Laura Brown, former editor in chief of a prominent style magazine, and Kristina O’Neill, who held the same title at a well-known financial publication, exemplify resilience in the face of career upheaval. In 2022, both experienced major company downsizing. All of this put together on their journey made them think about their career paths and bring forth ideas in their new book, “All the Cool Girls Get Fired.”
Brown and her editorial team were among a wave of layoffs when the firm announced that they would be dissolving the magazine’s print version. That choice was a turning point in her career, ultimately paving the way for the creation of her own independent media company. O’Neill’s resignation followed the larger regime shift at her magazine. After ten years of loyal service, they allegedly terminated her.
Both leaders are now guiding others through their careers after suffering from layoffs with hard-earned wisdom, advice and by connecting through shared experiences. Their book serves as a guide for individuals facing similar challenges, offering strategies for finding fulfillment in new job opportunities.
Since their layoffs, both women have been clear about taking a hard look in the mirror and questioning what matters to you. Sarah Ellis, co-founder of Squiggly Careers and Amazing If, provides tips that are well worth taking. She recommends that you take some time to consider where you’ve been, at least a little bit before outlining your job search.
“What are the words that keep coming up?” – Sarah Ellis
Ellis believes that identifying recurring themes can reveal what matters most to an individual, providing direction for future career choices.
Laura Brown works on this very premise. She challenges practitioners to constantly consider what has made you happy or unhappy in your profession.
“I poured my heart into the role… I believed in the values we promoted. Yet, when it came to me, those values weren’t there,” – Laura Brown
Brown encourages people to take a broader view of how your work contributes to your life.
“That’s the fast track to whatever you want to do next,” – Laura Brown
She declares that one’s personal values and happiness have to come first in career choices.
Ellis suggests a “dealership model” for would-be career changers. This approach expands the possibilities by allowing them to try out various options through short-term or part-time roles before making a full-time decision. She urges job seekers to pursue the smaller, “bridging roles” that can help them pivot into new careers more seamlessly.
“It’s giving yourself space to say this is good for now, but that isn’t the same as forever,” – Sarah Ellis
This strategy allows people to transition to new spaces gradually, avoiding the stress of a sudden upheaval.
Brown opens up about her personal journey moving away from a corporate space to operating her media company full time. She admits that she is speaking about a journey that took seven years to travel. Most importantly, it reaffirms the need for patience and thoughtful execution when undertaking drastic career transitions.
“What you’ve learned doesn’t go away because you lost your job,” – Laura Brown
Neither woman wants you to think that just because someone lost a job, it means they’re any less skilled or valuable as a person.
Krisi O’Neill wants anyone experiencing a layoff to remember that it’s usually out of your hands.
“In the US, especially hundreds of thousands of people being laid off, it’s not personal. It’s likely very much not you, so don’t take that ball of shame and carry it around,” – Kristina O’Neill
This approach is an encouraging one for those facing feelings of inadequacy due to losing their jobs over the training gap.
Laura Brown asks advocates not to let themselves be demoralized by recently announced layoffs.
“Don’t give your power up; it’s important for everybody to remember their own value,” – Laura Brown
If there are any doubts about whether bouncing back after a layoff is possible, look no further than Brown and O’Neill’s experiences. The path they take often opens up transformative new experiences and more meaningful lives. Their insights serve as a testament to the importance of reflection, adaptability, and self-advocacy in navigating the complexities of career transitions.