What Happened to You at Work Matters (And I Need Your Help)

Hi friend.

When I was fired from a job I cared about deeply, I was devastated.

At the time, I didn’t have language for what I was experiencing. I thought I needed to get back on the horse, get a thicker skin, and get over it. It took me ten years to realize that I was carrying grief.

Career grief.

Once I understood that, I got unstuck. I gave myself permission to mourn what had happened and all that had been lost alongside my job title.

Today, I’m writing a book with the working title This is Grief, Too, and am fortunate to be represented by awesome agents at Peters Fraser + Dunlop. The book draws not only from my experiences but also from the hundreds of clients, students, and professionals I’ve met over the years who have experienced their own forms of professional heartbreak.

Now I’d love to hear from you.

I’m looking for stories about career setbacks, disappointments, endings, mistakes, missed opportunities, layoffs, firings, failed projects, dreams that didn’t unfold the way you hoped, or any professional loss that still lingers in your heart and mind.

The ones that changed something.

The ones that you think about from time to time. Or all the time.

The ones that shaped how you see yourself, your work, or your future.

If you’re willing, I’d be grateful if you would complete a comprehensive questionnaire and share your story with me. With your permission, portions of your experience may be considered for inclusion in the book and related research. You can participate anonymously if you prefer.