Stanley Mason died in December of 2006 at the age of 84. In his last 50 years he invented over 100 inventions and 55 patents include the squeezable ketchup bottle, granola bars, heated pizza boxes, heatproof plastic microwave cookware, dental floss dispensers, the underwire bra and “instant” splints and casts for broken limbs.
Mason created his first invention at the age of 7: a clothespin fishing lure that he sold to his friends. In 1949, Mason had his first major breakthrough: changing his baby boy’s diapers inspired him to invent, and later patent, the world’s first disposable, pin-free diapers that were contoured to fit a baby’s bottom.
He spent most of his time in worthwhile charitable organizations, but had a simple business and income goal: He would invent at least one product a year that would make him a million dollars, thus freeing up his time to devote to worthy causes.
In his late 20s, while working for the American Can Company, he was called in see the 
company CEO and assumed he was getting a raise. “I understand you are working on a disposable diaper,” Mason quoted the chairman as saying. “Don’t you know that no one will ever use a disposable diaper? We got along without you before you came, and we’ll get along after you leave. Good-bye.”
“You should always be fired in America,” he told the Fairfield Business Journal in 1998. “That is how you get ahead.”
Stanley Mason “invented” simply things for practical daily use. His career stands as proof that an aspiring inventor needs neither abstract theory nor high technology to become a major success. There is still plenty of opportunity for great ideas.
We have tons of stories in the 48Days.net community about people who got fired – and then exploded on the path to develop their dream.
What’s your experience been with getting fired? Did it release anger and resentment, or springboard you to your biggest success? Do you have an idea that would make you a million dollars this year?
In fear of losing all my income, I fired myself and have not looked back. In 8 days our family is leaving Milwaukee, WI and moving to Maui, Hawaii as a result of doing the business I love. We’re living a life of freedom, it’s amazing!
That’s so awesome, Kimanzi! I’ve been following your story on podcasts like The Iron Jen and on Joel and Pei’s show – your success is so inspiring and I hope you guys have a smooth transition to HI!
Thank you 🙂
Hi Kimanzi,
Like Elyssa, I have been following your story as well. Very inspiring. Way to go and good luck!
Thanks Paul, we leave for Maui on Tuesday!
I love this Mason guy! My husband got downsized a couple of years ago – thank God, we had already started a side business that was more in line with both of our passions by that point, spurred on by 48 Days to the Work You Love. I agree – having him be let go was a jolt for us and it gave us the courage and determination to get our careers aligned with our passions and GO for it! Thanks for the great example, Dan!
Elyssa – yeah Stanley Mason was quite a guy. Joshua has so many great ideas – just needs that one a year to take off.
Dan,
You are just the best at bringing us such awesome stories!!! Seriously!!!
While not being fired, my job was “kicked to the wayside” when our medical clinic closed after 30+ years. Most of the employees were hired on through the two main healthcare systems nearby, but there wasn’t a need for my position as I worked for our leadership team and hospitals had their own leadership teams. It was so hurtful having been so needed for so long and then just kind of discarded as I wasn’t “needed” anymore. While it was painful at the time to have gone through, I am so grateful it happened as there is NO WAY I would be doing the stuff I am doing today. In fact, if I had gotten hired on, I doubt that it would have been much fun – there I would have been – stuck in average and not thinking to change most likely. Instead, being thrust into a world of being discontent made me jump out of my comfort zone to discover something that is totally rewarding and fulfilling. What a joy being able to look back and see that the muck along the way was just the fertilizer in the field for what me and my family are harvesting today. MANY thanks Dan Miller!!!!
Jen – funny how those unexpected and unwelcome things are often the jump start we need to pursue our dreams.
This may sound twisted, but I have been HOPING to get fired. Well, maybe not fired, but laid-off at least. As things continue to change in my company and folks are made redundant, I keep hoping to be on list with a nice severance of course so that I can devote more time to turning my passion into a career. Alas, I am top performer and too valuable to them. Instead, they keep cutting my commissions hoping I’ll show myself to the door. I hustle in the evenings and weekends developing my passions in hopes of soon firing my company.
Bryan – yep, that’s a common Catch22. If you’re good, you’re the last to be let go. The low performers are often launched out with the nice severance packages.
Dan, Thanks for your reply!
You are so right. The easy
solution would be to pull back efforts at work and become a bottom performer. I have too much integrity though. As I work on my exit strategy targeting
October, just today I closed a tier one size client. Can’t wait to put those efforts towards my
own business!
Bryan, there a certain amount of pain involved be rejected by an employer, no longer able to support yourself or your family. I would advise an exit plan to get the heck out of there and on track with you passion.
David, I agree with you since I have been laid off twice before. My exit strategy is in the works to do it on my terms.
“You should always be fired in America,” he told the Fairfield Business Journal in 1998. “That is how you get ahead.”
Brilliant!
I have lost more than a few jobs in my career lifetime. Sometimes it was downsizing but usually it was I because I took my position for granted. I would begin taking gratuitous benefits; such as doing personal business on company time, taking longer lunch breaks, surfing the internet. I was never fired for any of these things but my attitude is what gave me a way. I became unenergetic and late on most projects. It was obvious that the party was over. I am a slow learner so it took loosing a few jobs before I discovered how important it is to find a method to stay engaged at work. Do you think it is tuff to stay motivated now wait until you are in business for yourself. You will eat, sleep and be consumed by your ability to become profitable. I suggest working regular job while developing a business to transition to. It is no fun working around the clock, neglecting your family and having little to show for it. Be smart.