On The Firing Line (Part 1): How to respond if you ever hear the words “you’re fired” by Roz Usheroff

“I was promoted into an undesirable location (retail operation) because I didn’t suck up to leadership.  I was almost ousted from a job because my boss was threatened with my perseverance and dreams.”

How many of you have felt this way at one point in your career?

You know what I am talking about, the feeling that you were somehow wronged by the actions of a capricious boss who one day just up and fired you for no apparent reason.

While we have all likely been on the undesirable side of the firing line – or know someone who has, one thing is certain . . . we probably felt a whole range of emotions including anger, a sense of failure and ultimately embarrassment.

The key thing to remember is not to be washed away by the inevitable wave of acutely intense emotions, but instead take the time to just breath and reach a point of reflective peace.  This can involve going home and simply watching a movie or, talking about how you feel with a loved one or trusted friend.  Whatever you decide, it is important that you give yourself the opportunity to find your bearings.  The sun will indeed rise the next day, and when it does, you want to be moving forward in a positive direction as opposed to wallowing in the wasted emotions associated with being a victim and the resulting bitterness that can come from that type of thinking.

This latter point is especially true when you have been fired for circumstances beyond your control such as being laid off due to the company suffering an economic setback.

Ironically, it is during this period of upset that you will invariably lay the foundation for your future success.

There are two reasons for this.

In the first instance, and as demonstrated by the way that Julie – whose story I shared with you in my book – handled her untimely termination, your public response will send an important message that lines of accomplishments on a resume will never do.  Specifically, that when faced with adversity, you are a person of thoughtful reflection and class.  This more than anything will set the table in terms of creating opportunities for your next position.  I would strongly encourage you to check out Julie’s story on pages 103 to 107 of The Future of You!

The second reason that your being fired may very well prove to be the best thing that ever happened to you, is that it provides you with an unprecedented opportunity for personal development.  The fact is that it is usually when we are in the midst of a major life episode that we are challenged to ask ourselves some tough questions.  For example, is your present career pursuit one that truly reflects and leverages your unique abilities?  Was the job you just lost your dream job, or was it simply a vehicle to pay the bills.  After all, if you do what you truly love to do, you will never have to work another day in your life.

Maybe, just maybe, you’re being fired was more a result of your being misaligned with the job or task for which you were given responsibility.  This means that instead of looking for a new job, what you should really be doing as a next step towards your bigger future, is to understand what you want to do, and then actively seek out a company or companies whose focus align with those abilities that make you both unique and invaluable.

Using the above as important touch-points that will keep you grounded, look at being fired as an opportunity to change course and make the necessary adjustments to ensure your future success.

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