How One Man Found Happiness After Being Fired

Alex Korchinski got fired—and it was the best thing that ever happened to him. Of course he wasn’t all that happy in the beginning, but with hindsight, he came to see that it wasn’t entirely without its benefits. Alex first told his story on his website, alexgivesup.com, and later it was reprinted in The Huffington Post.

So, how did it happen? The company Alex worked for needed a Director of Growth. In an ironic twist of fate, Alex helped grow the company to the point where it no longer needed him, and he was shown the door. Now, you’re asking, why was this such a good thing?

It’s About Perspective

According to Alex, getting fired was a good thing because he gained a great deal of valuable perspective. He came to understand that he was expendable. His CEO had told him: “We need specialists instead of generalists,” and Alex saw how that made sense. He was good at many things, but “was I the best at any one of them? No.” That’s a tough pill to swallow, but next time, Alex plans on being a master in his job.

It’s About Relationships

Alex admits to being guilty of neglecting his friends for the sake of late nights at work. After being fired, he started calling around, and he was absolutely amazed—and even humbled—by how many people wanted to help him. They offered advice, made introductions, and just offered sympathy. As Alex says, “Jobs come from people. Not the internet. Not job boards. And if nothing else, when’s the last time you grabbed a consolatory beer with a Craigslist post?” Next time around, he’ll probably make time for his relationships.

It’s About Overcoming

This was actually Alex’s second firing. The first time around, he started his own company—because he felt an overwhelming need to prove that the people who’d fired him were wrong. He wanted them to feel that they’d made a terrible mistake. Of course they didn’t react that way, but Alex felt, after every achievement, “like Reggie Miller raining 3s in Spike Lee’s weasel-y face.” Doesn’t that sound empowering? The point is, that as a result of his first firing, Alex learned that there was greener grass on the other side of the fence, and he knew he’d find it following his second firing.

It’s not easy embracing being fired, at least not with the apparent delight it gave Alex Korchinski. This is probably one of the most amazing stories of making lemonade when life hands you lemons—and maintaining a positive outlook—that I’ve ever heard. I hope it’s given you some inspiration if you’re dealing with having been fired.