Job Layoffs & the Mental Health Warrior Creed: How SpongeBob & Friends Overcome Fear

It was a typical sunny day, and I was strolling through downtown, minding my own business when suddenly — splash! — I was drenched in saltwater. Now, this was unexpected, even for me.

Looking up, I saw none other than SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick, frantically waving from a giant puddle of ocean water that had absolutely no business being there.

“Bruce! Oh wow, it’s really you!” SpongeBob squealed, his big blue eyes lighting up. “Patrick, it’s Bruce Schutter! The Mental Health Warrior guy!”

He turned toward me, narrating my life like a talk-show host. “He struggled for 20 years with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD — challenges that left him feeling so powerless he tried to end his life. But with a second chance, he discovered something life-changing: mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge!”

“Armed with that knowledge,” Patrick chimed in, “he created the Mental Health Warrior Program — a bold new SELF-HELP approach that puts YOU in charge! So people can take charge of their emotions, triumph over challenges and build the life they really want!”

I nodded, slightly bewildered but already grinning. “Yep, that’s me. But… uh, why is there a puddle of ocean water in the middle of the sidewalk?”

“No time for that!” SpongeBob waved me off dramatically. “We’re in big trouble, Bruce. Layoffs.”

Patrick leaned in, whispering like it was classified information. “The Krusty Krab is downsizing... and we don’t know what to do.”

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A Warrior’s Approach to Uncertainty

SpongeBob is usually the embodiment of optimism — a true Mental Health Warrior with endless energy and relentless hope. But today? He looked shaken.

I placed a reassuring hand on his spongey shoulder. “SpongeBob, this is the perfect time for the Mental Health Warrior Creed: Bend NOT Break.”

“It’s a powerful starting point for handling uncertainty,” I explained. “You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond.”

“How do we use this?” SpongeBob asked. “Like, right now?”

I grinned. “Glad you asked. The Warrior Creed is a core part of my book, I Triumphed Over Bipolar, Alcoholism and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior. It helped me navigate my own battles — including the times when layoffs threatened my job.

Let me share three key moments when I used the ‘Bend Not Break’ mindset to push through uncertainty.”

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Action 1: Staying in Control Instead of Spiraling

“There was a time when I worked in Information Technology, and my company was bought out. Layoffs were on the horizon, and the atmosphere was thick with fear. Every coffee break turned into rumor control, every meeting felt like a countdown.

In the past, when I felt powerless, I’d turn to alcohol or other short-term escapes just to numb the anxiety. But when I became a Warrior, I made a decision: I wasn’t going to let fear break me.

Instead of spiraling, I focused on what I could control. I poured my energy into doing my best work so that I wouldn’t be seen as “extra.” But even more importantly, I used the uncertainty as fuel to sharpen my skills, learn new tools, and prepare for whatever came next.

That shift — from panic to preparation — didn’t just protect my job; it protected my peace.

Even before I knew the outcome, I already felt stronger. Because the moment you stop fighting the fear and start training through it, you take back control.”

SpongeBob’s Takeaway:

SpongeBob gasped, his eyes wide with realization. “So instead of panicking about losing my job, I should focus on being the best fry cook possible?”

“Exactly!” I said, smiling. “Keep showing up. Keep improving. And even if the worst happens, you’ll walk out stronger, more prepared, and more confident than before.

That’s what Warriors do — we don’t spiral; we sharpen.”

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Action 2: Preparing a Plan B Like a Warrior

“Great question, Patrick! There was another time I faced company-wide cost-cutting. Every day, rumors swirled about who might be called into HR next. The tension was constant — you could feel it in every meeting, every email.

In the past, that kind of uncertainty would have crushed me. I would’ve gone into full panic mode, replaying worst-case scenarios and trying to numb the stress. But this time, I leaned on the Mental Health Warrior Creed: Bend Not Break.

I told myself, ‘Okay, if layoffs come, I’ll be ready.’ So I started quietly building my Plan B — updating my resume, exploring opportunities, and reconnecting with professional contacts. I wasn’t reacting out of fear; I was preparing out of strength.

It wasn’t easy. Every step meant facing anxiety and self-doubt head-on. But because I had a plan, I took the pressure off myself. My mindset shifted from “what if” to “even if.”

Even if I lost my job, I’d still be okay — because Warriors are never without a next move!”

SpongeBob’s Takeaway:

SpongeBob’s eyes widened. “So… I should start learning new skills now and maybe even see if the Chum Bucket is hiring, just in case?”

I grinned. “Now you’re thinking like a Warrior, SpongeBob. Explore your options, but don’t let fear drive the bus — let preparation do that.”

Patrick gasped. “Wait, so I should actually fill out that lifeguard job application I picked up last week?”

“Yes, Patrick,” I said, nodding. “That’s a solid Plan B. And if it doesn’t work out, you can always float.”

Patrick blinked. “Literally?”

“Preferably not,” I said with a laugh. “But it’s good to know your options.”

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Action 3: Turning Layoffs Into an Opportunity

“At another job, my entire department was laid off when the company decided to outsource IT services. We saw it coming. The emails, the whispers, the ‘urgent’ all-hands meetings — it was only a matter of time.

But instead of breaking under the pressure, I leaned on the Mental Health Warrior Creed: Bend Not Break. I knew I couldn’t stop what was happening, but I could control how I responded to it.

So, I accepted it. I acknowledged that my job was ending, but I refused to see that as a failure. I told myself, ‘If this door is closing, it’s because something better is waiting on the other side.’

Before the layoffs even hit, I started applying for new jobs, updating my resume, and connecting with people in my field. The more action I took, the calmer I felt. And when the layoff finally happened, I was ready. I aced my interviews and landed a new role at a company that valued my experience — a place where I could truly grow.

If I had let fear or resentment take over, I might have missed that opportunity completely. Sometimes what feels like an ending is really your next beginning — you just have to stay flexible enough to find it.” 

SpongeBob’s Takeaway:

SpongeBob’s jaw dropped. “So… if I lose my job at the Krusty Krab, that might actually be a chance to find something even better?”

“Exactly,” I said. “When you ‘Bend Not Break,’ you stay open to what comes next — and that’s where the real growth happens.”

Patrick wiped a tear from his eye. “That was beautiful. Do they hire emotional support starfish anywhere?”

“Maybe at the Chum Bucket,” I said with a grin. “They could use the morale boost.”

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Wrap Up

SpongeBob jumped up, his energy returning. “Bruce, this is exactly what we needed! We’re not powerless. We can stay in control, prepare, and even turn this into an opportunity!”

I reached into my bag and pulled out a copy of my book, I Triumphed Over Bipolar, Alcoholism and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior. Handing it to SpongeBob, I said, “This book holds the full Warrior Creed — everything you need to face uncertainty with strength.’”

SpongeBob clutched the book like a sacred Krabby Patty recipe, then raised his spatula high. “I won’t let layoffs break me! I’ll stay in control of my emotions and Bend NOT Break!”

And just like that, layoffs were no longer something to fear — but a challenge to conquer.

Because no matter what life throws your way — job uncertainty, layoffs, or unexpected change—remember the Mental Health Warrior Creed: ‘Bend NOT Break.’

When you take control of your emotions, prepare for possibilities and embrace change as an opportunity, you don’t just survive — you triumph!

Bruce Schutter

Every day is a chance to choose strength — because YOU'RE IN CHARGE!