For four years, Marcie flourished as marketing director at a prominent nonprofit religious organization. She had cultivated deep relationships with her boss, colleagues, and an impressive network of influential donors. When the beloved CEO retired, Marcie felt secure in her position, perhaps dangerously so.

That security evaporated in seven brutal days. The new CEO summoned Marcie to what she expected would be a routine meeting. Instead, he immediately declared that she was overpaid and announced plans to demote her and slash her salary. Seven days later, she was terminated.

Marcie’s response demonstrated how someone takes control of her narrative. She refused to sign the separation agreement on the spot, a critical decision that preserved her options, and she enlisted her sister, an attorney, to negotiate on her behalf.

The result was an extended severance, glowing reference letters, and an arrangement that transformed her former employer into her first consulting client. Within months, she had launched her own marketing firm specializing in nonprofit growth strategies. Within two months of launching the business, she had seven clients.

Marcie’s advice:

“You’re not starting from scratch, you’re starting from experience.”

“Trust yourself to get through this. You can choose not to be scared.”

“Getting fired can demonstrate the depths of your capability.”

“Use your support system to listen to you and guide you.”

“Never burn bridges. You never know when or how you’ll need to go back to your employer for contracts, references, and connections.”

“When starting a new business, talk to other entrepreneurs who can guide you through challenges from insurance coverage to banking.”

“Being fired will be in your rearview mirror sooner than you expect. It’s not the end—it’s a voyage to a new beginning.”

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