Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the woocommerce-smart-coupons domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114 Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /var/www/html/wp-includes/functions.php:6114) in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/wp-cloudflare-page-cache/src/Utils/Helpers.php on line 21 Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /var/www/html/wp-includes/functions.php:6114) in /var/www/html/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1893 {"id":3330,"date":"2020-01-24T22:16:20","date_gmt":"2020-01-24T22:16:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fmpblog-staging.findmyprofession.com\/career-advice\/getting-fired\/"},"modified":"2023-01-16T05:02:44","modified_gmt":"2023-01-16T05:02:44","slug":"getting-fired","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.findmyprofession.com\/career-advice\/getting-fired\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Fired: Meaning, Tips, & Moving Ahead"},"content":{"rendered":"

Maybe you have just been fired. Maybe you are worried about getting fired.<\/p>\n

It happens to the best of us.<\/p>\n

This article will give you a full guide for what comes after getting fired.<\/p>\n

We will give guidance not just about how to handle yourself in the immediate aftermath, but also how to best prepare yourself for future employment.<\/p>\n

Getting fired is just a bump in the road, not the end of the road.<\/p>\n

It is a difficult time, but you can make it into an opportunity.<\/p>\n

After reading this article, you will be well informed about what to do if you ever find yourself in this situation.<\/p>\n

(You can find more information about common reasons people get fired<\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

What to Do Immediately After Being Fired<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

There was a time when giving your former employer a piece of your mind may have been encouraged.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t do that.<\/p>\n

It may seem unfair at the time, and it is in our nature to defend ourselves. However, it will not help you in the long-run to burn bridges.<\/p>\n

You do not want it to appear that you are unpredictable, hard to work with, or a loose cannon.<\/p>\n

Take it on the chin.<\/p>\n

The fallout caused by cutting ties negatively will almost always last longer than the emotion of getting fired.<\/p>\n

Taking it on the chin does not mean that you just go home without saying a word.<\/p>\n

There are some things that you can do that won\u2019t reflect badly on your character. This image highlights those things.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/span><\/p>\n

Read on for more detailed advice:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Clarify and understand why you are getting fired. Show that you want to do better next time.<\/li>\n
  2. Find out whether the decision to fire you can be discussed or even appealed.<\/li>\n
  3. Find out about severance pay. This is often provided for outgoing employees, as long as misconduct or breach of contract are not causes of your termination. This is usually correlative with the amount of time spent at the job in question. <\/li>\n
  4. Find out when your final paycheck will be paid.<\/li>\n
  5. Ask about your entitlement to unemployment. Depending on the reason for your termination, your employer may state that they will not contest your claim. For more specific details, contact your state\u2019s unemployment office<\/a>.<\/li>\n
  6. Ask about getting\/giving references. If the date of your termination is not immediate, you can get references from colleagues or senior staff. Always be sure to offer to return the favor.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    It can be a very heavy time, emotionally. If needed, you may be able to set up an appointment for later that day, so you can gather your thoughts and ask the right questions. <\/p>\n

    Even if being fired is not the best feeling, there are good and bad ways to handle the revelation.<\/p>\n

    Bad ways may be tempting, but they are also detrimental.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Tips for the Days After Being Fired<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

    Above are examples of what you want to do as early as possible after getting fired.<\/p>\n

    As much as you want to, talking negatively about your former employer, job, colleagues or clients on your social media accounts will not help you.<\/p>\n

    So what will?<\/p>\n

    Use this as a checklist for what to do after you have been terminated.<\/p>\n

    \"What<\/span><\/p>\n

    Here are additional details for what the days after being fired should look like.<\/p>\n

    Keep Your Emotions in Check<\/h3>\n

    This is quite a stressful and difficult process to go through. It can come as a complete shock, maybe one that you do not feel entirely ready for. <\/p>\n

    It is a lot easier said than done, but trying to keep a lid on emotions and not feel overwhelmed will help you a lot. Keep a level head to keep moving forward.<\/p>\n

    Do Not Let This Define You<\/h3>\n

    A lot of people allow a time like this to define their aptitude. This does not define you as a person or as a professional. The capability of a friend or family member would not be turned on its head because of one dismissal – so why are you any different?<\/p>\n

    Prepare Financially<\/h3>\n

    Your income has changed, you likely want to plan ahead to have better control over the situation.<\/p>\n

    Have a plan in place for at least three months. These gaps in employment happen to the best of us. However, some prepare better than others.<\/p>\n

    Do Your Research About Unemployment and Wrongful Termination<\/h3>\n

    More detail will be covered in this article shortly, but these are matters that you want to be knowledgeable about.<\/p>\n

    Find Out About Health Insurance<\/h3>\n

    Find out when your health insurance will end and make sure your premiums are deducted from your final check appropriately.<\/p>\n

