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Getting fired does more than take away your paycheck. It can damage your pride–and even give you symptoms of PTSD. It’s a terrible experience that many of us are reluctant to talk about.
If you unexpectedly lose your job, you can handle it with grace. In fact, it might actually be a good thing for your career in the long run.
When you get called into the dreaded meeting with your supervisor, it might be a shock. Even if you suspected that things were headed this direction, it’s still unpleasant. It’s natural to feel upset, even angry. But keep those emotions under wraps.
You won’t gain anything by throwing a tantrum. If you’re prone to tears when you experience extreme emotions, do your best to hold the waterworks in check. People will remember how you left the building for the last time, and it could hurt your professional reputation.
Let out those emotions when you get home. Give yourself a window for raging, crying, or whatever it is that you need to feel. Just don’t vent those feelings in public–especially on social media.
Trying to figure out why you were fired can be maddening. If you were previously on a performance improvement plan, or PIP, then you might already have a good idea about what happened.
Regardless, it’s still going to be tempting to blame everyone else but yourself. Incompetent management, scheming coworkers, rude clients–those may legitimately be factors in what happened. However, don’t let that distract you from some introspection. How might your behavior have contributed to losing your job? What could you do differently in the future?
For many people, getting fired is a wake-up call about their own self-defeating actions.
Once you’ve had some time to think–but not enough time to dwell–grab a notebook and start making lists. How long will your savings last? If you need money right now, how can you get it?
Research your state’s unemployment rules to see if you can apply for benefits. Don’t assume that you aren’t eligible! You can also brainstorm jobs or side-hustles that could keep you afloat while you search for your next career step.
You don’t need to say that you were fired on your resume or in your cover letter. However, if the prospective employer asks whether you were fired, you need to be truthful. Keep it short, maintain a positive attitude, and don’t badmouth your former boss.
