Eight years ago, I faced an experience that many people fear – I was terminated from my job unjustly. There was no evidence of wrongdoing, and the pain of that loss is something I carry with me even today. When I reached out to the board chair shortly after the termination for a recommendation, he actually asked if I’d consider returning to the role. That validated for me that sense of injustice. For a moment, I thought about it—but it became clear that without accountability for what had happened and a change in the toxic dynamics, returning was not an option.
The Pain of Unjust Termination and Lingering Rumors
That experience devastated me, not only emotionally but also financially. It’s hard to calculate the exact toll of losing the income I might have earned over these years, and I still feel that loss. It’s difficult not to wonder what might have been had things turned out differently. But the hardest part, perhaps, was the sense of injustice—knowing that I had done nothing wrong and yet bore the brunt of a decision that wasn’t mine to make and for which there was no accountability.
What made it even more painful was that, just last year, I learned that rumors about me had resurfaced. When I confronted the person who had spread a separate false rumor, she insinuated that the stories she had heard were somehow deserved, based on what she believed to be true from my past. It was a painful reminder that, even after all this time, some people still choose to see me through a lens of false assumptions. But instead of allowing this to break me down, I chose to confront it directly, to stand in my truth, and to keep moving forward.
What I’m Most Proud of Then and Now
When I think back to my time in that role, there are still things of which I am deeply proud. I created several programs that were highly successful including a guidebook, a retail education program and a systems approach to communities. I built strong relationships with colleagues and community members, helped shape impactful projects, and brought a sense of integrity to the work we did. Those moments where I could see the tangible difference I was making—those remain close to my heart.
Today, while the context of my work has shifted, the pride I feel is no less significant. I am proud of the resilience it took to start over, to create a space for well-being in the conservation community that did not exist before. I am proud of the workshops that have helped others find their own paths to healing, the connections I have fostered, and the small but meaningful shifts I have seen in the culture of conservation. It’s a different kind of pride—one that has come from knowing I have turned pain into purpose.
Finding Purpose in the Pain
Yet, as I reflect on that time, I can also see how it led me to where I am today. Being forced out of that role made me reevaluate what truly matters to me, and it pushed me toward the work I do now—improving well-being and culture in conservation. It’s a field I am passionate about, one where I get to help others navigate their own challenges and find resilience. The pain of that experience forced me to dig deep, to ask myself what I genuinely wanted to offer the world. And what emerged was a new sense of purpose.
Financial Reality vs. Emotional Fulfillment
Financially, it has not been easy. Rebuilding my career and starting a new path came with challenges and sacrifices. There are days when I think about the income I lost, the opportunities that slipped away, and the strain it put on my life. And yet, alongside that pain is a deeper fulfillment that comes from aligning my work with my values. Helping others find connection, purpose, and well-being in their own journeys gives me a sense of meaning that no paycheck can replace.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
I have learned that recovery isn’t always linear. Some wounds take time to heal, and some scars remain. But I have also learned the power of resilience, of finding new paths even when the old ones disappear. I share this story not just to reflect on what I’ve lost, but to honor what I’ve gained—a life where I wake up every day excited about the work I do, a life where I feel like I’m making a difference. I am still healing, still growing, and still learning to balance the weight of what happened with gratitude for where I am now.
And finally
To anyone who has faced similar struggles, I hope my story can offer some encouragement. It’s okay to grieve what was lost, to feel the sting of unfairness, and to acknowledge that some scars don’t fade quickly. But it is also okay to hold space for new dreams and new purposes, even if they come from unexpected places. Today, I am living a life that feels true to me, and sometimes even better than the one I originally planned.
If you’re navigating a challenging career transition or need support through a tough situation, I’m here to help. As a coach, I offer guidance to those who feel stuck, unheard, or unsure of their next steps. One of my recent clients shared, “Michelle’s mentorship was transformative during a challenging career phase. Amidst a lack of support and career doubts, her guidance was indispensable. In an evolving field like wildlife management, Michelle offers valuable insights for navigating workplace challenges. The tools she imparted not only benefited my professional growth but also enhanced my personal development.” If you think I could help you too, feel free to reach out—I’d love to support you in finding your path forward.
Written by Michelle Doerr with the help of AI.