, myself again. The supportive and positive environment at IABC/Toronto was instrumental in this transformation, reminding me of the joy and satisfaction my work could bring me. And I’m super proud to have been part of such a remarkable Board at IABC/Toronto 2023-24, and to have made lasting connections with industry professionals who remain mentors and friends.

Professional development

I dedicated some time to skills-building. I enrolled in Coursera and LinkedIn Learning courses, focusing on areas like AI for communications managers and using Word as a design tool. Being a philomath, I found immense joy in acquiring new knowledge and enhancing existing skills. Again, this gave me a huge confidence boost in assessing my own professional value.

Friend’s project

When I was learning yoga and energy healing a couple of years ago, the first lesson I learned from my Master was that, as humans, we love to help! It gives us a sense of accomplishment and a very unrated form of joy that we don’t recognize enough in ourselves. I understood the true meaning of this when a friend reached out to me during this period to help her launch her business on Instagram and a new website. Helping her strategize her digital launch plan, selecting key dates, crafting key messaging, and more was a gratifying experience. This project, though professional, had a personal touch, which made it all the more rewarding. The trust she placed in me, combined with the freedom to execute my ideas, restored my faith in my abilities. It was a turning point that made me realize I was ready to take on new professional challenges.

As I regained my confidence and self-esteem, I started cold-networking on LinkedIn again, something that had previously filled me with anxiety. I began applying for jobs, and I’m happy to say that after 59 applications, three interviews, and two job offers within a span of two months, I decided to take up my current role at COSTI. And man, am I blessed! I love my work and my team here—they are absolute gems! 

The best part of this journey? I am in love with myself again.

This 15-month process (six months of challenges, nine months of recovery) taught me a vital lesson: external opinions, no matter how harsh or personal, are just that—opinions. They are not facts and don’t define who we are. 

As a side note, I also want to add that, as someone who is prone to anxiety, I’ve come to understand that it’s a chronic condition, much like diabetes or arthritis. While it may never entirely go away, it can be managed with the right support and tools. Seeking help, whether for physical or mental health, is not a sign of weakness but a crucial step in maintaining overall well-being.

And I say this again. In sharing my journey, I hope to encourage you and others to seek out the resources and support that work for you. Your journey is unique to you, and finding your strength again is not only possible but an incredible way to rediscover yourself. As they say, you do you boo!