Being fired does not mean the end of the road for your career.
It just means you have a new full-time job: managing your finances carefully while earning new employment.
By remaining level-headed, persistent and proactive.
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When youre told youre being let go, its importantnotto do a few things.
No Interest Til Almost 2027?
Balance Transfer = Credit Card Cheat Code
Dont Sign Any Severance Documents
Not yet at least.
If possible, persuade your former company to agree that your separation was mutual when potential employers reach out.
Ask Questions
Getting fired isnt just a list of donts, however.
However, if possible, its better to handle your questions right then and there and part ways.
Consider Wrongful Termination
It is possible that your firing qualifies as wrongful termination.
In fact, an estimated250,000 workers are wrongfully terminated every year,according to The Balance.
Laws regarding wrongful termination are tricky, especially when employment is at will and discrimination is difficult to prove.
Take Dennis K. of Boston, Massachusetts, for instance.
I always met my goals, and my clients loved me, Dennis recounted.
No one had any problems except my boss and a couple of the managers.
But it wasnt something provable.
It was just a feeling.
Get a physical, an eye exam and a dental cleaning while theyre all still covered.
Dont forget to look into healthcare during your unemployment, likeCOBRAor options onHealthCare.gov.
This will also prevent a gap in your employment.
In todaysgig economy, you’re able to consider self-employment options likefreelance writingordriving for Uber.
Remember, though, that some gigs may require an upfront investment or may not pay out immediately.
Keep mentally fit by doing crossword puzzles or free brain training apps.
The Balance recommends checking with your states unemployment office to see if youre eligible.
If youre not sure, just go for it.
I didnt apply for unemployment and I wish I would have.
I wouldnt have gone through nearly as much of my emergency savings as I did, Nichole said.
Nicholes story, fortunately, had a happy ending.
I was approached by my former company and asked to come back, Nichole explained.
I ended up returning because they offered me incredible pay, a better schedule and a manager title.
She added, though, that honesty is the best policy when it comes to why you were fired.
I will typically ask what made them change companies, Smith said.
Really what I want to know is if they left on good terms.
If performance was the reason they left, how were they measured for success in that role?
What limited them from performing well?
If there is a gap in employment, she continued, what were they doing during that time?
It could be anything from small side projects to helping a family member.
We are all human.
Just have a good explanation for the gap!
Be proactive in the face of termination, stay positive and dont give up.
Your next big career move is waiting for you.