One of the most beautiful characteristics about America is the ability we have to fall, dust ourselves off and try again. Layoffs or firings may seem unsurmountable at first, but we’ve seen over and over again how getting laid off can often be the first step towards a significantly more fulfilling future. We’ve shared some incredible stories below.
Lauren Burchett
It’s funny when you get laid off – everyone tells you it’s a blessing in disguise and in the immediacy of it happening, that feeling seems so foreign. You’re mad, sad, confused, stressed, exhausted, uncertain, relieved, in some ways happy and it feels like the vacation you’ve always wanted to take but never could. I didn’t feel the “ego-hit” that everyone talks about like “how could they do that to ME?” But rather, I turned inward and asked “who am I without a job?” Read more>>
Shiyuan Zhang
It’s not really an easy topic to talk about. I was 23 years old when I was forced to “take a gap year.” I was in a stage when I was terribly willing to compare myself to others. At that time, I would feel very inferior because I felt behind compared to my peers. But I’ve learned that it’s better to find my own rhythm and renewed confidence in myself. Read more>>
Kaelyn Marie Fuglaar
Truthfully, overcoming being laid off was a longer process than I thought and came in waves, not all at once. Before I was laid off, I knew my time was coming to an end. I was already dreaming and scheming of what I would do next. But, I thought I would be the one who quit, not the other way around. On the phone call, I was shocked, shaking, and hurt. It led to me thinking I wasn’t enough. Read more>>
