Category Archives: Experiences

Real moments that shaped me, far from bullet points and job titles. In this section, I share personal stories, travels, milestones, and lessons learned through the unpredictability of life. Sometimes messy, often eye-opening — always real.

#7 Going through the stages of a layoff

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Going through a layoff for the first time

As I wait to start my new job role at the beginning of next month, I can’t help but reflect on what brought me here: the layoffs at my previous company. It’s a frustrating topic—especially as layoffs have been an unfortunate trend this year too—but one worth sharing. Many professionals are currently going through the same experience, and I hope this reflection might help someone navigate their own journey.

Experiencing layoffs for the first time can be overwhelming. The emotions that come with it—shock, frustration, even shame—are intense. Looking back, I realize that if someone had told me what lay ahead, I might have reacted more positively (or maybe not, who knows!). But one thing I’m sure of is that, if I had to go through it again (which I hope I don’t), I’d handle it better, thanks to the lessons I’ve learned.

Here are the stages I went through, from the moment I received the bad news to the moment I landed another job.

The shock

I had a sense that something was coming at my company, but I didn’t expect it to hit me. Just weeks before, I’d joined a new team with the prospect of being promoted to lead the content internationalisation efforts. It was a challenging time—my manager was on maternity leave, and the workload had increased. The team was struggling, morale was low, and I was left to figure things out on my own.

But that’s where I thrive. I love high-pressure situations. Just as I started to get a handle on my new responsibilities, I received an email: a sudden 15-minute all-hands meeting scheduled for Monday. It felt suspicious. We had just acquired a competitor, so nobody expected layoffs. But I did. Company communication had been poor for months, with leadership throwing out vague praise like, “You’re all in the driver’s seat!” despite the bad numbers and other red flags that were as obvious as a summer sun.

When the CEO and founder announced that 20% of the workforce would be laid off, we were all stunned. They said we’d know who was affected within 30 minutes. It was one of the longest half-hours of my life, but deep down, I knew I would be on the list. And I was right.

Anger, hurt, and feeling lost

The email arrived, confirming what I feared. I felt angry, hurt, and, most of all, lost. It was a shock that hit me harder than most life events—on par with moments like the covid lockdowns or the loss of a loved one. Working in an almost fully remote team made it worse. There was no office to gather in, no teammates to share a drink with after a devastating day. My company accounts were shut down immediately, leaving me isolated. I felt ashamed, even though there was no reason to feel that way.

The loneliness of remote work and my sense of disconnection, reminding me of my childhood years, when I first moved to Italy and struggled to adapt to a new culture. The layoff brought back those feelings of being lost and misunderstood.

Navigating the German job market and filing for unemployment

Though it was a tough time, I’m grateful that it happened in Germany. The country’s social support system is exceptional. I eventually turned to the Agentur für Arbeit to file for Arbeitslosengeld (unemployment benefits), and while the process involved a lot of paperwork and back-and-forth, I felt supported. They provided clear guidance, and my previous company also did what they could to help us transition. But, at the time, I was too emotionally drained to fully take advantage of those resources.

Still, Arbeitslosengeld helped me cover my rent and necessities while I regrouped and planned my next steps. For anyone going through a similar situation, I highly recommend contacting the Agentur für Arbeit right away (it must happen within the first three working days following the layoff)—it’s a crucial step in moving forward.

Seeking distractions while unemployed

During the summer 2023, I sought distractions wherever I could. I enjoyed what Berlin had to offer: spending a few weekends at Berghain, attending the Fusion Festival, or just getting lost in the city’s vibrant culture. It was a much-needed escape from the daily grind of rejection emails and fruitless interviews.

I realised that, sometimes, it’s okay to take a break. Finding balance is key when you’re in such a high-stress situation. The emotional toll can be heavy, and allowing yourself moments of joy can help you stay resilient.

Rebuilding my job search strategy

After a few months, I had to face reality and reconstruct a proper structure for my job search. I overhauled my CV, updated my LinkedIn profile, and reached out to my network. It was a repetitive, exhausting process—applying for jobs, going through endless interviews, and then never hearing back from recruiters.

But I didn’t give up. I also took the opportunity to improve my German, enrolling in a courses, workshops and other professional activities. It helped me feel productive and gave me the confidence to apply for roles that required a higher level of language proficiency.

The lucky breakthrough

And then, when I least expected it, I received the call. A new job offer! It’s funny how that works. After months of feeling stuck and discouraged, everything turned around in a single phone call.

Looking back, I see that the job search is like planting seeds—you never know when or where they’ll sprout, but persistence pays off in the end. If you’re currently in this stage, know that your lucky break might be just around the corner, even though it might feel that way.

#6 Reconnecting with an old colleague after years: why professional relationships matter

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Reconnecting after years: more than just networking

Reconnecting with an old colleague can feel unexpectedly meaningful. What starts as a simple professional exchange can quickly turn into a reminder of shared history, trust, and growth.

Recently, I had a video call with Andrea, a former colleague from my time in Barcelona.

