
The Zack Arnold Podcast [CASE STUDY] “What should I do when I’ve been fired from a gig?” with Chris Salters
Chris Salters is a freelance editor working on brand films, commercials and documentaries, as well as a long time member of the Optimize Yourself Coaching and Membership program. While we could spend multiple episodes talking about Chris’ success in both his career and the coaching program, instead, today we’re talking about how Chris reached out to me after “dropping the ball” and being fired from work.
Being a veteran in the industry, Chris is no stranger to difficult tasks, challenges, shifting timetables, and high levels of stress. However while in this particular situation, despite the confidence Chris had that he could manage it, he ultimately failed. Today we dive deep into the situation and discuss how failure is a positive aspect in all of our lives despite what it may seem, and that even having a ton of “experience” in a particular field does not exempt you from encountering a moment of failure.
Chris shares the difficulties of dealing with failure (despite the encouraging words surrounding him) and we break down ways in which you can use these heavy emotions to in turn feel more motivated. We are ALL going to experience failure (and quite frankly, already have) and my conversation with Chris will not only help you better embrace the experience when it happens, it will help you understand there is no faster catapult towards success.
Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?
» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode
Here’s What You’ll Learn:
- Why being fired affected Chris so deeply, despite being a veteran to the stress and challenges of his profession
- The real reason you should be upfront about the skills you lack (that benefits you)
- The key difference between inspiration and motivation and why you should know the difference
- The words of encouragement Chris received from his spouse that helped him through
- How failure changed Chris’ workflow for the better
- The benefit of negative emotions and how you can use them for motivation
- Why Chris’ instinct to charge less after being fired was a harmful and bad idea
- The specific “human skills” you can bring to the workplace that make you more valuable than technical skills
- What Chris did that made the producer of the job that fired him reach out to work together again
- The ONE thing Chris would have done knowing what he knows now (and it’s not doing the job better)
Useful Resources Mentioned:
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol S. Dweck, Ph. D.
Continue to Listen & Learn
Ep218: How to Know (Without a Doubt) If It’s Time to Quit | with Annie Duke
Ep148: “I Was Fired For Requesting a Single Mental Health Day” | with Jim Page
7 Red Flags You Might Be Burned Out (Or You’re Headed There)
Severance Is Not Only the Dystopian Future of Workplace Burnout…In Many Ways We’re Already There
[CASE STUDY] Why I Said No to a Job (A Great One)…During a Pandemic
Tired of Holding it Together All the Time? Here are Five Basic Needs to Get You Back On Track
Guest Bio:
CHRIS SALTERS
Chris Salters is a freelance editor, working on brand films, commercials, and documentaries. He’s based in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, father of 2, likes woodworking, triathlons, and copious amounts of coffee.
Show Credits:
This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

