When getting fired feels like the end of the world, remember that many successful women have faced this challenge and emerged even better.

Research indicates that female CEOs are significantly more likely to be let go than their male counterparts—by a staggering 45%. While the reasons for this trend remain unclear, it’s essential to acknowledge that job loss can occur even in thriving companies. If you find yourself in this situation, know that there’s hope!

Some of the most celebrated women across various fields have experienced significant job losses at some point. Fortunately, many have bounced back to achieve even greater heights. Here are six inspiring women who transformed their setbacks into opportunities for success.

Jean Chatzky

Jean Chatzky, a prominent financial editor, spent years building her career in personal finance journalism. After a long tenure at Money magazine, she faced unexpected job loss when the publication made significant cuts. Initially shocked, she later recognized this challenge as a pivotal moment. Losing her position motivated her to diversify her work and led to the launch of her own platform.

Anna Wintour

Now serving as the artistic director at Condé Nast and the legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue, Wintour began her career at a junior level at Harper’s Bazaar. Her tenure ended abruptly after just nine months due to her unconventional editorial choices. Reflecting on this experience, she humorously noted that it was a crucial lesson in understanding the fashion industry. Wintour went on to hold significant roles at various magazines, eventually landing at Vogue, where she revolutionized the publication.

Oprah Winfrey

Winfrey's ascent began while she was a student at Tennessee State University, where she became the first African-American female anchor at a Nashville news station. However, her journey was not without hurdles; after a brief stint in Baltimore marred by harassment, she was let go. This setback led her to the morning talk show “AM Chicago,” which quickly became a massive success, cementing her legacy in television.

In a reflective moment years later, Winfrey acknowledged that her challenging experiences in Baltimore contributed significantly to her personal growth.

Kerry Washington

Before winning acclaim as Olivia Pope in the ABC hit “Scandal,” Washington faced two early setbacks when she was let go from two previous shows. However, these experiences ultimately paved the way for her breakout role. Washington expressed relief about her earlier firings, realizing they led her to significant opportunities, including a starring role in the film “Ray.”

Kim France

Before establishing Lucky magazine, France held various editorial roles at other publications. Despite Lucky's initial success, the magazine struggled during the recession and she was eventually replaced. France redirected her passion into creating a blog, focusing on fashion for women beyond their 30s, and later became a curator for a shopping site, emphasizing that she preferred independence over traditional roles.

Pat Kingsley

Renowned PR expert Pat Kingsley represented a host of major Hollywood talents and was a pioneer in modern publicity strategies. After a long partnership with Tom Cruise, he unexpectedly let her go, which was a significant moment in her career. Kingsley continued to lead her agency and transitioned to a creative-focused role, emphasizing her love for working directly with clients. Reflecting on her career, she maintained a positive outlook, even on her departure.