A week after my dreamy honeymoon, I returned to work at Henderson Marketing feeling refreshed and ready. Instead, I was called into my manager’s office and fired—because I hadn’t invited anyone from the office to my wedding. I was stunned. My job performance had always been excellent, and I had never crossed any lines. But Mrs. Wiggins said I had failed to “integrate with company culture” and accused me of creating a “hostile work environment” by being too private.

I wasn’t antisocial—I was cautious. At my previous job, a colleague stalked me after I overshared. Since then, I’ve been guarded. I kept my head down and did my work. I never imagined that my privacy would be used against me.

My coworkers, especially Macy, had always pestered me for personal details. When she found my wedding photos online, she felt “betrayed” that I didn’t share the moment with the office. That invasion of privacy quickly became a reason to terminate me.

At home, I crumbled in my husband George’s arms. He was furious but supportive. He reminded me of the handmade toys and quilts I used to create—things that once brought me joy. “Maybe it’s time to bet on yourself,” he said. And I did.

Three months later, I launched “Suzanna’s Handmade Toys & Quilts.” I now have five employees who respect boundaries and value professionalism. When news broke about Henderson’s firing practices, they lost clients and credibility.

Some losses hurt at first. But sometimes, they free you to finally find your worth.