From Fired to Filthy Rich: Pink Slip Millionaires
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Some of today's most successful entrepreneurs were once fired, laid off, or otherwise sent packing by a former employer. Instead of finding a new job, they launched successful businesses of their own. Here are a few of our favorites:
How to Cope if You're Fired -
J.K. Rowling
A former secretary who was once fired for writing short stories at her computer, J.K. Rowling used her severance pay to help finance the first Harry Potter novel. Several best-selling books and blockbuster films later, the self-made billionaire is the world's second-wealthiest female entertainer after Oprah Winfrey.
Pink Slip Recovery -
Michael Bloomberg
New York's mayor might be angling for the White House these days, but back in his late 30s, Michael Bloomberg lost his job as a manager at Salomon Brothers after a corporate takeover. Using his corporate stock earnings from the sale, he founded Bloomberg -- a media empire now valued at as much as $20 billion.
Pink Slip Recovery -
Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank
Laid off from Handy Dan by a corporate raider in the late 1970s, Arthur Blank and Bernie Marcus lost nearly $1 million the year they launched their first home-improvement store in Atlanta. Today, the Home Depot chain has more than 2,100 stores across North America.
Pink Slip Recovery -
David Neeleman
Not long after Southwest Airlines bought David Neeleman's first low-budget airline, the company canned him as an executive planner. He launched JetBlue in 1999 -- building a cult following with live TV at each seat.
Pink Slip Recovery -
Inc.com Feature:
Pink Slip Recovery Tips
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