That Time I Got Fired | Pushing Through Adversity

Y’all know I love me some OLAY, give me all the creams! But today, I’m partnering with the brand to support women who have faced {and overcome} adversity in their lives! Just as I’ve overcome fears and adversity, I am proud to stand with female pilot, Tristan, and other fearless women throughout the world to share my tips for overcoming adversity. I can’t believe I’m about to share this story, but in all transparency, a lot of us have been there. Or if you haven’t, you might find yourself in this position at some point. Happy-go-lucky doing your job day to day, until you’re not. Ha. Looking back, getting fired from a job was one of the biggest life lessons I’ve had to date.

So here goes…

When I was in college I worked for a {who shall not be named} well known public relations agency. I was a Junior Account Executive for a year, and really loved it. However I was part-time and not getting paid enough to make ends meet. I’m talking like basically minimum wage, which looking back, was insane for the amount of work I was doing. I was refused a raise after 6-months, and decided to supplement the difference by getting a second job. Working in PR was what I really wanted to be doing, so money or not, I wanted to stick it out and get the hands-on experience not many of my classmates were exposed to.

The day before Christmas-Eve, I received a phone call from the VP of my department with some unexpected news. ‘We’re letting you go.’ Say what? Needless to say, I was shocked. I had always been a hard, diligent worker, never a no-show, never received a bad review or critical feedback, loved what I was doing…it was out of nowhere. When I asked to be given more context as to the decision {I’m all for constructive feedback}, I was given the complete run around. I mean, how about some respect for the year I spent working with these people…There was apparently a big deal made about ‘my schedule’ and lack of availability {well, sorry folks – your gal had to get a second job to pay for stuff}, but none of the excuses really made sense. Alas, it was over and I was faced with reality.

I’m so grateful I was in Colorado with my family when this happened, painful as it was. And luckily I was able to easily pick up more hours at my second higher-paying job. But it still shook me. No one likes to feel like they’re not good enough. I just kept reminding myself it wasn’t the end of the world – that I was a good worker, and I had a good run while it lasted. Whatever their reasons may have been, they didn’t define me.

TIPS FOR OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

1. REMIND YOURSELF OF THE TRUTH | It’s so easy to get caught up in ALL the lies we tell ourselves, or lies others may put in our heads. Don’t listen. Trust that you are enough. Trust that you’re tough, and that you’ll get through this.
2. BE AROUND SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE | This can be one of the biggest, and most helpful, steps to pushing past a difficult set back. Surround yourself with individuals who embrace you for you. That includes all of your ‘flaws’ and imperfections. When you surround yourself with a solid support system, it will make it easier to give yourself a break. Your people will remind you of the person THEY see you to be. It’s a good reminder when you’re throwing yourself a little pity party…trust, I’ve been there haha.
3. FIND A MENTOR | Reach out to men + women you admire and aspire to be more like in some aspect. This could be a teacher, and leader in your community, a business owner – whoever inspires you! Having mentors in your life will make all the difference, because even if you think you know it all…you don’t. These people have been where you are, and can give invaluable advice to help you navigate through it and support you along the way.
4. INVEST IN YOURSELF | Focus on you for a change. What are you goals, what have you always wanted to pursue, but never had the courage {or the ‘time’}. There’s no time like the present my friend. And when I say invest, this could be business related or simply self-growth! For example, starting a blog {hey heyyyyy}, taking a sewing class, a floral design workshop – whatever it may be! Take time for yourself. This will not only be therapeutic, but offer a great time to reflect and re-evaluate your priorities.

Fast forward gosh, 8+ years {I think??} and despite setbacks, age has given me perspective. I’ve been able to far exceed my expectations for myself. I’m a business owner, working for myself and living life on my own terms. Getting fired, honestly pushed me to think about things differently, and I’ve never regretted going through it. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Olay. The opinions and text are all mine.

Photos by Mary Beth Creates
Location: The Skinny Dip Charleston co-working space