Raise your hand if you know someone who’s been fired in the past year.
Raise your hand if that person was you. 🖐
Chances are, most people reading this could raise a hand. The truth is, in today’s shifting job market, redundancy and layoffs are affecting professionals at every level — and maybe that’s okay.
In All the Cool Girls Get Fired, former editors-in-chief Laura Brown (InStyle) and Kristina O’Neill (WSJ Magazine) explore what it means to be a woman who gets fired — featuring honest stories from Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Katie Couric, and more. Their message? Being fired doesn’t mark the end of your story. It might just be the beginning.
Here’s what to remember if you’ve just been fired, fear that you might be, or still feel the sting years later 👇
1️⃣ It’s not you, it’s them
Ninety-nine percent of the time, being fired isn’t personal. It can feel like the most devastating rejection — but more often than not, there are far bigger forces at play: economic shifts, restructuring, leadership changes… even the patriarchy. 🤪
Instead of channelling anger into resentment, redirect that energy into your next chapter.
Write a heartfelt cover letter (not an AI-generated one), listen to a podcast that motivates you, or reach out to someone inspiring on LinkedIn.
Progress beats bitterness every time.
2️⃣ Your job isn’t your identity
When we love our work, it’s easy to make it our whole personality. But tying your sense of self to an employer who can end your contract overnight is risky business.
As the saying goes, we contain multitudes.
You’re more than your job title. Reconnect with what lights you up outside of work — your hobbies, friends, pets, creativity — and you’ll not only feel stronger but also less defined by professional highs and lows. That’s how you “fire-proof” your self-worth.
3️⃣ Track your wins
Write them down. All of them.
Update your CV and LinkedIn profile regularly — not just when you’re job hunting.
Recording your achievements in small, consistent steps helps you stay ready for opportunities. It also strengthens your confidence and ensures recruiters can find you, even when you’re not actively looking. 👀
💡 Final thought:
Getting fired doesn’t define you — how you respond does.
The next chapter could be where you finally do your best, most authentic work.
Ready to turn your redundancy into your next big opportunity? Book a Career Clarity Power Hour with me — we’ll review your direction, rebuild your confidence, and map out your next step forward.
Book your session ➜ https://calendar.app.google/FiuoPo1TSZi2CTj99
