Overcoming Job Termination: Lessons from Two Former Magazine Editors
Laura Brown and Kristina O’Neill onc held influential editorial positions-Brown as editor-in-chief at Instyle and O’Neill as the head of WSJ. magazine. Both faced sudden dismissals that dramatically altered their career paths.
They reject euphemisms like “restructured” or “laid off,” choosing instead to call it what it is: being fired.
“Being fired hits you like a ton of bricks,” Brown reflects on her 2022 Zoom termination from Instyle. “It feels like an overwhelming weight, followed by waves of shame and confusing self-talk when you’re already feeling vulnerable.”
O’Neill shares a similar outlook after her 2023 exit from WSJ.,emphasizing that irrespective of terminology,the emotional toll remains deeply impactful.
the Importance of Social Support After Job Loss
Laura Brown: While taking time to recharge is vital, withdrawing entirely can intensify negative emotions. Extended isolation often fuels anxiety and self-doubt unchecked. instead, even small social engagements-like grabbing coffee or answering a phone call-can provide crucial relief despite initial discomfort.
Stepping outside your home environment serves as a reminder that life continues beyond financial worries and professional setbacks. These moments act as “proofs of life,” offering glimpses into new possibilities without pressure or expectations.
If you’ve consistently put in effort throughout your career, support networks will emerge when you need them most.
Kristina O’Neill: Many people feel branded with an invisible “scarlet F” after being fired, imagining judgmental looks whenever they enter a room-but this stigma is often self-imposed. Openly discussing job loss experiences and connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can alleviate feelings of isolation substantially.
Cultivating Networking Without Shame
BROWN: Networking extends far beyond exchanging business cards; it’s about nurturing relationships over time-a process my husband likens to “Johnny Appleseed-ing,” where seeds planted early blossom into opportunities later on.
if you’ve invested in authentic connections through dedication, those relationships will support you during transitions such as job loss. Modern workplaces increasingly prioritize empathy in hiring decisions compared to previous decades.
- No shame exists in seeking help or exploring new opportunities; everyone does so at some point in their careers.
- Your professional journey may now include flexible work arrangements or alternative income streams worth considering amid evolving labor markets where gig economy roles grew by over 15% last year alone.
- This period offers valuable space for introspection: was your former role truly aligned with your passions? Did it reflect who you are?
Your financial stability remains critical but allowing room for reassessment can uncover overlooked options while caught up in routine employment cycles.
Differentiating Self-Worth From Job Titles
K.O.: losing a position tied closely to one’s identity can feel like losing oneself entirely. Maintaining personal hobbies-whether reading contemporary fiction or practicing yoga-and fostering friendships helps preserve self-esteem self-reliant from professional status.
A powerful source of comfort came from community members affirming our value beyond titles; they wanted us involved regardless-which proved empowering during uncertain times marked by rapid industry shifts affecting nearly 20% of media professionals globally last year alone.
The Unique Challenges Leaders Face When Fired
BROWN:I was let go alongside my entire team via Zoom-a surreal experience prompting me to remind them their accomplishments belong personally-not the company-and no one could strip away those skills.
“Don’t allow this moment to define your worth,” I urged firmly; “your talents remain yours moving forward.”
This narrative aims to reframe firing not as failure but rather an opportunity for resilience and growth ahead.
K.O.: I was the only leader dismissed among nearly fifty colleagues, which sparked anxiety about future leadership changes within the group.
Though I wished to emotionally support everyone else initially, prioritizing my own well-being became essential.
We where fortunate enough to hold a farewell gathering-a rare chance for closure many never receive-which I highly recommend pursuing if possible since such rituals aid healing and smooth transitions into new chapters effectively.
Navigating Well-Intentioned Yet Frustrating Advice Post-Termination
BROWN: You’ll encounter many well-meaning comments such as “this is the best thing that ever happened,” which can be infuriating at first though frequently enough rings true over time.
Friends serve two key roles here:
- Their willingness to listen validates anger toward unfair employers without risking workplace repercussions;
- Their ongoing presence sustains social routines vital for uncovering fresh opportunities through continuous networking;
Main Insights Gained From Sharing Our Firing stories
< p > < strong > K.O.: < / strong > We were surprised by how rarely open conversations about firing occur-many women hesitate sharing these experiences publicly despite widespread job insecurity today affecting millions worldwide.Our goal is normalizing firing stories so readers emerge stronger equipped with practical strategies rather than stigma.< / p >
< p > < strong > L.B.: < / strong > Hearing women express reduced isolation after engaging with these narratives has been profoundly validating – shifting mindsets away from shame toward embracing membership among what we jokingly call “the resilient circle who get fired” marks meaningful progress.< / p >
