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.

Melanie Ernestina Burke

When I was laid off from United by Design in April 2025, I knew it was more than a financial decision. It was about power, gender, and unspoken hierarchies. As the only Black woman and the only woman on the core team, I experienced patterns of covert sexism, inconsistent leadership, and inequity that ultimately led to a strategic layoff framed as a financial necessity. It was emotionally taxing, but not unfamiliar, because many Black women in professional spaces are navigating similar dynamics right now. Read More>> 

Nancy Wood

I was laid off because of my hearing disability. The college where I was an art instructor said I was “”uncollegial”. Later I read an article about persons with disabilities and it said employees with hearing loss are often said to be “uncollegial” because they do not always respond in conversations. I overcame the layoff by working with colleges that had some early online art programs, using my computer with captions. Later of course, Zoom and other audio features were added to the online courses, but by that time I had cochlear implants implanted in both ears and I was able to hear much better than with traditional hearing aids.  Read More>> 

Cenk Sanal

At first, losing a job can feel like a huge setback — especially when you’re just starting out. But as you go through life, you start to learn how to handle these situations more constructively. In fact, I believe that experiencing a layoff early in your career can actually be a gift in disguise.

Right after graduating from university, I started working as a second assistant director on a TV program. On just my second day, I was fired — simply because I didn’t carry a pen with me. As difficult as it was in the moment, that experience taught me two very valuable lessons.  Read More>>