When One Door Closes, Build Your Own Doorway
Fifteen years after college, freelance graphic designer Katrina was enticed by the security of a job offer from a global Fortune 500 women’s clothing retailer. Her vision of stability quickly unraveled.
On her first day, instead of orientation, she found an empty office with a desk and computer. Coworkers gradually filtered in with graphic art assignments, but weeks passed before she even met her boss.
Despite the confusion about her role, Katrina was mysteriously promoted after just two weeks managing a staff of three.
Two years later, HR abruptly informed her that her time with the company was ending. With no record of poor performance, no warnings, and no documented issues, Katrina walked away with six months of severance pay and a wounded ego, but also with wisely preserved evidence of peer recognition and quality deliverables.
The Domino Effect of Positive Change
The job loss became a catalyst for broader transformation. It gave Katrina the courage to end a toxic marriage that had drained her self-esteem, finances, and sense of control. Despite the uncertainty of no job prospects and a dissolving marriage, she felt exhilarated by the opportunity to reinvent herself.
During her six-month severance period, Katrina began graphic design freelancing for retail chains. On one assignment, she met Chris, who shared her vision for providing marketing talent for limited corporate engagements. Eighteen years later, Chris and Katrina are business partners in a thriving midwestern marketing staffing firm with nearly $10 million in annual revenue.
Katrina’s Message:
“Find your tribe: the group that gets you, supports you, and wants you to succeed.” Katrina found hers through women’s organizations like the National Association of Women Business Owners Women Executive Leadership Development, a national leadership development organization and WBENC, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.