Emily Pitcher was laid off by Meta in 2023 despite her high performance and accolades.Struggling to find a new job, she turned to developing a game as a passion project.After multiple job rejections and layoffs in the tech industry, Emily found solace in her indie game project.Despite being recognized in Forbes 30 under 30 for her game development work, Emily encountered difficulties in securing traditional employment.Feeling the pressure of failure, Emily started a new game project, Lily's World XD, which gained traction on social media.Emily now supports herself through content creation centered around her game development journey.Transitioning to being her own boss has presented challenges, including managing anxiety and self-pressure.Despite the uncertainties, Emily is determined to pursue her dreams and seek support from fellow creators.Her story serves as an example of resilience and determination in the face of setbacks and career transitions.To share similar stories, individuals laid off from their dream jobs can contact the editor at mlogan@businessinsider.com.