Don't Wait till it's too late
I’ve seen this happen to good workers in the past but never really gave it much though because it never happened to me, until NOW! Why do managers avoid addressing work performance issues until it too late? Not by means of verbal abuse, threatening harassment, or unfair treatment but with an honest, constructive, and respectful one on one conversation over specific work issues and improvement options. Is that asking for too much? Anyway, I was let go from a job recently for no obvious or apparent reason. Just called into the managers office in the middle of my shift, given my paycheck, and told I was no longer needed. Hopeless and lost! Who’s going to want to hire a 58 year old worker with a FIRED status on their work history?
Victor, Sorry to hear about your situation. Your manager was probably instructed to do that from his or her boss. To do it in the middle of a shift is odd to me. Not knowing the details on your situation I can only speculate as to the reasons why this has happened. You long term employment may have created a situation where they can hire younger at less cost. The company may be cutting back for financial reasons or to be sold. Your job may be outsourced. It sounds like your manager had no idea this was coming either. It will be tough finding work.If you want some help setting up a consulting company while you can get unemployment funds I will be happy to help. Just get in touch with some more details. Wbarr22@gmail.com
So sorry Victor.
Noting that you didn't say how long you were with this company ... From your description of what happened, it seems likely that 'FIRED' is not going to be on your record. More likely 'LAID OFF for lack of work', and able to collect unemployment.
I don't know your chances of finding a new job. This serves as a reminder that any of us might be 'early retired' sooner than we intended. Therefore not only should we live below our means, we should live quite a bit below our means, and save against the chance of an early retirement.
Yeah, that sucks but you’ll eventually get over it with time and be better prepared to see the warning signs in other jobs. Keep your head up and move on!
So sorry that happened to you. Getting fired is no easy pill to swallow but it’s not an uncommon practice that unfortunately happens to the best of us. Look for local legal counsel if you feel the firing was unjust or in violation of your protected employment rights.
I'm so sorry, Victor!! That's really awful.
Did they tell you that performance was the reason you were let go?? You mention managers not giving constructive criticism until it's too late, but then say that you were only told you weren't needed... just want to clarify.
And as to why people don't give feedback: because it's hard. It's hard for people to tell someone something they think might make him/her upset. This leaves a potentially bad situation unresolved... and then it gets worse until things fall apart. It's not the right thing to do, but lots of people can't bear to give a tough message.
I know it's hard, especially if you were let go recently, but please keep your spirits up. There are lots of employers who are looking for great employees. Keep your options open, talk to as many people as you can about jobs (including here at Jobcase), do lots of networking and set small goals for yourself to keep things moving forward.
Best of luck ~ please check back in with us to let us know how you're doing.
Go on with your jobsearch like any other applicant. Don’t focus talking about the consequences around your last job unless asked.