God Stripped Me of Everything: My 12-Month Battle with Unemployment

Last year, everything changed. Sophia Okeke thought she had it all figured out, the tech transition, the project management certifications, and the facade of a perfect life. Then, God stripped it all away.In this episode of Sabi Cruise, we’re getting messy. We discuss the reality of being a LinkedIn babe with thousands of followers but zero income, the crushing weight of the Canadian job market, and the pruning season that forced a total identity shift. Sophia shares the exact email strategy she used to pitch a CEO directly and why she believes standard job applications are officially dead in 2026.If you feel like you’re doing everything right but every door is slamming shut, this conversation is your sign to keep the faith and pivot your strategy.What we cover:The emotional toll of long-term unemployment.Moving to Canada: Expectation vs. Reality.Networking secrets: How to lead with value, not desperation.Navigating "friendship breakups" during hard seasons.Why entrepreneurship is a spiritual journey.🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES‣ Find Host’s IG → https://www.instagram.com/whiz_queen‣ Find Guest’s IG → https://www.instagram.com/thesophiaokeke‣ Explore Sabi Enjoy → https://sabienjoy.com🎧 Listen on Your Favourite Platform → https://pod.link/1829335834Want to get featured? Share your story, dilemma, or hot take → https://forms.gle/1nbJfzo6r1b5wWL68Podcast Starter Kit → https://a.co/d/01i8GKY6Timestamps0:00 – "God really tested me": The stripping season1:21 – Meet Sophia: Media Host & Creative Strategist3:19 – Why I started interviewing people at events (The Escape)7:12 – The "Tech Girly" facade and the reality of unemployment9:25 – "You have followers but no job?": The LinkedIn pressure11:44 – The Pitch: How I emailed the MD and got hired13:11 – Why job applications don't work in 202618:11 – Identifying your "Pruning Season"24:40 – How to have 5 "Coffee Chats" a day31:47 – Failing at business: The Crochet era41:43 – Friendship breakups: When you disappear to survive48:49 – Listener Dilemma: Should I stay at a toxic job for $10k?1:00:30 – Final Words: Reconnecting with God for direction