Upset Termination
Getting Fired Sucks! It’s not my intention to be bulgar but there’s no other word I can use to describe the humiliation, embarrassment, and fear, one feels as a result of instantly losing a job. Especially if the firing is unjust or even worse, illegal. I’ve had 2 experiences in my work life where I was fired. One was simply because the boss didn’t like me and the other was part of a layoff. It took me a long time to get through the grieving process on both occasions. The financial stress, anxiety, self-doubt and depression for the first few weeks was overwhelming but what I found even more difficult was having to adapt new routines, activities, and relationships to fill in my days and stay active. When I finally recovered from the layoff back in 2005 I made a decision that jobs were no longer going to define me, own me, or govern the level of happiness in my life. I have a good job now that I’m grateful for and I dedicate myself to wholeheartedly when I’m there but I understand that working relationship can end instantly. Today, I focus on keeping my skills sharp, updating my resume regularly, and I routinely go shopping for other jobs to test the job market. As an employee I can’t control the firing decision but I can control how I choose to respond to that experience by being more prepared. I just wanted to share my story around this awful experience and hope this message will encourage community members currently dealing with job loss. Move Forward and Turn Powerlessness into Empowerment!
Wow!! I am impressed, I had the same exact thing happen to me, and still am in fear of losing my job, the job I have now. I have PTSD from being fired instantly, and used all my savings, I have no savings right now so if I lost my job right now I would be in trouble which scares the hell out of me. So I save every dime I get right now to protect myself. Good for you, I hate the job I have right now, and have been looking like crazy, cant get hired anywhere. So, I just hope everyday my luck will change.
I know exactly what you went through. I was working for a telemarketer for 1 week. Hired at 10.00 an hr with spiff money if you made more than your Company required as acceptable. The last day on the job ( I didn't know that it was my last day) I had a girl who was what the Company called a confirmed employee. We had discussed making some Women's tops that we could sell for extra money. When she came over to my cubicle I stood up and put my arm around her shoulder so I could whisper in her ear that the girl next to me was wanting to know about what we were making. When I did that the Manager yelled my name out loud in front of the whole call center. I walked over to him not understanding why he just did that and he sat on the bench in the office and accused me of touching the other employee that I put my arm around her shoulders to whisper in her ear of sexually touching her. Now at this time she was sitting next to him on the bench. Every employee also was listening to what he just accused me of. I really thought he was joking. He said to me look on the board and read #4. I was in disbelief. I asked the employee whom I did this too did I in any way shape or form touch you in a sexual manner? She stated No. Why are you saying that John. You know that is not true. I was so humiliated I turned and walked back to my seat. As I put my headset on I whisperd under my breathe I should get a lawyer. He had tapped into my headset and heard me say that to myself. He stood up, yelled get out. You are fired. Get your belongings and do not step foot on this property again. I will mail you your check. The employee could not believe he just did that. As I left the building she followed me. She said my name and then stated he looked at me when you walked away from him with a grin on his face and stated to her and I quote what she said to me. I was only kidding with her you know. But she said when he heard me whisper to myself what I did he angrily exploded. This happened in front of every employee there. She kept apologizing to me over and over. She did not understand why he turned that crazy and loud and accusing me of that. She started to cry. I said to her, dont cry. I would never be able to come back here for anything. It was not her fault. Well he sent me my paycheck for the time I was there. He paid me 8.50 an hr. It is people like him Florida is in the conition it is in. I was devestated. Things like this are unheard of. I waz working again after a month. This State needs UNIONS bad. That is the reason you either live wealthy here or at poverty level. There are so many nationalities in this stat and illegal aliens that are taking hard working people the jobs they deserve even the law enforcement can't protect and serve. They protect and kill. Every person down here is a half a bubble off. It is impossible to live the American dream down here. This is not a state it is a jungle that happens to reside in the United States of America.
Excellent Max!!! I was laid off from a decent job in November 2015. I went thru anxiety, self doubt, financial stress. I am currently working contract doing title work for refinancing. The whole process of getting laid off can mess with your head if you let it. Absolutely correct, can not let it define who you are.
Amazing message. I can relate to much of it. I am still looking for that great job but I am thankful for what I have now.
I’m having trouble communication why I were fired to a new employer. I had 2 failed interviews so far for jobs I should have easily landed. Do you have any suggestions?
Happy to hear you were able to comeback. My dad worked a back breaking labor job for years until the company closed down the plant. He felt lost at his age without a job. He started doing small home repair side jobs and eventually opened his own small business. Today he's an employer not an employee. Sometimes losing a bad job can be a blessing in disguise.
I also went through a long period of anger and resentment when I got fired. The bitterness came through in my attitude and body language during interviews that kept me from some real good job opportunities. It’s hard to move but one has to move on.
Thanks for the insight Max. Losing a job due to a layoff or downsizing is one thing but being forced to leave a job for speaking your mind or changing a wrong to a right is a shame.