Career Growth After Job Loss: How I’m Rolling with the Punches and Growing Stronger in the Process

How I’m Rolling with the Punches and Growing Stronger in the Process

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received came from a mentor who told me, “Every problem is an opportunity.” That wisdom has stayed with me through every twist and turn in my career,and it’s never felt more relevant than it does right now.

On March 1, I learned that I’d be losing my job on June 1, the email marketing program I supported was being discontinued, and my role would be eliminated. I was incredibly thankful to have three months to prepare, and I used that time to reflect, plan, and get ahead of the curve. But as June 1 came and went… I’m still looking.

It was a tough moment, not just because of the job loss itself, but because it marked the third time in my career that a role I loved came to an end through no fault of my own.

Before this, I worked in another marketing position that was also phased out due to shifting business needs. And years earlier, I spent 17 years as a Sales Assistant at Tessenderlo Kerley, a role I was dedicated to and proud of, until the company changed direction and my position was no longer part of their structure.

I don’t job hop. I stay. I commit. I grow with the company. These weren’t just jobs to me, they were meaningful chapters. So yes, this pattern has been painful. But I’ve never let hard things define me.

Because every problem is an opportunity.And this time, the opportunity has been growth, both personally and professionally.

The job market today is different, fast-paced, noisy, and deeply competitive. I quickly realized that I couldn’t rely on outdated methods. I needed a fresh, informed approach.

I began by hiring a professional resume writing service, but something inside me said I needed to go deeper. That’s when I discovered Tammy Homegardner’s Job Search School, and it turned out to be one of the best investments I’ve made.

Through her program and AI course, I learned how to:

• Craft a very strong resume tailored to each role

• Write powerful, customized cover letters

• Optimize my LinkedIn profile for visibility and traction

• Network intentionally and build meaningful connections

• Negotiate salary with clarity and confidence

• Prepare for interviews with a strategic, grounded approach

I also leaned into ChatGPT, not as a shortcut, but as a tool to sharpen my communication and creativity. I use it to support my social content, blog writing, and professional messaging. But I don’t let it do the work for me, I guide it. I teach it my voice. I make sure everything I create still sounds like me or the brand I’m supporting.

This chapter has tested me, but it’s also shaped me. I’ve grown in skill, confidence, and resilience. What I’ve experienced is a true example of career growth after job loss, the kind that comes not from reinvention, but from deepening your strengths, expanding your toolkit, and choosing to stay engaged in your own evolution.

And something really meaningful has come out of all this: I started blogging more consistently.

What began as a way to stay relevant on LinkedIn and boost SEO on my website has turned into something I genuinely love. Blogging gives me a space to tell my story, share my brand, and express who I really am. I get to talk about the things I’ve learned, what I care about, and what I bring to the table as a marketing professional, and I’ve really come to enjoy it.

This chapter has tested me, but it’s also shaped me. I’ve grown in skill, confidence, and resilience. I feel more equipped than ever to navigate today’s marketing world, and to bring that depth into whatever role comes next.

And honestly? I’m proud of how I’ve shown up.I’m proud of how I’ve embraced growth instead of fear.I’m proud that I’ve chosen to stay curious and committed to my own evolution.

No, I wouldn’t say losing my job was the best thing that ever happened to me. But I would say that this moment has been a powerful teacher. One that’s helping me become a stronger marketing professional, and a more grounded, self-aware human being.

Because every problem really is an opportunity. And I’m walking forward, one strong step at a time.

I’m currently open to new marketing opportunities.

If you’re hiring, or know someone looking for a creative, committed marketing professional who knows how to roll with life’s punches, I’d love to connect.

Karri Owens

📧 owenskarri@gmail.com

📞 509-628-6904

🔗 LinkedIn