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.
Tucker Hampson
Although my actual layoff didn’t occur until just a month ago, blood was in the water for nearly a year. It became more and more clear as work dried up and others around me starting leaving, my company and the film industry was in bad shape, and things were not looking good. I quickly started to get worried, fatigued, and disinterested in what little work we had, fearing that I was headed for an inevitable termination. This became especially apparent when the AMPTP Writer’s and SAG-AFTRA Actor’s strikes took shape – the industry was about to come to a complete halt. Read More>>
Ciara Farmer
I’ll never not share my story. When I was 25 years old, I was fired from my corporate job. I had about $1,000 (could of been less) to my name and just did not not feel worthy of life. I felt that God had been tugging on me for a while to pursue a passion I’d had since a child (photography) but honestly, it made no sense to being that I had to invest money to begin. I could not shake the pull within so on faith, I purchased my first camera. About 5 months later, I began my business and now 6 years later, I have never ever been short of clients or business. I have had amazing opportunities through my gift and I have been honored to meet some of our generation’s best gifts. Read More>>
Debbie Miller
During my final year of college, I began an internship that unexpectedly led me to discover my passion for marketing and shaped my entire career path. This internship primarily involved managing the online presence of a destination marketing organization, just as social media was beginning to transform the business landscape. Read More>>
Breyana Wright
I’ve actually gotten laid off twice. Both lay offs happened the same way, around the same time frame, and I experienced the same wave of emotions. The first time that I got laid off I knew it was coming. I had been praying for a way out of my toxic work environment for months, but when an opportunity arose I would be scared to take the leap because I was getting paid well and had a pretty good schedule. At that time I was working in corporate and I wanted a visual merchandising job so I could return to the fashion industry and hone my skills. Read More>>
Asfa White
The first time I was a part of a layoff I had conflicting emotions. The first was a sigh of relief because it was during the Great Recession and everyday for almost a year people were being laid off and everyone was wondering who was next. The second feeling I had was confusion. I had not clue what will happen or what I should do. After working through these emotions, I took some time to think about what I could control and the various levers (various savings) I can pull financially to stay a float until I was able to find employment. After a grueling 9 months, I was able to find something to help sustain me and my family until I could get to previous income levels. Read More>>
