Losing your job is not a reflection of personal inadequacy or professional failure. That is the central and empowering message conveyed by the co-authors of a newly released guide — a book enriched by contributions from prominent figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Lisa Kudrow. These acclaimed women, along with the authors, aim to dismantle the stigma surrounding job loss and demonstrate that being fired can, in fact, serve as a transformative moment of growth and empowerment rather than a mark of defeat.
The book, titled *All the Cool Girls Get Fired*, was written by Lauren Brown and Kristina O’Neill, both of whom formerly served as editors at major fashion magazines. Their work serves as a comprehensive survival manual for anyone navigating the aftermath of being let go, although it speaks with particular resonance to women. The authors explain that the focus on women stems from a noticeable gap in cultural narratives: while there are many celebrated examples of men such as Steve Jobs and Michael Bloomberg who publicly rebounded from termination, comparable female stories are far less visible. O’Neill candidly admitted that even identifying women’s stories to feature took time, since societal lore seldom includes examples of women being fired and then thriving afterward.
Lauren Brown herself experienced such a turning point when she lost her position as editor-in-chief of *InStyle* magazine in February 2022, following the publication’s transition to a fully digital format. Similarly, O’Neill’s tenure at *WSJ. Magazine* ended in April 2023 amid corporate restructuring at *The Wall Street Journal*. Rather than letting their dismissals define them, both women chose to transform their professional setbacks into a shared platform for conversation, empowerment, and education.
Beyond recounting the stories of celebrities and public figures who have faced termination, Brown and O’Neill expand their book with expert insights from human resources professionals, legal advisors, and other career consultants on how to regain control after losing a job. When speaking with *Business Insider*, the authors outlined four thoughtful pieces of advice to help individuals stabilize both emotionally and practically following a layoff.
The first suggestion: resist the instinct to sign any paperwork immediately. During layoffs, employers often ask departing employees to quickly sign severance packages and termination documents. However, O’Neill emphasizes that job loss can be a disorienting and emotionally charged experience — one that often leaves people in shock and unable to think clearly. Instead of rushing to comply, she advises taking deliberate time to breathe, decompress, and review the documents carefully once rationality has returned. This pause can open space to negotiate additional benefits, such as extended healthcare, access to a work phone, or other provisions that can ease the transition. As O’Neill wryly notes, the power dynamic has already shifted — once you’ve been fired, there is little else the employer can do to penalize you further, so you’re actually in a position to assert greater control.
The second key recommendation concerns legal counsel. Brown points out that individuals who have been laid off often feel vulnerable and ill-equipped to negotiate improved severance terms for themselves. That’s where an attorney becomes invaluable. In her words, “the lawyer is your fighter, your sword and shield,” someone who can handle difficult communications and draft firm responses when emotions might otherwise cloud judgment. Importantly, such professional help does not have to pose a financial burden; many employment attorneys operate on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if the client secures a better outcome. As Brown succinctly reminds, there is virtually nothing to lose — and potentially much to gain — by seeking legal advocacy.
The third insight relates to regaining a sense of agency through mindful financial management. The abrupt loss of income can trigger deep anxiety, but O’Neill and Brown suggest confronting that uncertainty with practical and empowering strategies. For instance, using cash instead of credit cards while shopping for essentials can increase awareness of spending habits and encourage restraint. They also recommend utilizing the newfound free time after a layoff to renegotiate recurring expenses — such as internet bills or subscription services — or even eliminate unnecessary payments altogether. Brown further advises scheduling all outstanding medical visits before employer-sponsored insurance expires, turning what might seem like a disadvantage into an opportunity for proactive self-care. O’Neill colorfully calls this process a “doctor tour,” a chance to address every health concern before coverage lapses.
Finally, Brown and O’Neill encourage readers to “lift their periscope,” urging those who have been let go to re-engage with their professional networks and seek support. It’s perfectly acceptable, Brown says, to allow yourself a brief period of mourning or self-pity — “fall on your face for a week if you want” — but then it’s time to look up, reach out, and ask for help. Women, in particular, often internalize shame around being fired, but this stigma is both unnecessary and counterproductive. In the current job market, where countless people are navigating similar disruptions, empathy is abundant. As Brown explains, the experience of being laid off is far from unique; millions of professionals are in the same boat, and this shared reality fosters connection rather than isolation.
O’Neill closes the discussion with a reminder that personal worth is not defined by employment status. One of the experts they interviewed compared workers to library books: the company merely borrows your talents for a time — it does not own your skills or your knowledge. That intellectual and creative capital remains with you, ready to be redeployed in the next chapter. The takeaway is clear: a job may end, but your intrinsic value, capabilities, and insight endure — and those assets are the foundation upon which every meaningful comeback is built.
As it happens, the author of the original article also once worked at *The Wall Street Journal*, a subtle testament to the universality of career reinvention. The overarching lesson from *All the Cool Girls Get Fired* is that professional setbacks can serve as unexpected invitations to rediscover strength, confidence, and identity, turning what initially feels like an ending into the beginning of a far richer narrative.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/cool-girls-guide-bouncing-back-after-layoff-firing-2025-10
