Why Getting Fired Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to My Career
Let me start by saying this: 2024 has been one heck of a ride. I’ve had my share of bad experiences, great moments, and plenty of learning—the kind of learning that makes you think, "Did I really not know that before?" Running multiple projects and managing a company has felt like attending a crash course in business. I wasn’t exactly trained in taxes or handling large sums of money, but hey, you learn as you go.
Every year, I like to reflect on what I’ve accomplished and where I can improve. Usually, I keep those reflections to myself, but this year, I’m doing something different. Why? Because next year is going to be even more transformative, and I want to bring you along for the journey. So, let’s rewind to where it all started.
Turning Loss into Opportunity
In 2019, I was working at what I thought was my dream job. For three years, I thrived as part of an inspiring team, soaking up knowledge as the junior on the squad. But then, out of nowhere, I got laid off.
Hearing the words “your position is no longer needed” felt like a punch to the gut. Self-doubt hit hard: Was I not good enough? What did I do wrong? For the first time in my career, I had no idea what came next.
To cope with the stress, I gave myself a challenge: for 30 days, I would do something completely outside my comfort zone. My project? Rebuilding an apartment. Not what you expected, right?
It was physical, exhausting, and oddly therapeutic. I broke and fixed walls, replaced furniture, Googled how to fix pipes and cables, and reset my brain in the process.
That month was a turning point. It helped me clear my mind and realize that setbacks don’t define you—how you respond does. By stepping away from the chaos, I gained clarity about what I really wanted. Instead of rushing to find another job, I started thinking,
Why not take this opportunity to do something for myself?
Rediscovering My Passion
During that reflection period, I realized something: I hadn’t designed an app or a product from start to finish in three years. My focus on front-end development had sidelined my love for holistic design. So, I renewed my portfolio, not just to showcase my skills but to reconnect with the creative process that made me love this field in the first place.
As I reviewed my older work, I couldn’t help but cringe at some of my early projects. But we all start somewhere, right? Back when I was 17, I was already selling freelance designs that, in hindsight, weren’t great.
Yet, those humble beginnings laid the foundation for something bigger. So, I thought, Why not give freelancing another shot?
A New Chapter: Freelancing
Jumping into full-time freelancing from one month to the next was a huge risk. I mean, I was confident in my ability to find work but afraid I wouldn’t secure enough stable projects to maintain a consistent income. To avoid disappointment from lack of planning, I took a strategic approach.
Before fully diving into freelancing, I spent a year working at a company in Portugal as a UX Designer and Frontend Developer for OutSystems projects. It was a great experience blending design and development, but I realized I wanted more freedom—to work on my own terms, from anywhere, with clients who aligned with my vision.
I started quietly exploring freelancing platforms like Upwork. At first, it was just for fun—a way to learn about selling services and differentiating myself in a crowded market. My goal wasn’t to land dozens of clients; I just needed one good client to build a strong foundation.
The Turning Point
Over time, I worked on multiple projects and gained valuable experience. But the real turning point came when I found a full-time client who respected my terms. They valued my schedule, trusted my dedication, and appreciated the quality of my work. That stability allowed me to fully embrace freelancing as a long-term career and build a life aligned with my aspirations.
Scaling Up: The Birth of devmethink
About a year into freelancing, I realized I needed to scale my services. I couldn’t do it all alone, so I searched for someone who shared my goals and dedication. That’s when devmethink was born.
At devmethink, we live by a simple but powerful philosophy: Focus on quality over quantity. It’s not about taking on as many projects as possible; it’s about delivering meaningful, high-impact work. With a team that shares this mindset, we’ve been able to grow while staying true to our values.
Lessons from Setbacks
Bad moments can often be good opportunities to reshape your career. Taking a break from your daily routine for a few weeks or months is not only okay—it can actually help you think more clearly and realign your goals. You have so many years to work, so why not use some of that time to experience new things and explore different paths?
If you’ve experienced a layoff or been fired, that’s okay—it happens to many of us, and it doesn’t have to define you. In fact, it could be the start of something better. These moments, while challenging, can offer a chance to reset and find opportunities you might not have considered otherwise.
Looking back now, I see that being laid off wasn’t the end of my career—it was the beginning of something much greater.
It gave me the space to reflect, the push to take risks, and the courage to build a business that aligns with my values.
Reflections and Moving Forward
As 2024 wraps up, I can’t help but reflect on how much I’ve learned this year. From navigating tough situations to celebrating wins, it’s been a journey of growth. I’m still refining our business model, exploring ways to scale into new markets, and I’m incredibly proud of the team and clients I have.
Next year, I plan to push myself and my team even further. The lessons from this year have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my vision.
So, what about you? What challenges have you faced this year, and how have they shaped your goals for 2025? Let’s share and grow together—I’d love to hear your stories.
