The most important thing is to remain calm and see it as an opportunity to reflect,change and improve

Let's take a look at how you can bounce back gracefully after getting fired

DEAL WITH THE SHOCK OF GETTING FIRED To lose your job is to lose your identity as a worker and as a person - most of us define ourselves by our job titles, and since work is where we spend majority of our time and energy.

Being laid off can be a slap to our sense of self-worth- it implies that you are not good enough. It's no wonder you feel confused and emotional. I've been there.

And from experience, first you have to digest what happened and deal with the overflow of sensations. People who recover quickly from the pain losing a job tend to do 2 things well:

First - They accept their feelings of sadness, anger and shame as part of the healing process. Second - They do their complaining to a friend

STAY AWAY FROM DRAMA QUEENS Mass layoffs are unfortunately very common. If this is your situation, then you may be surrounded by a lot of people who say " It's not fair!". After everything we've done! We don't deserve this! We're going to sue!

Yeah, you lost your job, that's tough. But please, I urge you to stay away from the negativity. Positivity is the only and most important attitude to have right now. Life is not harder for you than it is for other people on this planet. You live in a democracy, you have freedom of choice and you enjoy a certain material of abundance.

So staying positive and focused on what's going well in your life and the excitement about future opportunities that are available to you. Getting laid off or fired is a temporary setback. Staying positive can be challenging - so

TAKE A BREAK AND LET THE DUST SETTLE Instead of running straight into another job that may not be the right one either. Take a short break from the job loss. Take the break to be attentive to yourself for self care. Everything goes fast these days that we often do not stop to think or give ourselves the permission to nurture ourselves.

BE ANCHORED IN THE PRESENT Since you no longer have a holdon the past but you have not yet designed your future. Try to build yourself up with the present. What do I mean by that? I mean right now is the time you only have any control over. Focus on that instead of losing yourself in memories or reliving that awful day you got fired over and over in your head.

UNDERSTAND the WHY There are a lot of reasons why people get fired. Sometimes the mistake is yours - and it's embarrassing. Other times, it's not your fault. Business change direction all the time. Either way, to give the situation some closure, you need to understand WHY. Be honest with yourself. It's not easy to admit you might have dropped the ball but it's the best way to turn the situation into a learning experience. Ask yourself:

• What skills do I need to improve on?
• Is there training you can access or learning you can do?
• In the end, did this job sit you that much? Were you happy there?

Reflecting on these questions can help put things into perspective. What lessons you have learn to avoid repeating the same patterns in your next job?

FIND OUT IF YOU WERE THE RIGHT FIT? Hiring decisions come down to personality. You can study for an interview all you like, but every candidate who is chosen for the interview has the right credentials for the job. So that's what I mean when the final decision boils down to personality. Who does the recruiter likes best? Who is the better fit for the company.

Now firing decisions are based on personality too. Slacking off and playing fast and losee with the company rules. All of these reasons are down to one thing in common: Personality.

REDISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS AND TALENTS A personality test can give you insight on your strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and work potential. Do you have leadership qualities? How do you communicate and manager conflict. What benefits do you add to an organization? When you become aware of your potential, you will have the confidence to search and find the work you love.

GET THE WORD OUT Getting a new job is tough but it helps to have a clear idea of the direction you want o go. Look around for inspiration, talk to recruiters. Use available resources at your disposal : job search agencies, headhunters, coaches, career websites, and so on. These resources can help you match your qualifications to the job requirements.

ANTICIPATE QUESTIONS AND KNOW HOW TO ANSWER THEM Even if it wasn't your fault - getting fired can hurt you if you don't know how to explain why you were let go. You have to be honest and tell recruiters the truth. The best approach is to take responsibility and show that you want to go forward and that you understand the lesson.

ADAPT AND PERSIST Throughout this journey we call life, you will inevitably go through moments of self doubt and disappointment. There are undulations in every road and these are normal steps to regaining self confidence after getting fired. Stay tough - don't conclude your future is hopeless just because a dream job doesn't land right away. You open a positive path when you maintain focus. Have the confidence and faith that the job for you is out there. And remember, you are NOT alone. Many people, including myself have walked this road and I urge you to keep the momentum. Stay open minded- and go where the opportunities take you. It will bring you closer to the job you really want.

COMING OUT ON TOP Getting fired isn't the ideal situation, but it's not the end of the world either. Even if it feels like it. You will get through it and emerge happier on the other side.

Be clear on what you want, have courage and believe in yourself. In the end, you may decide that getting fired was the best thing that ever happened to you. It can be the catalyst for a powerful, career-fulfilling change!!