Losing your job is painful and unfortunately the current economic conditions have led to many layoffs and firings in companies large and small. However, we’ve learned though thousands of interviews over the years that job loss is one of the most common catalysts for massive life improvement. Below, we’ve shared stories and perspectives from some very successful members of the community around how they dealt with job loss.
Senasha Price
I saw this question and was immediately drawn to it. It’s a huge part of my story and the gateway that led me to where I am today. I was laid off and became an entrepreneur. Since I was 14 years old, I have worked a job to survive. I never had to chance to work a job I enjoyed. Once I was in the job, I learned how to perform the role, and I performed well. I worked well into my 20’s then had my 3 daughters. I felt a love like no other, but I still wasn’t complete. I was grateful to be able to pay my bills. Read more>>
Danica Nelson
Earlier this year, I was part of a layoff of ~2000 people at the company. It was once my dream job & company, and I spent several years networking and making connections just so I could get an interview there. Right before the layoff, I had to accept that I was severely burnt out from that job. As a recovering perfectionist and a child of immigrants who is often expected to support my family financially. the pressures of always going above and beyond eventually got to me and my body was tired. Read more>>
Joanna Zlatanov
When I got fired from my job at Tesla after 4 years, I went through all of the stages of grief. Initially, I was actually excited and happy to be fired because I had been planning to quit on my own terms anyway. I thought “at least they ripped the golden handcuffs off for me!” Once the loss of my job settled in, I started thinking about everything else I would lose too. Read more>>
Janelle Davison
Once, I never imagined a doctor could be laid off. Naively, that changed when it happened to me. But let me tell you, what seemed like a setback turned out to be the best thing that ever happened. Fresh out of Pennsylvania College of Optometry in May 2006, I got married and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. With life spinning at full speed, I decided to take a six-month break as a stay-at-home wife. It was in December when I landed a job at America’s Best Glasses & Contacts, one of the national chains. Read more>>
Andrea Grant, CDSP
Facing a layoff or getting the boot might not sound like the usual HR narrative, but truth be told, I’ve lived through both, and it’s a story worth sharing. Back in 2008, I was knee-deep in HR at a major financial institution when fate rang my number. The call wasn’t subtle—it happened in one of those transparent glass offices that people only used for serious business or bad news. I was given a year to seek a new role as my boss and our 200+ team underwent restructuring. Seemed like ample time until the bomb dropped—60 days. Panic mode: activated. Read more>>