    COBRA is a way in which you can continue the employer-sponsored health insurance for a time. The key difference is that you will pick up the tab instead of your employer paying any of the premium.<\/p>\n

    Exercise<\/h3>\n

    From going to the gym to walking trails, exercise is a fantastic way of looking after both your physical and mental health. That is always important, but it is easy to fall out of the routine when going through a time like this.<\/p>\n

    Work on Your Resume<\/h3>\n

    The job may have ended unfavorably. However, you can still include the skills attained and achievements accomplished in the job.<\/p>\n

    Hitting all of your sales targets for years does not get counteracted by an inconvenient ending, for example. <\/p>\n

    Get Back Out There<\/h3>\n

    It may be easy to lose hope, but maybe there is an even better opportunity waiting for you.<\/p>\n

    Obviously, it isn\u2019t an ideal situation at all, but you can try to make the best of it.<\/p>\n

    It is not easy to prepare yourself to move on, but you have to. The sooner you come to that decision, the better.<\/p>\n

    All the details about what you have to do after you are fired can be overwhelming at first. Slow down. These tips are to help organize your responsibilities, not to make you feel more stressed.<\/p>\n

    (Refer to our article about getting laid off<\/a> to learn more about the aftermath of unexpectedly leaving a job.)<\/em><\/p>\n

    \n

    What to Avoid Doing After Being Fired<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

    It is rather obvious, but you do not want to make a bad situation worse.<\/p>\n

    That means that you should do everything you can to not make things harder for yourself both professionally and personally.<\/p>\n

    Here is a summary of things to avoid after you have been fired:<\/p>\n

    \"What<\/span><\/p>\n

    We will explain each of these “don’ts” below:<\/p>\n

    Do Not Allow Emotions to Control Your Immediate Reaction<\/h3>\n

    This is a difficult time, and only natural to get emotional. However, you may say or do something that you go on to regret if you do not take time to cool off.<\/p>\n

    Do Not Blame Colleagues and Supervisors for Your Shortcomings <\/h3>\n

    It is unprofessional to blame those who are not at fault. It also burns bridges, which you want to avoid.<\/p>\n

    Do Not Talk Negatively About the Job or Employer <\/h3>\n

    As highlighted earlier, speaking your mind may have temporary emotional benefits, but it will have long term professional downsides.<\/p>\n

    Do Not Refuse to Assist in the Transition<\/h3>\n

    If the date of your termination is not effective immediately, you can attempt to steady the ship and prepare your employer to move forward without you. This will reflect much better on you as an individual, and you increase your chances of getting good references.<\/p>\n

    Do Not Lie About the Experience  <\/h3>\n

    You may feel like you are saving face, but you can easily get caught in a lie.<\/p>\n

    Covering your backside by lying is potentially very damaging professionally if you are found out.<\/p>\n

    Remember that your history can and will be checked when pursuing future employment.<\/p>\n

    Do Not Neglect Loved Ones<\/h3>\n

    This is not an ordeal that you need to go through alone.<\/p>\n

    You have family and friends.<\/p>\n

    This is a stressful and difficult time for many people. Remaining connected to those who really matter and who really care is important.<\/p>\n

    They can encourage you emotionally and motivationally.<\/p>\n

    Do Not Throw a Pity Party for Yourself<\/h3>\n

    It is a difficult time, yes.  But pity is not going to help your situation at all.<\/p>\n

    Self-improvement, on the other hand, will.<\/p>\n

    It is not natural to see a situation like this as an opportunity, but that is exactly what you can make it.<\/p>\n

    Do Not Give Up<\/h3>\n

    As stated previously, this is just a setback. Do not lose confidence in yourself.<\/p>\n

    Remember, all the skills, achievements, and qualifications that landed you your last job are still there. Combine it with what you have learned, and you will be more ready for the next job.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Can You Get Unemployment If You Are Fired?<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

    The short answer is sometimes.<\/p>\n

    If you were fired for serious misconduct, lying about hours, violating rules or similar, you very likely will not qualify.<\/p>\n

    If you were fired over performance; however, it is a lot more up in the air.<\/p>\n

    Talking to HR before leaving will often give you some information about your eligibility. However, the best place for information is your state\u2019s unemployment office<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Getting fired for not hitting some targets gives you a significantly better chance than being fired for stealing company property.<\/p>\n

    The one thing that is clear is that eligibility is tied very much to the reason for the dismissal.<\/p>\n

    \n

    What Is Wrongful Termination?<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

    As the name suggests, not all firings are completely above board.<\/p>\n

    If your firing is not legitimate, then there is a serious case for pursuing wrongful termination.<\/p>\n

    Some examples of wrongful termination are as follows:<\/p>\n