We used to work closely together and spend time outside the office — swimming twice a week, sharing breaks, and having long conversations after work. Over time, life pulled us in different directions. New countries, new environments, and new social circles gradually replaced what once felt permanent.

Why important work relationships fade over time

Some colleagues leave a lasting impression — not just because of their skills, but because of their character. Andrea is one of those people. Calm, non-judgmental, generous, and genuinely curious, he made collaboration feel effortless.

During our conversation, we realized we hadn’t spoken in eight years. That moment raised a simple question: how do meaningful professional relationships quietly disappear?

For me, frequent relocation has been part of life. I’ve restarted in different countries, languages, and cultures multiple times. Moving forces adaptation — but it also normalizes distance. Letting go becomes a survival skill.

Over time, this pattern can unintentionally weaken relationships that once felt foundational.

How to Maintain Professional Relationships Over Time

Reconnecting reminded me that strong work relationships don’t require constant contact — but they do require intention.

A few simple practices help:
– Reach out occasionally without a specific agenda
– Celebrate milestones or achievements
– Offer support before asking for it
– Schedule periodic check-ins

Professional relationships are not only career assets — they are part of our personal continuity.

This reconnection didn’t create a new resolution or a productivity goal. Instead, it offered clarity: relationships deserve the same attention we give to new opportunities.

Careers evolve. Cities change. Projects end. But the people we worked alongside shape who we become. Staying connected, even lightly, preserves a thread of continuity in an otherwise constantly shifting life.

#5 Reflecting on the journey and what’s next

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Signing a new employment contract

My job search is finally over. After a full year of unemployment following massive layoffs at my previous company, yesterday I signed a contract for a new role that I’m genuinely excited about. As with my other posts, I won’t disclose details about the company, but what I can share is that the process went smoothly from the first email to signing the contract. The product is fascinating, the team seems great, and I can’t wait to collaborate with them to deliver the best customer experience possible.

Thankfully, I don’t start immediately, which is a relief because looking for a job in this climate has been a full-time job in itself. After months of emotional highs and lows, interview after interview, I’m truly grateful to have a little time to decompress, reorganize myself, and recharge my energy before diving into this new chapter.

Getting ready for a new challenge

One thing that has surprised me, though, is how quickly my brain shifted into “preparation mode” now that such a vital part of my life is stable again. It’s incredible how we’re wired to find the next challenge, the next problem to solve. At least, that’s how I function—I’m sure not everyone’s like this.

I just can’t stop. I always push myself, and I think I always will because it’s what drives me. What’s different now, compared to years past, is the way I speak to myself. I’m more understanding, compassionate, and aware of my limitations. I know when to push and when to rest. This newfound clarity is essential for sustainable growth, and I plan to carry it with me into this new role.

As I mentioned, I’ve already gone into preparation mode. I’m thinking about how to structure my day around a new routine, what I need to learn, and what areas I need to refresh. My commute will take about two hours round-trip, and with an eight-hour workday plus a one-hour break, I’ll be away from home for eleven to twelve hours daily. Since I usually sleep about seven hours, I’ll have four to six precious hours left for myself each day.

In this new role, I’ll be using all the languages in my arsenal, which means I’ll need to refresh certain skills and develop new scripts since I’m returning to a customer-facing position. I’m thrilled, but it will require serious organization and a lot of learning to quickly close any gaps in my knowledge about the new topics and ways of working. Still, I’m excited and eager to pave a new path for myself. Let’s see where this journey will take me.

As I prepare for this new chapter, I’m reminded that growth is not about always being perfect but about finding balance. It’s about knowing when to push forward and when to recharge. I’m looking forward to this new challenge with a fresh perspective, excited to see how much I can learn and achieve. Here’s to new beginnings and the opportunities ahead!

#2 Saving energy while job searching

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The harsh reality of layoffs

In my early days as a professional, working summer gigs as a student, I didn’t have to look for a job—jobs came my way. First, I worked in the family business, then for a family friend, and later for a friend of a friend, and so on.
When I decided to move abroad, leaving Italy for Spain without a secure job, I was scared, but I knew everything would be okay. I was a fresh graduate with over ten years of working experience in hospitality and fluent in three languages—I had set myself up for a solid career start. In fact, everything went smoothly, and my experiences were amazing. I worked on great products, for companies with cultures and values that resonated with me, surrounded by colleagues far smarter than I was. As a result, I learned a ton in a very short time.
So, when I found myself caught in a layoff last year, I was confident I would find another job relatively quickly. I considered that this time might be a little trickier, given the global crises, but I never imagined that one year later—after nearly three hundred applications and several interviews—I would still be unemployed.

Common patterns during the job search process

Speaking with friends, former colleagues, and acquaintances who have gone through similar situations, we recognized a few common patterns during unemployment. First, it’s a process with clear phases. Second, you learn a lot. Third, after doing it wrong for a while, you start doing it right, getting more callbacks, interviews, and hopefully, at some point, landing a job.
However, there’s something I learned recently that would have helped me a lot in the early stages of this process—especially in preserving my mental health and stamina. That lesson is to calm down, temper my enthusiasm, and accept that setbacks are part of the journey.
Whenever I had a job interview lined up, I would overreact, get very excited about the company, dive headfirst into preparation, and visualize amazing outcomes for myself. I’m not saying this is wrong—it’s actually very good, especially when it’s a genuine reaction. My enthusiasm helped me navigate interviews effortlessly, without anxiety, and with tons of motivation and passion. But it also meant that rejections hurt more. Every rejection spiraled me into endless doubts about my skills, personality, qualifications, and experience.

