Top Editors Fired from Dream Jobs Share Their Survival Strategies
Laura Brown and Kristina O’Neill were at the pinnacle of their careers, holding coveted editor-in-chief positions at Instyle and The Wall Street Journal Magazine respectively. Yet, both were abruptly fired — a blunt reality they prefer to name plainly rather than soften with terms like “restructure” or “redundancy.”
“Same s—canning, different day,” Brown said, recalling her 2022 firing via Zoom. “It feels like an anvil has smacked you on the head, compounded by shame and confusing narratives you tell yourself when you already feel small.”
O’Neill, let go from WSJ in 2023, echoed the sentiment: “It’s the same feeling, no matter what you call it.” After two decades of friendship and parallel careers, they co-authored
All the Cool Girls Get Fired, a candid guide born from their shared experience. The book addresses practical concerns such as severance and health insurance, while also offering insights on career rebound and renewed professional confidence. It includes personal essays from icons like Jamie Lee Curtis and Oprah Winfrey, revealing the universal nature of job loss.
Avoid Isolation: The Importance of Staying Connected
Brown stresses the critical balance between rest and engagement after losing a job. “Rest, but don’t retreat,” she advises. Isolation tends to amplify negative thoughts; instead, maintain social contact even if it feels uncomfortable initially. Small interactions — grabbing coffee, responding to emails, or a quick phone call — serve as “proof of life,” reminding you that the world and opportunities extend beyond your current crisis.
“If you’ve been good and worked hard, people will show up.” — Laura Brown
O’Neill refers to the stigma of being fired as “The Scarlet F,” describing the irrational fear of judgment from others. She encourages openness and support networks — “your fired crew” — to normalize the experience.
Rethinking Networking: Relationship-Building Without Shame
Brown reframes networking as a natural career-long process of “Johnny Appleseed-ing” — planting seeds of connection over time. After a layoff, this cultivated “orchard” of relationships can provide support and opportunities. She emphasizes two key points: “Take no shame in asking for stuff,” since everyone does it, and be open to diverse career paths and schedules beyond traditional models. This mindset shift can reveal new possibilities previously unconsidered. The duo also encourages self-reflection: “Was that dream job truly yours, or were you feeling obliged?” A layoff can prompt valuable reassessment.
Separating Identity from Job Titles
O’Neill notes the psychological challenge of detaching self-worth from a career identity, especially in high-profile roles where introductions hinge on job titles. Maintaining personal interests and community connections helps preserve a sense of self. She highlights the surprise and comfort found in community support: “People didn’t care if you’re no longer at that company — they still want you around.”
Navigating Firing as a Leader
Brown recalls being fired alongside her entire team via Zoom. She advised them that their value is inherent and cannot be taken away by the company. “All your skills and achievements are yours to carry forward,” she reminded them. O’Neill, managing a team of nearly 50, described the anxiety her departure caused but also the importance of closure. They held a farewell party, which she recommends for anyone leaving a role abruptly, as it aids emotional transition.
Handling Well-Meaning Advice: When Everyone Says It’s an Opportunity
Brown acknowledges the frustration when friends repeatedly insist that being fired is “the best thing that’ll ever happen to you.” While true in the long term, the immediate emotional response can be anger and disbelief. She advises that friends play two roles: validating negative feelings about the employer and maintaining social rhythms that foster future opportunities.
Lessons from Writing ‘All the Cool Girls Get Fired’
O’Neill was struck by how few women openly share their firing stories. Their goal is to normalize the experience and equip readers with strength and clarity to face what comes next. Brown finds it rewarding when readers express relief and solidarity. “If we can reduce shame and foster a sense of pride in this experience, that’s a victory.”
FinOracleAI — Market View
The candid discussion by Laura Brown and Kristina O’Neill highlights an often stigmatized but increasingly common career disruption: being fired after long tenure in high-profile roles. Their approach underscores the importance of reframing job loss as a catalyst for professional reinvention rather than a setback.
- Opportunities: Increased workplace empathy and flexible career models open new pathways for displaced professionals.
- Risks: Psychological impacts of job loss can lead to isolation and decreased confidence without proactive social engagement.
- Networking viewed as ongoing relationship cultivation rather than transactional can enhance post-layoff recovery.
- Leaders facing termination must balance personal transition with team closure to maintain morale and dignity.
- Reducing stigma around firing can improve mental health outcomes and accelerate career rebound.
Impact: This narrative encourages a cultural shift in how layoffs and firings are perceived, potentially influencing employer communication strategies and employee support programs to foster resilience and adaptability in evolving job markets.
