@laurenmessner

i used to think that whole “if you want a new life, don’t be surprised when your old one falls apart” line was bullshit. but a year ago, my old life did fall apart. i had just left the VC world, the career i thought was my dream. for years i told myself i loved it, but really, i just loved my team and the founders i got to work with. i was too scared to admit that most of the job made me miserable. when i finally left, i had no idea who i was without it. i was lost, burnt out, and directionless. then everything seemed to hit at once. my grandpa (who was my biggest role model) passed away. a month later, my other grandpa did too. my friendships felt off. some i’d outgrown, others just drifted with distance. and the relationship i thought would last forever was breaking down no matter how hard i tried to fix it. after almost six years, it ended. i moved back in with my parents. i was at rock bottom. and that’s when everything slowly started to change. i decided to move to NYC where my sisters live, a few close friends too, and my family is just a short flight away. i’m still exploring what’s next in tech, but for now i’m learning what it feels like when work is just one part of my life, not my entire identity. now i live in a space that feels like MY home. and i’m dating someone who feels straight out of my vision board. the last year was dark. it felt like god was punishing me. but i’m so grateful everything came crashing down. i love the life i rebuilt from the wreckage. if you’re in the middle of your own collapse, it really does get better. and always remember... ✨never kill yourself✨

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