This Summer was a big one for me, in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and right at the end of NYC’s shutdown I turned 30.  Leaving my 20s was not something I was ever looking forward to but I never imagined leaving it the way I did.

I was one of the millions furloughed and on unemployment… well I applied but did not get approved for unemployment / could not reach a human being until the morning of my birthday.  So imagine, no job, 3 months with no paycheck or unemployment, no way to see friends while the city was locked down and turning 30.  I had also just gotten rid of my studio apt which I absolutely loved to stay full time with my boyfriend, who graciously took me in and helped me with costs until my unemployment kicked in and even after.  I honestly felt like a loser, jobless, worried about money and old af.  My boyfriend is 2 years younger than me so his upcoming 28th birthday didn’t help me either.  

I honestly felt horrible and unexcited but found a way to have the most amazing day - social distanced, masked up, and out in the sun with some amazing to-go cocktails supporting some freshly opened local businesses.  

After that day waking up as a 30 year old, my friends, family and boyfriend really helped me to see the bright side.  Yes I was furloughed (and officially unemployed 2 days after my bday), but I had an amazing support system who would never let me go hungry, a home to live in with my favorite person, and the opportunity to start something for myself (tanking job market and pandemic = lots of free time!). 

So how was turning 30 for me? Wouldn’t trade it for the world as the circumstances it happened made me a different person and allowed me to really cherish what I have.