12. Soo... You Got Fired. Now What?

Getting fired, laid off, or unexpectedly losing a job can feel devastating. Especially in a field where so much of our identity is tied to the work we do.In this episode of Curate Your Career, Elin Filbey and Alli Schell tackle a difficult but incredibly common experience in museum careers: what happens when a job ends before you expected it to.They talk openly about the emotional fallout, the practical steps to take next, and how to rebuild confidence after a job loss.From navigating LinkedIn and networking conversations to crafting your story for future interviews, Elin and Alli walk through the mindset shifts and strategies that help museum professionals move forward without losing their sense of purpose or value.They also explore a bigger truth many people in the field experience: sometimes losing a job isn’t a personal failure. Sometimes it’s a reflection of deeper structural issues within museums, including burnout culture, underfunding, and unrealistic expectations placed on staff.If you’ve recently been fired, laid off, or are worried it might happen someday, this episode offers honest guidance and reassurance that one job ending does not define your career.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why getting fired doesn’t automatically mean you were bad at your jobHow museum professionals often internalize systemic problems in the fieldWhat to do (and what not to do) immediately after losing a jobHow to reach out to your network without oversharing or feeling ashamedThe best way to talk about being fired in interviews and professional conversationsWhy taking time to reflect before jumping into the next role mattersHow to rebuild confidence and reconnect with your professional strengthsThis episode is a reminder that career setbacks are not the end of your story. They’re often the beginning of a new direction.Key TakeawaysGetting fired or laid off does not erase your skills or the work you contributed.Many museum job losses stem from structural issues like funding challenges, leadership turnover, or unclear expectations.You don’t need to rush into the next opportunity. Taking time to reflect is critical.Leaning on trusted mentors, colleagues, and friends can help you navigate the emotional and professional aftermath.When discussing job loss in interviews, focus on clarity and forward momentum rather than blame or oversharing.Losing a job can be an opportunity to reassess your career goals and identify what you truly want next.Chapters00:00 Why We’re Talking About Getting Fired04:45 Personal Stories and Museum Career Realities14:20 The Emotional Aftermath of Job Loss19:30 Reaching Out to Your Support Network23:00 Navigating LinkedIn and Public Job Announcements34:00 How to Talk About Being Fired in Interviews46:00 Using This Moment to Reassess Your Career53:00 Rebuilding Confidence After a Job Loss1:02:00 A Mindset Exercise for Letting Go and Moving ForwardKeywordsmuseum careersmuseum jobscareer transitionmuseum layoffsgetting firedcareer coachingmuseum professionalsmuseum career advicecareer setbackmuseum burnoutprofessional resiliencemuseum leadership