Lessons in endurance while job hunting

Now, I’m trying to approach things more coolly, keeping it real, avoiding daydreaming about future scenarios, and not taking outcomes as rejections of who I am. Because the truth is, with every setback, we learn something. We get better, more comfortable with the uncertainties and challenges of being unemployed.
Job searching is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s important to approach the process with a balance of enthusiasm and realism, conserving our energy for the long haul. By accepting that setbacks are inevitable and focusing on what we can learn from each experience, we preserve our mental well-being and stay motivated for the opportunities ahead. After all, finding a job isn’t just about landing the right position; it’s also about becoming more resilient and prepared for whatever comes your way.

#1 My favorite AI prompt for writing a job-winning cover letter

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How I started using AI to write better cover letters

After being laid off, I found myself rewriting cover letters repeatedly — with little response. Like many job seekers, I started wondering: can AI actually help write a strong, tailored cover letter? This post explains the exact AI prompt I now use to draft customized cover letters that generate more callbacks.

I’ve been unemployed for almost a year following layoffs at my previous company. I missed working with a team, building products, and solving meaningful problems.

During that time, I finished my novel, improved my German, and completed online courses in AI prompting and digital marketing. Still, the job search process was mentally exhausting.

The most frustrating part? Writing cover letters.

Getting used to being unemployed

Like many others, being unemployed took a toll on my mental health. Yes, I finished my novel and reached out to an editor, who encouraged me to write another one. Yes, I improved my German from barely pronouncing complex words to having in-depth conversations with my German therapist, even though he doesn’t always understand what I’m saying. Yes, I completed a few online courses on AI prompting, digital marketing, despite the decreasing confidence I started to feel in my professional field. I’ve also considered pursuing another master’s degree, although I already have six years of academic education under my belt.

But what I really miss is working with a team of professionals to brainstorm and solve problems while creating amazing products. That was the stage of my life I was at, and I wanted to move forward, not backward. I kept reminding myself of what my friends, family, and therapist advised: focus on what you can control, get back on your feet, and use your skills to find a new job. They shared many other helpful tips, but this one was particularly effective in keeping me sane.

Why writing cover letters is so frustrating

Most applicants spend hours drafting personalized letters, often unsure whether recruiters even read them. Yet many companies still require them.

Common problems:
– Rewriting the same achievements repeatedly
– Trying to sound enthusiastic but not generic
– Aligning with ATS keywords
– Balancing personality and professionalism

That’s where AI can help — if used correctly.

How I use AI to draft tailored cover letters

At first, the AI outputs were generic and unusable. The problem wasn’t the tool — it was the prompt. Once I started providing structured inputs — the full job description, selected highlights from my CV, and a short note on why I liked the company — the quality improved significantly. More importantly, I began receiving more interview callbacks.

So, all this to say that I want to share the prompt I use for writing my cover letters. I tweak it slightly depending on the tone I assume the company uses in its communications. If this prompt doesn’t work for you and you have a great one that does, please share it in the comments. You’ll be saving not only my brainpower but potentially that of many others who might read this post.

The AI Prompt I Use to Write a Tailored Cover Letter

Below is the exact prompt I use. I adjust tone slightly depending on the company.

“Using the information provided below, draft a concise, engaging, and jargon-free cover letter tailored specifically to the job description.

The letter should:

  • Directly address the key requirements and responsibilities listed in the job description
  • Seamlessly integrate relevant achievements and experiences from my CV
  • Clearly articulate why I’m a strong fit for the role
  • Highlight what genuinely attracts me to the company (culture, mission, product, or positioning)
  • Maintain a confident, professional tone without sounding generic or overproduced
  • End with a closing that encourages the reader to learn more about my profile

Please bold the most important keywords and phrases, especially those aligned with the job description and ATS-relevant terms.

Avoid clichés, filler phrases, and excessive self-promotion. Prioritize clarity, relevance, and impact.”

Inputs:

  • Job Description: [paste job description]
  • My CV Highlights: [paste CV or selected highlights]
  • What I Like About the Company: [1–2 authentic sentences]

This whole post goes without saying that once the machine has churned out our nice text, we should also re-read it, add our personal touch, and then use Grammarly, or some other tool, to quickly proofread it—even though I have to admit I don’t always do this…

FAQ: Using AI to write cover letters

Is it okay to use AI for cover letters?

Yes — as long as you personalize and edit the output. Recruiters care about clarity and relevance.

Will recruiters detect AI-written cover letters?

They might if the text sounds generic. Strong prompts and manual editing are essential.

Does AI improve callback rates?

In my experience, structured AI-assisted drafting helped align my application more closely with job descriptions and increased responses.