Welcome to Stories of Love and Loss.
Job loss is a form of disenfranchised grief — meaning most people aren’t equipped to support us when we’ve been downsized, exited, or “workforce adjusted.” That’s exactly what makes my conversation with career coach Michelle Schafer so powerful.
Michelle came to career coaching the hard way: through her own devastating job joss — not once, but twice. She transformed her pain into purpose, writing Cultivating Career Growth as a lifeline for others navigating transitions they didn’t choose.
In our conversation, we explore the vast territory of grief — what happens when identity shifts beneath our feet, when relationships dissolve, and when financial security feels like it’s slipping away. Michelle helps us find hope amid the shame and how her clients appreciate the added sensitivity that she brings to each conversation. She also draws on her experience in the Grief Companion Program to speak authentically grappling with the sudden death of her beloved father, and the healing rituals that have deepened her relationship with her mother.
Michelle brings both compassion and practical wisdom to the work of moving through job loss with resilience and hope.
This conversation moved me deeply and reminded me why stories like Michelle’s need to be shared. I have a feeling it will move you too.
Find more of Michelle’s work here and read an insightful article on job loss here.
We hope this conversation helps you feel less isolated and provides you with fresh language that fosters hope and healing.
If you know someone who is grieving, consider gifting them a subscription to The Grieving Place. It will bring solace and community to their broken ❤️.
Creating a safe refuge for the bereaved and the broken-hearted is soul work! If you have a grief story to share, or know of someone who does, let’s connect. It just might inspire my next Story of Love and Loss!
