How Getting Fired at Twenty-Two Made Me Rethink Career Growth

Recently, I was asked to speak about career growth to a group of Office Managers. I was flattered to be part of the event and excited for the challenge; how would I prove that as a twenty-four-year-old I had something to say about career growth?

Arguably, I have more experience with academic growth than career growth. In college (those three long years ago) I challenged myself as an Honors student; I had studying down to a science and could ace a test. However, passing a class is transactional — you complete an assignment and get a grade. Creating a career is a complex and ongoing process of learning and development.

I knew my talk would focus on a non-traditional definition of career growth. Rather than working at one company and rising in the ranks, I believe in career growth that values the learning and development of the individual and can span multiple places of employment.

I felt confident leading a discussion on pursuing a unique path for career growth, but there was the matter of addressing the elephant in the room.

At twenty two, I had been fired from my first “real job.” I was nervous about sharing this part of my story. Would people think less of me?

“…You Will No Longer Be A Full Time Employee”

When I graduated from college, I interned at a farm sanctuary because I wanted to work for an organization with a social mission. Shortly after, I was offered a job as a brand ambassador for a vegan food company, which I happily accepted. After three months, I was promoted and moved to San Francisco to work full time managing a team of over thirteen Brand Ambassadors.

I felt like my career was beginning and I was excited to be working for a socially-driven company. However, a few months in, the Kool-Aid didn’t taste so sweet. I realized I was getting paid less per hour than those I managed. I routinely worked over 80 hours a week and was made to feel guilty when I needed a break. My job began to make me physically ill, and no one cared.

When I was fired, it was without warning or much explanation. Taken into an empty room, I was told I would no longer be a full time employee. I should pack my things and leave the building, immediately.

Holding back tears as I tried to steady my hands, I gathered my laptop and avoided stares as I grabbed my lunch from the busy common area. Outside I let the tears fall as I made my way home. I felt an emptiness in the pit of my stomach begin to grow.

Getting Back On Track

I spent the next six months feeling dispirited, my self confidence had been drained. If a company I had thought was perfect didn’t think I was a worthwhile employee, who would? I was faced with starting over when I had just begun.

I applied to over 100 jobs before I found full-time employment again. That said, I didn’t sit around for six months. I waitressed for the first time in my life and had fun. I did community outreach for a company bringing reusable take-out containers to San Francisco. I wrote for newspapers. I worked at a juice stand. I challenged myself to forge my own path of career growth.

Being fired made me consider what I valued in life above a line on my resume. As much as I love the idea of professional success, I will not sacrifice my well-being for a career. My career growth and my personal growth are connected, and I am happiest when both are nurtured.

My next full-time job was working as an Office Manager. It gave me a paycheck, normal workweek hours, and most of all, it helped me find my self confidence again. During that year I took every chance I could to meet others working in my field and learn about opportunities for advancement. I kept track of everything I accomplished that went above my job description. I knew that I was capable of more than I had been allowed to do in my last job — and I was going to prove it.

This persistence paid off, and I was promoted. I was also offered a job with another company, which I accepted. Now, I’m proud to be working at a company that understands the new concept of career growth. I am given learning and development opportunities that benefit me not only as an employee, but as a person.

My Career Growth Goals

At twenty-four I’ve been hired, been fired, quit and received two promotions. I’ve increased my salary by 55% in two years. I am able to live independently (though I still have roommates, this is San Francisco after all) and continue to learn. I’m still connected with the office manager community, and right now I’m happy working in content marketing and focusing on my writing.

On the night of the event, I spoke to four groups of people for 15 minutes each. It wasn’t until I reached the last group that I felt comfortable weaving this part of my story into the discussion. When I finally said, “I was fired” my heartbeat quickened as I watched their faces for a reaction. I saw a few looks of surprise, but no one asked any probing questions, no one placed blame. It was a therapeutic experience to share what has felt like a shameful secret.

Originally published on my personal blog