Life update:
Two months ago, my life got flipped upside down.
After 18 years at the same job here in the Bay Area, I was laid off. A lot of you have checked in recently or said, “You should share an update,” so… here it is.
I’ve gone through the whole cycle: shock, anger, embarrassment, relief, anxiety, hope… and more than once I’ve caught myself feeling like a failure.
When something has been your identity for that long, losing it feels like losing a piece of yourself.
But here’s the other side of it:
I’ve also been incredibly lucky.
I have this platform, this little community, as a place to process all of it.
Being able to write, share hikes, tell stories, and connect with so many of you has been a huge part of how I’ve been healing and figuring out what’s next.
It’s given me something to lean into when everything else felt shaky.
Over the last two months I’ve tried to turn that uncertainty into motion:
1. I’ve doubled down on writing my book, putting real time into capturing the stories, hidden spots, and lessons I’ve learned from exploring the best of California. It’s gone from “someday” to “I’m doing this now.”
2. I’ve taken on more of the kid stuff, from school pickups to practices to being fully in it with competitive baseball and soccer coaching. It’s been a gift to be more present, even on the days I’m stressed about the future.
And I want to be really clear: I know how fortunate I am.
So many people go through layoffs with way fewer safety nets, less support, and no “fun” side projects to fall back on. What I’m experiencing is hard, but it could be so much worse. That perspective matters.
Mostly, I wanted to share this as a point of empathy for anyone else going through a big life shake-up, from a layoff, a career change, or a forced transition you didn’t choose. You’re not alone in the messy middle.
It’s okay to feel lost and still be moving forward.
If you’ve been through something like this and come out the other side, I’d love to hear what helped you. And if you’re in it right now, I’m rooting for you.
Thanks for being here. I appreciate it more than you know!
Happy trails,
Dan
Pic 1-3 Hiking in the Sierras
Pic 4 me presenting at a townhall before getting laid off
Pic 5 trying to be a fake model for Columbia sportswear
Pic 6 helping a crashed biker after coaching soccer
Pic 7 Adventure of a lifetime with my son in Yosemite
Experiencing a layoff after nearly two decades in a stable job can truly rock one's world, touching every aspect of life from personal identity to daily routine. It’s important to recognize that these feelings of shock, anger, embarrassment, and anxiety are natural parts of the process. Many find that acknowledging these emotions, rather than suppressing them, is the first step toward healing. Leveraging creative outlets such as writing or engaging in hobbies like hiking not only offers distraction but also provides a sense of purpose and progress. For example, committing to projects like a book about hidden gems and lessons from California’s beauty can transform “someday” aspirations into meaningful present actions. This reminds us that turning uncertainty into motion is crucial. Being present with family, such as participating fully in children's activities and coaching sports, can deepen connections and offer grounding support. Embracing these roles helps sustain positivity even on stressful days. Importantly, keeping perspective about one’s fortune—having support systems, financial safety nets, and community connections—can ease the burden during difficult transitions. It’s a shared reality that many people face layoffs without such buffers, making empathy a key component in the healing journey. For anyone facing the “messy middle” of forced career changes or life upheavals, this update encourages recognizing that feeling lost is normal and doesn’t mean failure. Progress might be slow and nonlinear, but moving forward one step at a time restores confidence and opens new opportunities. Hearing others’ stories of resilience and sharing personal experiences creates a supportive network that fuels hope. If you’re currently navigating a similar path or have successfully emerged on the other side, connecting and exchanging advice can make all the difference. Ultimately, life after a layoff or major change is not just about coping but about growth—finding new passions, embracing roles with loved ones, and discovering strength in vulnerability. This journey reinforces that while identity may shift, one’s value and potential remain intact and ready to unfold anew.
