Life after Being Fired: 5 Steps for Moving Forward
Guest post by Lauren Skiver, Talent Manager | Talent Market
So your boss just dropped the F bomb: you’re fired. This is crappy. You’ve worked your butt off, given your all to your team, and now this.But a part of you knew this was coming — your watched as your team’s priorities shifted and you knew you weren’t the right person to help them in this new direction. It was just a matter of time.
So…what next?
- Take a breath. It may not feel like it right now, but this is a great opportunity. You likely won’t have many corners of life when you can sit back–without the day-to-day grind consuming your mind–and truly think about what you enjoy doing and what you want to do with your life next. Use this time well!
- Explore freely. You’ve got a blank slate in front of you! You can now look at new opportunities without worrying about your colleagues discovering your search. Talk to friends, talk to colleagues, talk to friends of friends, reach out to fellow alumni on LinkedIn. Ask lots of questions. Figure out out what they love about their work, their organization, their mission, what makes them want to get up in the morning. You just might discover something new about yourself.
- Own it. Getting let go from a job happens. It’s crappy, but it’s the circle of life. So don’t try to hide it or make it sound like it’s better than it really is. Future employers will check references, bump into your old colleagues at Starbucks or their kids gymnastics class and–you get the picture–word gets around. Honesty and humility will serve you well at this stage (as it usually does).
- Maintain Composure. This is frustrating, but don’t let it get the best of you. Find a way to explain the situation to friends, acquaintances, and future employers in a simple and honest way that doesn’t throw your former employer under the bus. Explain your situation and then move to a different subject. You should recognize the past, but don’t dwell on it — stay focused on the future.
- Stay positive! Don’t turn into a Debbie Downer and get wrapped up in your negative situation — remember, this is an awesome opportunity! If you truly set your mind to it, you’ll get back on your feet again. There are more opportunities at your finger tips now than any other generation. Not too long ago, if your last name was Tanner, you were destined to be a leather tanner. You’re now free to pursue your passion.Your goal is to land in a better place for you than previously. Yes, the multitude of career choices can be overwhelming, but find a way to quantify and narrow your interests. It’s just a matter of using this time to find the right spot to land next.
And if you’re thinking of making the switch to the free-market non-profit space, send us your resume — we’d love to keep you on our radar!