The Good Life After Being Fired

Here's an interesting article from Parade magazine. It's written by Lee Child, a man who was fired from his job at 39 and had to deal with all the financial and emotional issues associated with it. The firing gave him the opportunity to change the course of his career and he's gone on to become a best-selling author. Here's his advice after going through what he did:

The point is, if you’re fired at 40, it’s not all about hurt and betrayal and fear. It’s about opportunity. By that time in your life, you’ve learned a few things. You’ve got skills and work habits. You’re in charge. I’m not suggesting you become a novelist. In fact, I’d prefer it if you didn’t—I don’t need the competition. But try something. Anything. Sit back, take a breath, believe in yourself, identify your dream, and go for it 110%. Trust me, your motivation will never be as strong. And the chance might never come your way again.

I'm not Polly-Anna enough to think that everyone (or even most people) that are out of work can turn it into something as positive as this guy did. But I  know that there are many people out of work these days and I thought this piece would offer a couple things: hope and food for thought. If you're out of work (or maybe even stuck in a job you hate), you might want to consider his words, think them over, and take action accordingly. Who knows, your dream job may just be one (albeit gigantic) step away.

Comments

[The Frugal New Yorker]

I couldn't agree more! Even if you don't start down a brand new career path, getting fired forces you to consciously choose your next job, rather than sticking with the one you have now because it's convenient.

[Stacie]

I was fired in August 2008 and I can honestly say it was great for my career, in numerous ways.

[Apex]

Great temperment to your response to this FMF.

I really dispise when the press goes and finds someone who turned tragedy into huge triumph or who made millions because he "followed his dream" or whatever it may be and then give people the impression that if he could do it anyone can.

Most people who are fired will never get anywhere near the success this person did. But sitting on your butt feeling sorry for yourself will get you very near to broke. So your response was perfect. Do something and see what you can make happen.

[Mike Hunt]

When you are in the position and you lose your job all feels hopeless. It's really frusterating and you feel that in spite of your best efforts, you have no control over your destiny. I've been there more than once and can tell you it hurts.

However this too shall pass. Just like when times are impossibly good, this will pass. In hindsight you may find that being laid off was just what you needed. But for sure you won't realize it at the time.

-Mike

[Strick]

Apex/FMF - I pretty much agree with your takes on how this may be overly optimistic to consider your firing an opportunity on average. But I do think there is one situation where it is not, for those that hate their job. We've all known (or even been) that person who hates their job (generally b/c of the people they work with) for years only to, a mere months after getting fired, get another similar job minus the horrible atmosphere. Of course, this is a little too boring a story to get written up in the paper.

[Dar]

Stacie-- I wish you'd elaborate on your situation. How was being laid off "great" for your career? Did you changes careers altogether? Go back to school? Move? ???

[Bad_Brad]

Some people view their jobs as something they absolutely must have and cannot live without. They figure that if they just put in their time and don't rock the boat, all will be well. I don't call that happiness. I call that institutionalized. There's another place where you are rewarded for simply passing the time and not rocking the boat.

It's called prison.

Your job is not prison.

Getting laid off is painful in the short-term, but in the long-term, it can be like getting released from a self-imposed prison. I know because I've been there and done that.