I’m trying to think of the right way to start this post. I have a few thoughts on the subject of being fired (or even losing your job in general) that I want to share. Maybe a post in list form is the way to go?
Who Stole My Stapler Now Presents…
::drumroll::
My random thoughts on finding yourself unexpectedly unemployed:
- We have all worked with difficult people. There is a difference between having a personality clash or even a difference of opinions versus working with people that completely roadblock productivity with their piss-poor personality and inability to see another point of view. I personally believe anyone that cannot be a part of the solution (versus being the root of the problem) should be fired. Under what circumstances do you think someone should be fired?
- Although I didn’t actively watch his television series (I may have seen one or two episodes) I have Donald Trump on my list of top three people I would like to meet. I don’t think everything he does is perfect but he is clearly successful and I think more executives should be as willing as he is to utter the words “You’re FIRED!”. There are people on our teams that think they are indispensable. They are wrong. I have no patience for assitude (my new word that combines asshole and attitude).
- Everyone, everyone, everyone is replaceable. Are you prepared to be replaced? This article notes five ways you can prepare for a surprise lay off or firing. This is a list of things you should be thinking about EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
Discuss…
well you certainly got my attention! I think ‘fit’ is a huge piece of the puzzle. if you don’t fit into an organization, they will find a way to either make you uncomfortable so you leave or set you up for failure. if you are miserable, leave! why be miserable?
someone should be fired for a number of reasons - not doing their job, breaking corporate rules, etc.
However, i think the HOW someone is fired is also a topic that needs to be discussed. People should know WHY, they should have been given an opportunity to improve along the way. it should never be a surprise that they are going to be fired.
i actually had one guy i was working with say to me as we were telling him he was being let go “yup, i know, i didn’t do what i was supposed to do. i get it” he was sad but he understood. and he moved on to something he was much better suited to. Sometimes people need you to fire them in order to find out they are really good at something completely different!
Kate | October 30th, 2007 at 10:01 am
In a prior life as a group manager, I had to place a particularly troublesome employee on a performance plan. The person had previously been on performance plans with other managers, and always toed the line just long enough to get off the hook. When they did the same thing with me, then two weeks later refused obviously-needed assistance and offended co-workers, I went straight to HR to draw up termination papers. Word got to her quickly and she resigned before I had to fire her.
Our group was so much better afterwards. More work got done, with less bitching and excuses, and everyone was generally happier. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off everyone’s shoulders.
keith | October 31st, 2007 at 6:30 pm
I was in a difficult position a few years ago and feared getting fired — until I started planning “what to do if…” I started to realize that it wouldn’t be the worst thing, and could actually be a good thing.
I found a new job instead — doing the same work, but with a boss I respect.
Daisy | November 10th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
question what about the folks that get fired because they have an illness that the employer does not wish to work with?
how does someone get another job in a case like that.
what do the employers say when the people call
what do you fill out on the paperwork
i was not a drug addict!
veronique | November 26th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Veronique - It sounds like you think you were fired illegally. In that case, I would suggest getting advice from an attorney.
As far as getting another job, I would suggest that you freshen up your resume and start networking for a new position. If anyone asks about your previous position and why you left the company tell them professionally that the working relationship with that particular employer didn’t work out. You don’t necessarily need to give potential employers every nitty gritty detail of what happened.
Good luck!!
KathyHowe | November 27th, 2007 at 8:46 am