What I learned from getting fired

Getting fired sucks. Big time. I should know, after getting fired three times just this year. Beat that if you can. Or rather don’t.?When life gives you hard lessons you better listen. Here are some of my insights:

How to avoid getting fired

Do your research. Before accepting a job, look how the company is doing economically. How is their product doing? Any recent layoffs? How do they make many and how dos the market look like in the near future?

Ask the hard questions. During your interview, ask about the profitability of the company. How are they handling the downturn? Why are they hiring right now? If you are going to invest your time in that company, make sure it’s a good investment.?

Read the sings. Nowadays nobody is safe, no matter how long you have worked there or where you are in the hierarchy. Keep your eyes and ears open. How is the company doing, what are the competitors doing, what is AI doing. Often when you backtrack from you being fired, the sings were there, you were just not paying attention.?

Know the "rules" “What does someone have to do to get fired around here?” is a great question. Will questioning your boss get you promoted or fired? Quickly find out the (often unwritten) rules. Observe and ask. When doing something risky, you should know about it, and be ready to take the consequences.?

Read the agreement carefully BEFORE signing it. Yes it is boring and hard to understand, but take your time. If you are unsure, let someone that know this stuff take a look. When / if shit hits the fan you know what has been agreed.

Be a prepper. You don’t need a bunker, but you should be prepared. Winter is coming. The best time to get ready for bad times is during the good times. Save up money, grow your network, join a union, have a plan B. Just in case.?

What to do when you got fired

Don’t hold a grudge. Employment is a kind of relationship. It can ended by both part for different reasons. The main thing is to end it well. Be sad, be hurt, but also be empathic. Your manager don’t hate you, he or she probably didn’t want this either. Keeping a good relationship may hep you to get a new job or a good referral.?

Perspective and acceptance. People get fired all the time. It is not the end of the world, and probably not even your fault. There was probably nothing you could have differently that would change the fact. Use your energi to focus on the future.?

Take the opportunity. Maybe you can keep your old computer or get an extra month payment. Don’t beg, but discuss. Your manager is (most often) a decent person that wants to help out.

Check with an external part. Are you a member of a union, give them a call and see if everything is done by the book.?

Take your time. Remember all the things you wanted do but didn’t have time. Now it’s your chance. Write a book, travel, play Fortnite. If you are short on money find the cheap or the free stuff. Hang out with your friends, pets or family.?

Reflect. Before jumping on the next job take this opportunity to reflect. Do you want a new job? Or do you want to study? Maybe start your own business. Questions that has been on hold for a long time. What is making you happy? What do you really want to do??

Take care of yourself. Being unemployed is actually a (shitty) job, very stressful with no payment. Only thing you get is loans and a bad self-esteem. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Mindfulness, exercise, good food and support from friends and family will help.?

Experiment and learn. If the old way ot a new job don't work, try something else. Do a video instead of that booooring CV and cover letter. Talk to new people. Learn new things. The life is your oyster.

Be positive. Things will work out sooner or later. I promise.?

I’m going into a long hot summer with no idea of what to next. 50% scared and 50% excited. Everything is possible. This could be a beginning of a beautiful future.?See you on the other side.