Buzz
Perhaps you sensed the inevitable when your small company was acquired by a larger corporation, or maybe the news hit you like a ton of bricks when your boss asked you to come into their office and delivered the shocking words: 'I’m sorry, but we have to let you go.' Regardless of how it happened, it's natural to feel a mix of anger, resentment, and disbelief towards your former employer. You may also be feeling anxious and uncertain about what comes next in your career. But with the right mindset and coping techniques, you can navigate the aftermath of being fired and move on with confidence.
Actions to Take
Handling the Immediate Aftermath of the Firing
Resist the urge to lash out or lose control. While you might be overwhelmed with emotions like anger or frustration, it's essential to remain composed and not lash out at your boss or colleagues. Once you’re informed about the termination, try to keep your emotions in check and avoid reacting impulsively.
- Getting upset or confronting your boss and coworkers aggressively will only damage your reputation and create unnecessary drama. Instead, try to leave the meeting with some semblance of dignity.
- Physical altercations are never a solution. No matter how enraged you may feel, resorting to violence will almost certainly lead to legal trouble, which could severely hinder your job search, as many employers conduct background checks.
Ask for the specific reasons behind your termination. There's a clear distinction between being laid off and being fired. Find out why your employers decided to fire you rather than lay you off. Was it a result of workplace behavior? A particular incident or issue that went wrong? Or was it due to cost-cutting measures or downsizing?
- Social media activity can sometimes lead to termination. If your posts are deemed offensive, the company may choose to sever ties with you.
- Understanding the reasons behind your firing helps clarify the situation and gives you an opportunity to improve in specific areas for your future job roles.
Don’t rush into signing the severance agreement. After you’re told about your termination, your employer may present you with paperwork regarding your severance package. Resist the urge to sign it right away.
- Take the time to review the documents and, if possible, consult with a lawyer. You might be able to negotiate a better severance offer, particularly if you've been with the company for a long time.
Clarify how your departure will be communicated to the rest of the company. This is especially important if you held a prominent role or had direct client relationships for an extended period.
- If you’ve developed relationships with clients, it’s vital that the company explains your firing truthfully without damaging your professional reputation.
- It’s also essential to know how your employer will describe your departure to future potential employers when they ask for a reference.
- If you prefer that your former employer does not act as a reference, request that they only verify your employment dates without offering further details.
End the conversation with a handshake. Though it may be difficult, especially right after receiving the bad news, try to part on amicable terms. Keeping a positive rapport with your employer is important, even if you're upset. You don’t want to leave the situation with bad blood that could negatively impact you later on.
Pack up and leave the office quietly. Resist the urge to walk around the office telling everyone about your termination. Doing so will appear unprofessional and could cause tension with your former employer. Pack your belongings neatly in a box, only taking what’s essential, and exit the building.
- Consider calling or meeting up with close colleagues after hours to say your goodbyes, outside the office setting.
- When gathering your things, remain calm and composed. Avoid letting your emotions take over.
- In some instances, you may be asked to leave immediately and not allowed to gather your belongings. If this occurs, HR will likely collect your personal items and either mail them to you or make arrangements for you to pick them up later. Ensure you regularly track your personal items at work to avoid any surprises later on.
Apply for unemployment benefits. In many states, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits unless your termination was due to intentional misconduct.
- Check your state's specific unemployment benefits policies to see if you qualify.
Taking a Step Back to Reflect and Recover
Don’t shy away from admitting you were fired. While it might be hard at first, saying 'I was fired' to yourself or to others can help you process and accept the situation. It’s a crucial step in moving past the emotional impact of being fired.
- If a prospective employer asks about your previous job, be honest about the circumstances surrounding your termination, but emphasize that you left on good terms. This will show your potential employer that you are truthful and can handle difficult situations professionally.
Lean on your friends and family for support. Nurture your connections with loved ones, including your partner, family, and close friends. Don’t try to navigate your stress and emotions alone.
