When You Lose Your Job: Grieving Burnout and Identity as a Neurodivergent Leader
Description
After being laid off, I learned that you can’t skip the grieving process — especially when your work was tied to your identity.
In this episode, I share what it’s been like to process grief, burnout, and identity loss as an autistic and ADHD (AuDHD) leader after job loss. From losing community and structure to rediscovering creativity and unmasking, this is an honest look at what recovery really feels like.
🔹 Why layoffs hit differently for neurodivergent professionals
🔹 How burnout recovery overlaps with grief and self-worth
🔹 What happens when leadership identity disappears overnight
🔹 Finding rest, creativity, and new purpose after burnout
🎧 This episode pairs with a YouTube video and a written reflection on Substack — complete with a bonus “beach story” that didn’t go as planned!
➕ Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@audhdboss
📝 Read the companion essay + bonus video: https://brettwhitmarsh.substack.com
United States
