What I’m Reading: All the Cool Girls Get Fired
I thought it might be fun to share a few books I’ve found interesting lately. This month, I’m reading All the Cool Girls Get Fired by Laura Brown and Kristina O’Neill, and it’s one I’d recommend to anyone who’s ever faced a career setback.
There are so many euphemisms for being let go, stepping down, or moving on. However it’s phrased, the feelings are often the same. This book explores them beautifully, through honesty, humour, and a healthy dose of hope.
The authors share their own experiences, alongside stories from women who’ve bounced back after being fired. One of the most memorable contributions comes from Lisa Kudrow, who opens up about being fired from Frasier and how she found the strength to move forward.
When You Lose More Than a Job
Sometimes we just need to be reminded that there’s life - and even laughter - after a career break-up. The loss of colleagues, the public nature of leaving, the emotional toll… these are often the hardest parts, yet the ones we’re expected to recover from quickly.
Set against the financial impact of losing a job, these emotional experiences are sometimes seen as less important. In my experience, they’re the things that tend to linger the longest, even while we’re facing the world and sharing plans for our next career move.
Finding Strength in the Truth
This book does a wonderful job of showing how to carry on alongside those feelings. It doesn’t feel “cool” to be fired, but it reminds you that you’re not alone, and that there’s real power in telling the truth.
As Sarina Bellissimo writes:
“With each firing, did I ever tell people it was my decision to leave either job? No. Why? Because I had nothing to be ashamed of… It doesn’t take away from my talents and contributions. Also, there is power in telling the truth.”
When people come to me for career transition support, one of the first things we work on is rebuilding a sense of purpose to help move forward with clarity and confidence.
Starting with the truth feels like the perfect first step.
Why This Book Resonates
For anyone navigating change, this book is a reminder that being “let go” doesn’t define your worth, it simply opens space for something new. There’s comfort in shared experience, courage in honesty, and, as this book shows, humour in even the most uncomfortable transitions.
If you’ve ever found yourself facing an unexpected ending, I think you’ll find this read both relatable and uplifting.
Book credit:
All the Cool Girls Get Fired by Laura Brown and Kristina O’Neill. Published by Gallery Books.
