From Setback to Success: Overcoming a Layoff or Firing

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.

Jay Parikh

Many people find losing their job really stressful. They have to work really hard to keep their job, sometimes at the cost of their mental well-being and who they are. This is because they’re scared of losing their stable income. In my life, I’ve had a lot of different jobs. I’ve learned to see getting fired as a good thing because it ends a boring and repetitive phase in life. Read more>>

Cachia Lewis

I was recently fired from my job as a Social Media Manager at a major multi-billion dollar company. This was based on an illness that I had that was out of my control. After, using all of my sick time while in the process of my FMLA paperwork being completed I was fired unexpectedly. Read more>>

Cathy Burchett

When I was in my late 30’s, I was at the top of my game in technology, running the computer R&D department of a Fortune 500 company. I had a six-figure slush fund to spend on whatever new technology I thought might be useful, and was frequently wined and dined by all the major tech corporations – IBM, Microsoft, Apple. I had even been chosen to represent my industry in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Bar Code Committee, deciding for the world which 3-dimensional bar code would be used for shipping. Read more>>

Stephanie Fritts

I started my business! Thankfully the executive I supported was extremely transparent about the pending layoffs. However, I didn’t start my business right away; I immediately started interviewing for a ton of executive assistant roles. But because I had been working remotely for almost four years and didn’t want to go back to commuting and working in an office, I Googled “remote executive assistant” late one night and a company called Admin Boutique appeared. Read more>>

Shelton Ridge Love

Recently, I was suddenly and unexpectedly let go from a job. I really enjoyed the job; in fact, many aspects of it felt like it was a dream job. At first, I was devastated by the loss, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that it was going to be a major turning point in my life. During the time since, I have been able to focus more on my personal goals and brand. Read more>>

Malik Taylor

So a lot of people don’t know this but I was fired from my job back in February. I was devastated for one main reason.I thought I was doing everything right. I thought I was doing my job to the best of my ability and how could I not? I got the most praise and was rewarded so how could this be happening. Read more>>

Kendall Ware

My entire career has been devoted to the field of education. I have experience teaching at various levels, including middle school, high school, and both undergraduate and graduate college levels. Additionally, I have served as the director of multiple student success programs. Read more>>