Losing your job can feel like the end of the world, but what if it’s actually the beginning of something better? Kristina O’Neill and Laura Brown know this all too well. Both editors, they were let go after company restructures and initially felt devastated. 'I gave everything to that role,' Laura recalls. 'I believed in the values we championed, but when it came to me, those values vanished.' Yet, instead of hiding behind euphemisms, they chose to own their experience—using the word 'fired' boldly and openly. 'The sooner you acknowledge it, the sooner you can move forward,' Laura explains. Now, they’re thriving: Laura runs her own media company, and Kristina is editor-in-chief of Sotheby’s magazine. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is being fired a failure, or a catalyst for growth? Let’s explore how to turn this setback into a stepping stone for a career that truly works for you.
1. Reflect, Don’t Rush
The new year often prompts reflection, especially about our careers. Sarah Ellis, co-founder of Squiggly Careers, advises against jumping into a job search without pausing to assess the past year. 'Ask yourself what energizes you and what drains you,' she suggests. Reflecting on successes and identifying patterns can guide your next steps. Laura adds, 'Decide where work fits in your life. Don’t let it define you entirely.' And this is the part most people miss: Work-life balance isn’t just about time—it’s about impact. Are you sacrificing relationships or personal well-being for a job that might not even last?
2. Start Small, Dream Big
Career changes don’t require an all-or-nothing approach. Sarah Ellis took seven years to transition from corporate life to running her own company, working on her passion project alongside her full-time job. 'It took longer, but it was sustainable,' she says. Her advice? Test the waters first. Volunteer, take on a side project, or explore something new within your current role. 'Worst-case scenario, you discover it’s not for you—better to know now than after making a leap,' she adds. Bridging roles, though not perfect, can also be a smart strategy. They may not be your dream job, but they’re a step in the right direction.
3. Hold Onto Your Worth
Redundancies are at their highest since 2021, but losing your job doesn’t define your value. Laura, who was laid off when her magazine shut down its print version, emphasizes, 'Your skills and experience don’t disappear just because a job ends.' Kristina, fired after a decade at a financial magazine, adds, 'So much of the shame is in your head. In the U.S., with mass layoffs, it’s rarely personal.' Bold question: Do we let societal stigma around job loss overshadow our self-worth? Remember, your value isn’t tied to a single role.
4. Create a Career Compass
When job hunting, it’s easy to prioritize urgency over happiness. Sarah warns against this, suggesting a 'scanning' exercise instead. Browse platforms like LinkedIn, collect 10-15 job descriptions that intrigue you, and identify recurring themes. 'These clues reveal what truly matters to you,' she says. Use this to create a career checklist, ensuring you apply only to roles aligned with your values and goals. Laura adds, 'Think about what’s made you happy or unhappy in the past. Sometimes, it’s the forgotten passions that reignite your career.'
Final Thought: Losing a job can be painful, but it’s also an opportunity to redefine success on your terms. Kristina and Laura didn’t just bounce back—they rebuilt better. Controversial take: What if being fired is the universe’s way of pushing you toward a career you actually love? Share your thoughts below—do you see job loss as a setback or a setup for something greater?
