The Wellness of Being Unemployed
- Torri Ylan
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 9
In the year 2025, there's never been a more timely moment—at least in my experience—to share this perspective with the masses. Unemployment is an extraordinarily relevant topic today. Not just due to the sheer number of people being unexpectedly (or expectedly) thrust into the job market, but also because of the transformative nature of business and our society as a whole. It’s a topic that has caused many to confront the urgency of defining what unemployment—and life—means for them.
Undoubtedly, unemployment is often perceived as a daunting challenge, filled with stress and uncertainty. In a society that ties self-worth to job titles, facing unemployment may feel overwhelming. Yet, based on personal experience (and yes, I've done the research), this phase can also unlock a transformative opportunity for your personal wellness. By stepping back from the daily grind, you may discover a chance for introspection, growth, and yes—dare I say—freedom.
Now, please caveat all that I may say with the fact that I am only truly responsible in this world for myself. Outside of my charitable pursuits and goals, I don’t have to feed or clothe a household. However, in line with my personal beliefs: you can’t take care of anyone else unless you learn to take care of yourself first.
My Unemployment Timeline
My first experience with being unemployed (not by choice and after entering the post-undergrad job market) came in 2007. Albeit somewhat unexpected, I can’t say it was super transformative—largely due to the confidence that comes with naivety. I expected that I would get another job quickly. And after a few short months of "downtime," I did.
The next time didn’t quite yield the same result. Not because of naivety—no—but because I had gone through it once already just a couple of years prior, and many of my peers were experiencing the same. By this time, a much more realistic version of the job market had settled in my mind. What was also different this time around was that I decided to take a different approach and not jump right back into searching for another corporate role. This is where the real transformation—and what I consider the true understanding of wellness in unemployment—first occurred.
In 2009, I designed the logo for Symmahtry Conceptions, which sparked a journey into creating logos for other businesses, events, and eventually for my own brands and ventures.
What True Wellness in Unemployment Has Been for Me (and Could Be for You Too)
According to a study by the American Psychological Association, individuals who prioritize personal well-being experience 30% more satisfaction in life. Taking time to focus on these core areas can create a sense of security that might have been overlooked while caught in the corporate hustle.
Being unemployed can significantly help you reconnect with your authentic self. Without a job title to define your identity, you can explore who you are beyond your professional responsibilities—and create new communities and practices that catapult you into higher peaks of wellness.
#1 - The Wellness Boost of Community: Told Through the Birth of Symmahtry Conceptions
Most recently, I've experienced what some may call a full-circle moment in life. After my second corporate layoff, I took my first stab at connecting passion and purpose with business. As someone who would characterize themselves as a creative, in 2009 I dove into the world of art and commerce by launching Symmahtry Conceptions—a company and brand providing original artwork solutions for private, corporate, and retail collectors.
This was one of the most exhilarating times of my life. The people I connected with, the experience of building on business knowledge in new independent terrain, and the collaboration of ideas with others was beyond energizing. It was, at times, euphoric. The endorphin boost from adventure and new community combated any anxiety that could have crept in from the notion of not having promised income every two weeks.
Herein lies the full-circle moment: some of the amazing creators I met and worked with during that time have recently come back into the picture. There’s something about community that is created in this type of emergence—it doesn’t leave you.
On the left, in 2010 my headshot taken by then budding photographer Alphonso Whitfield who was brought on to support marketing for Symmahtry Conceptions. In the middle, Alphonso Whitfield in 2025, professional photographer and TV Producer for WABE. On the right, my 2025 headshot taken by Alphonso.
#2 - The Physical Wellness Boost of Listening to the Body
There will likely be many differing opinions about what I’m going to share next. That’s what makes this being my opinion such a great thing. Here it is: Changing your sleep/wake/activity schedule during a period of unemployment is highly recommended.
As someone who subscribed to the 5:00 a.m. daily alarm and 5:30 a.m. workouts for many years, I can provide a balanced perspective. Maintaining this type of schedule—without significant breaks—is not sustainable. Often, people use artificial stimulation (like caffeine) to push through the fatigue.
Prior to the aforementioned period of unemployment, taking breaks to walk around the building during a full day of desk work would’ve been unheard of. The guilt of getting up past 6:30 a.m. would have eaten me alive, and the notion of investing time in my hobbies in any meaningful way had no room in my reality.
Now, some may say that keeping your “employed” routine and not breaking stride is the best course of action. I say: listen to your body. Rest until your body tells you it no longer needs it. Move your body when it says it's time to move. Give your spirit what it needs, when it needs it. These are the gifts this time has to give—receive them with open arms.
#3 - The Wellness in Resetting the Brain
As a high-performing professional, most of your learning tends to happen through on-the-job experiences. It’s also likely that unemployment follows high-stress roles or assignments. Chronic stress can impair memory, focus, and emotional regulation. So are you really growing during this time? That depends on how you define growth.
Without structured work routines, I find my brain enters a “default mode.” It may take some time, but once it happens, creativity and idea generation flow like never before. This is fertile soil for planting new ideas, starting personal projects, or embarking on a career shift.
Continuing to “push through” at work doesn’t lend itself to sustainable growth—and definitely not to increased well-being. While you may climb the corporate ladder, you might also lose your ability to generate fresh ideas or become siloed in your thinking due to drained cognitive resources.
Without the pressure of deadlines, you can learn at your own pace and actually retain the information long-term. It’s upskilling with intention instead of chasing job-specific benchmarks.
Turning Adversity into Opportunity
While unemployment can feel like a setback, it has the potential to rejuvenate your personal wellness journey. This time can lead to self-discovery, as well as a deeper understanding of your body and mind.
By embracing the chance to grow, you can emerge from this experience with renewed strength, fresh ideas, and clarity about what truly matters. Rather than viewing unemployment solely as a challenge, consider it an opportunity to explore, learn, and ultimately thrive.
Embrace this chapter as part of your journey toward ultimate wellness.
About the Author
Torri Ylan Smith is a dynamic leader in business, technology, and lifestyle. Throughout her career, she has led exceptional design teams in Engineering and Technology, driving innovation across multiple industries. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering and an MBA from top-tier universities.
At this stage in her journey, Torri is dedicated to mentoring and sharing her expertise with emerging business and technology professionals. In her free time, she enjoys traveling the world, taking reflective solo walks, exotic beaches and water activities, nurturing her many plants, experimenting with new recipes, and cherishing moments with her chosen family and friends.
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