When Life Falls Apart: How AI and Remote Work Became My Second Chance

A personal journey of loss, resilience, and rediscovery — how quitting my career, facing failure, and embracing AI tools and remote work transformed my life in 2025.

8/11/20255 min read

Losing the Life I Knew

Hi, I’m Endah — a designer, a creator, and someone who had to completely fall apart before I could begin to rebuild.

Not too long ago, I was working as a UI/UX Designer. It was a role I had worked hard for and one that I thought defined me. But behind the polished designs and endless project deadlines, the workplace had turned toxic. Each day felt like my creativity and spirit were slowly being drained away.

Eventually, the tension became unbearable. I didn’t want to quit — I felt I had no choice. Walking away brought instant relief, but what followed was something I wasn’t prepared for: silence.

And not the peaceful kind.

It was a silence filled with uncertainty, fear, and self-doubt. Without my job, I lost not just my income but also my sense of identity. I woke up each day with no routine, no direction, and no idea who I was anymore.

The Desperate Search for Stability

When you’re desperate, you’ll try anything.

I became a reseller, selling products online, telling myself it could be the start of a small business. I worked hard, but the reality didn’t match the dream — the venture failed.

Then I turned to investing. I studied stocks, I jumped into cryptocurrency, and I poured what little savings I had into “promising” opportunities. I told myself this was my ticket to a breakthrough. Instead, I faced a crushing loss, watching my savings disappear almost overnight.

Still determined to get back on my feet, I went back to what I knew best — design. I landed a local freelance project and gave it everything I had, from research to the final handoff. But when the work was done, the client vanished. I wasn’t paid a single cent.

That one hurt. Not just financially, but emotionally. I had invested my time, skills, and hope into something that left me with nothing but disappointment.

The Invisible Wall of Fear

At that point, I thought maybe content creation could be my way forward. I had ideas. I had stories I wanted to share. But every time I hovered over the upload button, fear stopped me.

Fear of being judged. Fear of not being good enough. Fear that my work wouldn’t matter.

Each hesitation chipped away at my confidence. I began to wonder if maybe I was done — if maybe I had used up all my chances.

Rock Bottom Doesn’t Always Look Like You Expect

For me, rock bottom wasn’t one big, dramatic moment. It was a slow, quiet sinking. A steady loss of direction. Days blurred together, and my motivation felt like it had been packed away in a box I couldn’t reach.

And yet, in that stillness, something unexpected happened — I stumbled into the world of AI tools and remote work.

From Skepticism to Curiosity

When I first heard about AI tools for work, I was skeptical. Could software really help someone like me? I didn’t have the energy for hype or false promises.

But I was also out of options. So I decided to get curious.

I started with free tools. I watched tutorials late into the night. I experimented. I rebuilt my portfolio, pixel by pixel. Slowly, I began using AI not as an escape from reality, but as a tool to shape a new one.

AI as a Bridge Back to Myself

Something unexpected happened: the more I explored, the more I started to feel like myself again.

AI helped me organize my scattered thoughts. It made the blank page less intimidating. It allowed me to focus on creativity instead of getting stuck in the technical details.

I started landing small gigs. I rebuilt my confidence, one project at a time. And with each new skill I learned, I felt a little more capable.

AI didn’t solve everything overnight, but it gave me the tools — and the momentum — to start again.

Lessons From the Darkness

Looking back, I’ve realized that my struggles weren’t just about money or work. They were about identity. When I lost my career, I thought I had lost my worth.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

You are not your job title.
Failure isn’t the end — it’s a step toward something new.
Curiosity can be a lifeline.
Tools are only as powerful as the courage you bring to use them.

Why I Share This Story

If you’re in that quiet, dark place, I want you to know this: you are not alone. Your story isn’t over. Your pain is part of your becoming.

When I was at my lowest, I felt like no one could possibly understand. But I’ve learned that the very things we try to hide — the failures, the fears, the doubts — are often the things that connect us most deeply.

The Path Forward

Today, I’m using the skills I’ve rebuilt to work remotely, create content, and explore new possibilities. I still face challenges, but I no longer feel stuck.

My journey has taught me that healing takes time, space, and honesty. It’s not about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about taking small, steady steps toward a life that feels right.

And yes, technology played a part — but the real change came when I allowed myself to believe that I still had something to offer.

If You’re Starting Over

Here’s what I’d say to anyone standing where I once stood:

Start small. You don’t need to have it all figured out.
Learn as you go. Skills are built, not gifted.
Use the tools you have. Even free resources can open doors.
Stay curious. Curiosity is a powerful antidote to despair.
Don’t be afraid to share your story. You never know who it might help.

Closing Thoughts

Everyone is worthy of finding their path out of darkness. If you’ve already found your light, share it — because someone out there is searching for it. And if you’re still in the dark, trust that the light exists, even if you can’t see it yet.

Your story is still being written. And you are more than your current chapter.

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