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.

James Siyuan He

Two years ago I had the job of my dreams and then I was fired.

I grew up in a tech-oriented family, my brother is a startup founder in Silicon Valley and now works in venture studio, both my parents were the most senior Oracle database architects and serviced the worlds largest telecom and utilities companies. Read More>>

Joseph Loza

It’s funny. I planned on being a barista for the foreseeable future. Life had different plans because not only was a fired twice but I was also rejected by (arguably) the biggest coffee chain in the U.S., multiple times. Rejection is not the best feeling, or at least that’s what it feels like when you’re fired. It’s kind of like that Toy Story meme of Andy saying, “I don’t want to play with you anymore”. Read More>>

Alina Ugas

When life handed me a professional curveball—being laid off—it felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. But looking back, it was one of the most clarifying and transformative moments of my life. I didn’t just overcome it—I redefined it. Read More>>

Elana Thimm

When I got laid off in November I was taken totally by surprise. I was upset but there was also a huge sense of relief within me. Which is because I had been thinking about leaving my job for awhile as I was feeling uninspired and bored. Read More>>

Shauntaine Hollingshed

At the time, I didn’t realize it, but going through a divorce became one of the most transformational chapters of my life. It was heartbreaking, confusing, and full of uncertainty — but it ended up being the very thing that grew me the most. What felt like the end was actually the beginning of a new version of me. Read More>>