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.

Paige Keslor

I was eight months pregnant when I was unexpectedly laid off. I had just completed a presentation for the company’s annual report and was asked to stay logged into the call when I got the news. I say unexpectedly because, I mean, who plans to be laid off, but also because I had no prior write ups or any indication that they were not happy with my performance. Read More>>

Jeremiah Slavit

Durning the later half of the pandemic many people were laid off, I was one of them. This helped build my passion of self sustainability and independence from the systems we normally rely on. My primary focus was to find a way to incorporate sustainable and nutrient rich foods into my life and bring them to my local community. This became the driving force behind the creation of San Antonio Microgreens. Read More>>

Michelle Urban

The first time I got laid off, I was wrecked. I was younger in my career, and I took it so personally. I really thought I had failed—that I wasn’t good enough. I replayed everything in my head, trying to figure out what I could have done differently. I also felt so embarrassed. I was obsessed with what my peers would think of me. Read More>>

Heather Podlesney

Overcoming being boxed in by corporate roles can be challenging but also incredibly liberating. When I got let go last July, I realized it was a chance to break free from those constraints. I started by embracing my passion for helping salons and stylists thrive with creative marketing strategies. It wasn’t easy at first, but each setback taught me resilience and determination. Read More>>

L. P. Simone

Well, my principal started with, “We don’t need you anymore.” That was how I learned I would no longer have a job I loved. And it happened twice. As you can imagine, my life crashed to the ground. I had been teaching at an independent school for a few years and, despite the fact that I knew my position was temporary, the words hit me like a punch in the gut. Read More>>

April Smith

One layoff—how about two? Both were heartbreaking.

The first time, I felt lost. I didn’t know my next steps, and it hurt my ego because I truly loved that job. It felt like the perfect fit, and losing it was devastating. But I had to push through. I focused on networking, refining my skills, and getting intentional about what I wanted. Within 90 days, I landed another job. Read More>>