Written by Michael Crawford, VP of Strategic Initiatives at America Succeeds
The call came while I was working in my home office. My boss compassionately explained that they couldn’t keep me on anymore. It wasn’t because of any deficiencies I had, he said. It was because of financial choices leadership needed to make at a challenging time for the company. Regardless of the reason, I was out.
Needless to say, I was stunned. Not only had I lost my job, but also had serious worries about the uncertainty it caused in my personal life. I had a young son and a wife to care for, and I hadn’t really been on the job market before. It felt disorienting, embarrassing, and overwhelming.
After hanging up the phone, I took a walk outside, breathed, and reflected. I knew I had a choice: to keep wallowing in the frustration and grief and worry I was feeling, or to accept reality pragmatically, and use it as an opportunity for growth.
In the weeks that followed, I focused on building the inner strength I needed to face this moment head-on. First, I prioritized my health and wellness, knowing that I couldn’t do this type of personal and professional hard work when I wasn’t in a stable place as a human being. I made sure to get good sleep, spend time outside, stay physically active, and eat nutritious food. Second, I leaned into my network of friends, family, and colleagues, finding support and guidance that helped me see a path forward. I made a list of people who knew me and my work, and I connected with them to share about my situation and explore opportunities for work. And third, I became more self-aware—clearer about my strengths, weaknesses, and the kind of work I wanted to do. I inventoried my experience, my strengths, and the ways of working that are rejuvenating for me, and I worked to orient my search based on that.
This foundation of resilience allowed me to face future challenges, including more unexpected transitions, with greater fortitude.
Losing a job is never easy, but it can become a catalyst for personal growth and improvement. The experience taught me the value of fortitude – of staying composed, learning from setbacks, and moving forward with purpose. Today, I continue to draw on those lessons, knowing that no matter the challenge, I have what and who I need to persevere.
At America Succeeds, we aim to showcase the value and tangible impact that durable skills have on personal and professional growth. We invite you to share your own story of how a durable skill has shaped your journey—your experiences could inspire and empower others in their pursuit of success.