- It’s okay to open up to those you trust about your experience. While isolation may seem tempting, reaching out to your support network can be key to processing your feelings and moving forward.
Seek help from a therapist or counselor. Talking about being fired with loved ones can be therapeutic, but professional help from a therapist or counselor can assist in addressing any lingering anger or frustration you may be feeling.
- Though moving forward is important, it’s equally essential to confront any unresolved emotions from the firing. Dealing with these feelings will allow you to progress in a healthier, more balanced way.
Don’t get caught up in "what if" thinking. It’s easy to fall into the trap of 'What if I hadn’t been late for that meeting?' or 'What if I had put in more overtime?' But constantly dwelling on the past won’t help you move forward. The 'what ifs' are impossible to answer and will only prevent you from focusing on the positives in your life.
- Instead of fixating on 'what ifs,' shift your thinking to 'what now’s.' For example, 'What can I do with my newly available time?' or 'What steps can I take to move forward and succeed?'
Channel your energy into things you enjoy or skills you want to improve. Use this time to relax and unwind by engaging in activities that you never had time for before. Avoid slipping into inactivity or laziness.
- Read that book you've been putting off or join a recreational volleyball game that you had to skip while working.
- Declutter your space and donate unused items. Go for morning walks to soak in the calm of your newfound free time.
- Join a gym or take classes at your local YMCA. Release any stress by participating in sports or social activities with friends.
Review your financial situation. To be prepared, assume that you may not secure a new job right away. Take the time to review your monthly expenses, savings, and investments. Plan how you’ll manage your finances without a steady income for the next few months.
- You may want to consult a financial planner or seek advice from a legal professional.
- If you are receiving severance pay, be sure to incorporate this into your budget. However, try not to rely solely on this pay. It's important not to deplete your savings or investments too quickly while you're job hunting.
Looking Ahead
Consider your next career move. Did you truly enjoy your last job, or are you feeling the pull to explore a different career path? Think about how satisfied you were in your previous position and whether pursuing something else might lead to greater happiness and fulfillment.
Recognize your transferable skills. If you're considering a career change, it's essential to evaluate the skills you’ve acquired in your previous job. For instance, if you worked in an admissions office but are now aiming for a role in sales, you likely have valuable communication and interpersonal skills. These are your transferable skills.
- If you're unsure of what your transferable skills are, consider taking a career assessment test online.
- You can also do a self-assessment. Think about what would be the next ideal step in your career and what would bring you joy. Reflect on why employers would want to hire you and what unique skills you bring to the table.
Develop an action plan. This could involve updating your resume and online profiles, attending business events to network, and letting everyone in your circle know you’re actively job hunting. Use every contact you have to its fullest potential.
Practice your own job interview. It can be tough to rebuild your confidence after being fired, but conducting a mock interview can help you feel more at ease promoting your skills to future employers. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What are my weaknesses? This is a frequent interview question and can be tricky to answer. Focus on areas for professional growth rather than personal shortcomings. Offer solutions to improve. For instance: 'I am currently working on enhancing my public speaking skills by attending Toastmasters.'
- Why should someone hire me? Summarize your experience in one concise statement. For example: 'With over five years of sales experience and a proven track record, I can make a significant impact in your company.'
- What are my goals? Focus on short-term objectives you can achieve within the next year. For example: 'My immediate goal is to secure a role in a growing sales company, with the long-term goal of assuming a leadership position.'
Don’t dismiss temporary jobs. While you may hesitate to take on a temporary position, consider your financial situation. If money is tight, a temporary job can provide immediate relief and potentially open the door to permanent opportunities.
- Instead of sticking to what you know, be open to new opportunities that may arise. You never know where a new path may lead until you take the first step.
Appreciate the work you get. Once you land your next job, value the opportunity and give your best effort. This is a chance to prove yourself, especially if it's in a career that brings you satisfaction and fulfillment.
