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.

Chloe Cucinotta

What I appreciate about this question is that I’m still learning how to answer it. I was laid off in November, the first time in my 10-year career. I understood the business reasons, but that didn’t stop some waves of shame. Importantly, it was an event that has prompted questions about my purpose and where I want to put my focus.

The layoff created space that was unfamiliar, but full of potential. I began a new chapter of practicing what it means to live authentically each day. I’m trying to develop qualities that I admire in others, like vulnerability, bravery, and presence. Read More>>

Alison Meyer

Out of college I got an intership at a casino in the marketing department which turned into a job. I was young and loved the hustle and bustle of the day to day and didn’t mind the late hours and weekends. As I got into my mid 20’s, I was burned out by my schedule and just started to feel like I wanted a change of pace. I found a job that I had no idea what the title meant, Supplier Diversity Manager, but I knew I cared about creating and supporting diverse spaces and people, so I applied. Low and behold, I got hired and started working at a Native American owned company and my job was to propel MBE’s (minority business enterprises) forward in business Read More>>

Collin

Getting laid off is an experience that shakes you to your core. Even when you know it has nothing to do with your performance, it still stings. It’s a hit to your ego, your confidence, and your sense of security. The first reaction is often shock, followed by a wave of emotions—anger, self-doubt, fear. I felt all of it.

In the days and weeks that followed, I learned that healing wasn’t just about updating my resume or jumping into the job search. I needed time to process. Journaling became a daily ritual—some days, I vented; other days, I reflected on what I truly wanted in my next chapter. Read More>>

Marisa Torres

Five years after landing my dream job as a concept artist at Nickelodeon Animation, I was unexpectedly laid off. I was very lucky that almost immediately after graduating university, I was accepted into Nick’s trainee program and stayed there for the majority of the next half decade. This made the layoff feel like quite the blow. Over the last two years, the animation industry as a whole has been hit quite hard with mass layoffs and cancelled projects, which added to a lot of my anxiety about my sudden loss of work.  Read More>>