Surviving and Thriving Job Loss

Anyone had experience of this? I came to the U.S. from South Africa more than a dozen years ago after a nonprofit I had joined folded. I was going to just stay a year, but remained in California. While here, I have had four jobs fold on me — retrenched, fired, laid off, whatever one might call it! As a writer and a life coach, I thought I would like to explore the issue of job loss and it's impact. I know that often, it results in resourcefulness, creativity and positive change. I think that maybe also there is something to do with being an ex-pat and being resourceful, although I think resourcefulness can be hindered by confidence (lack of it!)
I'd love to hear comments on this, experiences, thoughts. Maybe others will find it interesting, as I do, and also, hopefully, useful. Thanks!