i am a buffalo

After every storm, there’s a rainbow.

I’m happy to report that brighter days are finally here—both figuratively and literally. San Francisco has been graced with sunshine and clear skies all week, and I’ve started to feel that same lightness internally after weathering what felt like a personal storm these past few months (if you’ve been following along, you know).

But before I get into all of that, I want to share a little story.

When I was in Utah with my mom, we had a bit of a health scare after her diagnosis and found ourselves in the ER (a great post-layoff trip—truly 10/10 vibes). Thankfully, it turned out to be a side effect of her medication and everything was resolved. As we sat quietly in the hospital room, she was given morphine to manage the pain. Then out of nowhere, she turned to me and said, “You know what animal you are?”

Surprised by the random question, I laughed and said, “No, what?”

She looked at me, totally serious, and said, “You’re a buffalo.”

A bit confused (and slightly offended), I asked, “A buffalo? Why?”

And she said, “Because when a storm hits, most animals run away. But the buffalo? The buffalo runs straight into the storm—to get to the other side.”

That moment stuck with me. It felt symbolic. It made me realize: I have been the buffalo. I didn’t run. I faced the storm head-on. And now, I’m finally starting to make it through to the other side.

1. The job hunt

Shockingly? It’s been going really well. I’ve landed several interviews, with most progressing to final rounds this and next week. Recruiters have been consistently reaching out with opportunities—many of them offering more money than I was even aiming for. Beyond the numbers, this process has been a huge confidence boost. For so long, I let my previous company (and especially my boss) gaslight me into believing I wasn’t good enough, smart enough, or productive enough… the list goes on.

But here I am, hearing from recruiters and hiring managers that I’m a top candidate with impressive experience—and that I won’t be on the market long. While I know external validation doesn’t define my worth, it’s been affirming to finally hear what I’ve always suspected: I am the asset.

2. Being unemployed

Okay, hot take: unemployment is actually lit. Creating my own schedule and reclaiming my time has been incredible. Thanks to my severance package and savings, I haven’t felt much financial stress—and with how well the job search is going, I’ve been able to enjoy this little life intermission.

It’s the break I didn’t realize I so badly needed. After years of grinding and living in a state of chronic burnout, I’ve finally had the space to reprioritize myself. I’ve started seeing a new therapist, filed my taxes (a win), and have been catching up on long-overdue self-care—physically, emotionally, spiritually. This chapter has been deeply healing.

3. My last job was actually toxic af

Aside from the stress of my mom’s diagnosis, I’ve felt more at peace than I have in a long time. I’m sleeping better. The tightness in my chest is gone. I feel lighter. I feel grounded.

It’s wild to say this, but despite being laid off—and despite the flood of coworkers reaching out like, “what happened?” (which I’ve mostly ignored, respectfully)—I’m genuinely happy. That job was draining the life out of me, and I’d been deeply unhappy for a long time. But I didn’t feel like I could leave without something else lined up.

So in a strange way, being laid off was the best-case scenario. Severance and unemployment have given me a solid three-month runway to be intentional, thoughtful, and selective about what I do next.

Back in January, after a major conflict with my boss, I vented to my partner about how much I hated my job and needed a career pivot. We made a plan: April 1st would be my deadline to land something new.

Cut to March: I got laid off. Then, just the other day while scheduling interviews, I noticed that April 1st reminder still sitting on my calendar.

Guess we really do manifest things, huh?

And that’s what this season has been all about—facing the hard things and not shying away. Knowing I need to charge forward, even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially when it’s uncomfortable. Like the buffalo, I’m learning to run into the storm—because that’s the only way through.

Here’s to new beginnings, aligned opportunities, and continuing to choose growth—even when the path feels uncertain.

Hopefully, the next time I update y’all, I’ll be holding a shiny new offer letter and stepping into a chapter that finally feels like peace.

Stay tuned.

xx,

yollamasita