by Merlyn Gabriel Miller

Getting fired sucks.

Even if you were technically ‘laid off’ rather than fired, it does not feel good losing a job that you depended on. There is no money coming in, you miss your colleagues and having a reason to get up in the morning.
We get it.

Luckily, there are ways to make getting fired less painful, and we are going to share some of these handy tips with you right here.

Keep reading!

What to do after being fired

First of all, don’t worry about getting fired too much. It happens to everyone at least once in their life, so it’s not the end of the world.

The most important thing you can do after being fired is to manage your emotions. Don't lose your cool in front of your family, friends, and colleagues. Share on X

People are watching how you respond to this unfortunate incident. And if your immediate reaction is to get angry, that is not good. Don’t lash out at people or badmouth your former boss, that will only make it harder for you to get a new job.

With that important bit out of the way, here are 7 more helpful ways of coping with the shock of being fired:

#1 Express gratitude

Yes, even towards the not-so-nice boss that fired you.

Try expressing gratitude for the opportunity that you had working at that company.

And remember, that when someone fires you, they’re also in a very uncomfortable position. It’s not an easy decision to fire someone.

#2 Learn from the experience

You can turn a tragedy into a redeemable incident if you learn something after getting fired.

Find out if there is anything that you could have done differently, and accept responsibility for your part in the situation. Ask for honest feedback and try to not get defensive. What you learn from your former employer can help you in the future.

However, if the company is struggling economically, or downsizing for other reasons, it may not have anything to do with you. That’s just plain bad luck. In that case, your employer could provide you with a great recommendation, and perhaps a severance package to tide you over.

#3 Don’t look for a new job straight away

Sounds like ridiculous advice, doesn’t it?
After all, you have bills to pay.
But there is a reason for this.

If you try to find a new job right away, you will feel desperate and rejected. It's like after a bad breakup. You're still sore, angry, and on the lookout for a rebound. And you don't want employers to see you like that. Share on X

That kind of desperation does appeal to employers. Well, not the good ones anyway. Those who want to exploit your misfortune might be interested, but that’s not what you need, is it?

So, what is important after getting fired, is that you rebuild your confidence before looking for a new job. Don’t let your current emotions or feelings of insecurity wreck your career.

Also, use this as an opportunity to find out what you really want out of your career. If you hated your job, getting fired might be a blessing in disguise. Even if you were OK with your job, it may still signal that it is time for a change.

How about taking this opportunity to start your own business? Turning your skills, hobby, or passion, into a profitable venture is something that a lot of people dream of. If you are one of them, give it a shot.

The best part about having your own company, is that you know the boss is a really cool person. And there is zero chance of you ever getting fired again. Share on X

Either way, once the dust has settled, and you have decided what you want, use your network to get a new job or to attract clients. Your friends, professional colleagues, or LinkedIn connections, are all valuable assets in this process. So, get in touch, and stay in touch.

#4 Take an online course

While you are searching for your dream job (or creating one), use the extra time that you have to get smarter.

There are plenty of FREE online courses out there that can help you sharpen your mind. Learn something that will make you more attractive to employers. Or, that helps you get your dream of lauching your own business off the ground.

#5 Volunteer

Volunteering has many benefits.

• You meet new people (read: potential employers or job references)
• It looks great on your resume
• Keeps you from vegging out in front of the TV or computer
• Gives you a different perspective
• Helps you build confidence

And of course, if you are doing it right, it will actually help someone else as well. Win-win, any way you look at it.

#6 Prepare for job interviews

First of all, have your clothes picked out, washed, ironed and ready to go. What you wear tells the employer a lot about you. And you only get one chance to make a first impression, so don’t leave important things like that until the last minute.

Make sure your resume is up to date and spotless, and notify the people you have listed as references. And be prepared to answer some difficult questions about your last job.

If you did something that got you fired, you probably don’t feel too comfortable talking about it. But your would-be employer needs to know. Was it a one-time thing, an accident, or a misunderstanding? Did you learn anything from it, or are you likely to mess up again?

Be careful with what you say.

Even if it is true that your ex-boss was the spawn of the Devil, and that you were completely innocent, they don’t know that. All they see is someone who refuses to accept responsibility and blames others.

There are better ways to respond to their questions, where you don’t have to blame your former boss or put yourself in a bad light. Something along the lines of: “My position at the company did not match the expectations of neither myself nor my employer, and a decision was made that gave us both the opportunity to find a better fit.”

And there you have it.
You getting fired was nobodys fault.
It was just a bad match, and that’s all.
Next question!

#7 Manage your money

And here is what really scares people about getting fired: Losing their income. Suddenly you find yourself in a situation where you may no longer be able to pay your bills, or put food on the table. So, budgeting becomes very important.

First, find out how long you can survive without an income. Check your savings account to see how long you can last on that. Next, liquidate your stocks, bonds, and other non-essential assets. Yes, that also includes your Star Wars memorabilia collection.

Hopefully, you won’t have to go as far as selling your house or your car. But anything that is not strictly neccessary, you need to consider selling.

Set up a very tight budget. Even if you think you'll have a new job in 2 weeks, budget for 6. That way you won't get unpleasantly surprised. Avoid credit cards and short term loans like the plague - they are just as deadly. Share on X

If you need money quickly, consider a private loan instead. That is interest free, and your friends and family are not likely to seize your house if you can’t repay them on time.

For a little extra cash, try freelancing. You may be able to make an additional $100 per week or month, depending on your skills.

Final thoughts

If you have gotten fired, or you worry that you might be soon, the points we have discussed should help you get through the worst of it. Because, if you can:

Manage your emotions
Budget well
Work on improving yourself
Connect with others who can help you get a new job
Be prepared for interviews

You should be able to survive getting fired, and have a good chance of finding a job elsewhere.

Getting fired doesn't have to be a bad thing. Maybe 20 years from now you'll see getting fired as the best thing that ever happened to you, because it gave you the opportunity to start fresh. Share on X

It’s your life, your story.
Your choice.