Almost nothing is more detrimental to self-esteem than being fired, laid off or furloughed.

After all, we spend most of our time at work so when suddenly we’re out, we’re not exactly thinking how great it feels.

And this negative thinking has implications for finding our next opportunity.

• Your first thought should be – the most successful people on this planet were fired at least once!  (Write it down. Post it on the refrigerator so you will never forget).
• There is no shame in being fired unless something illegal has taken place.  Otherwise, keep the temptations to shame yourself out of it.  And it is not the place of others to have so much influence that they can shame us.
• Take time off to process what happened.  Thinking of only the bad ending is not fair to you.  Also remember all the good that you’ve done for the company.
• Nothing increases self-esteem like writing a new resume.  Do this as soon as you have a positive view of the future.
• There has been more firing since the great recession due to economic reasons and cutbacks.  This should not reflect negatively on you.
• See vividly in your mind’s eye as vividly as possible the next job you want and pursue that and only that.

My communications professor in college told parent’s night (of all times) that if your sons and daughters are not fired four or five times, they are not in the media business.

Even though the parents were aghast, the professor was correct.

What he failed to mention is that each firing had its positive purpose.

Losing one’s job can be transformative.

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