April 16th, 2026

Podcast – Listen @ Apple · Spotify · YouTube

Reclaim your identity and find purpose through layoff grief

This episode of The After Work Hangout explores the darker side of work, while offering practical, hopeful guidance from a clinical and career counsellor.

Farah Kotadia has had various career setbacks, and each time, she’s developed a stronger sense of who she is. With a background in HR and the immigrant integration sector, she now brings her full self to Wellness Works Counselling, where she supports others with a mix of passion, compassion, and a deep commitment to social justice. Join us as we discuss strategies to navigate toxic workplaces, layoff grief, rejection fears, and imposter syndrome.

In this episode:

• How Farah’s experience in HR and supporting immigrants informs her equity-focused counselling practice (1:52)
• Why mental health matters in career conversations (6:32)
• When it comes to your purpose, which part of the puzzle do you want to work on? (11:31)
• Recently laid off? Tips from a certified grief counsellor (14:51)
• Remember to be kind to yourself (19:29)
• Find your way out of a toxic workplace by connecting with your core values (22:17)
• Overcome fear by separating your identity from your job title (26:38)
• More exciting things to ask than “What do you do?” (31:20)
• Dare to pursue your passions and be who you are (33:05)
• Celebrate your effort instead of focusing on the outcome (37:36)
• Everybody is replaceable, so take care of yourself (40:30)
• Advice for managing imposter syndrome (43:48)

Resources for making friends and building an identity outside of work:

• Meetup
• Bumble For Friends
• Facebook Groups – search for groups in your area and groups related to your interests
• Community Events – attend local gatherings, book clubs, and walking groups
• Pursue a hobby – join a class or share skills with others