Got Fired: Now What?

Photo by Kaspars Grinvalds

Losing your job can be a stressful and emotional experience. Whether due to downsizing, poor performance, or disagreements with management, getting fired can affect your self-esteem and confidence.

It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this experience, and there are steps you can take to cope with the situation and move forward. This post discusses some tips for getting fired and finding new opportunities.

Take Time to Process

Losing your job can be a traumatic experience, regardless of the reason behind it. It’s natural to feel various emotions, including anger, sadness, and confusion. Sometimes, you may even feel relieved if you are unhappy in your role.

Shock Happens: The first time I got fire - workingnation

Before jumping into the following job search process, it’s important to acknowledge and process these feelings. This can help clarify what you truly want in your next position and allow you to move forward with a clear mind.

By taking the time to deal with your emotions properly, you can prevent them from hindering your job search efforts and ultimately find a new opportunity that is more fulfilling for you.

If possible, try not to burn bridges with your former employer or coworkers; they could become valuable references or connections in the future.

Evaluate Why You Were Fired

Although it may be painful, evaluate why you were fired from your previous job. Was it due to factors outside of your control?

Did you struggle with meeting expectations? Identifying any areas for improvement can help you grow as a professional moving forward. One of the first things you should do is get feedback from your former employer about what led to your dismissal.

Finding Alignment In My Life After Being Fired | Alec Fischer | TEDxUMN

While this may be uncomfortable, it can provide valuable insight into areas where you need improvement. It would be best to reflect on your behavior and performance while on the job.

Consider talking with a trusted mentor or career coach about your strengths and weaknesses as an employee. This feedback can help you identify areas where you excel and where there is room for growth.

Resume and Online Profiles

Once you have gained some perspective, updating your resume and online profiles, such as LinkedIn, with any new insights or skills you acquired in your previous role is crucial.

Highlighting relevant achievements and skills specific to the jobs you want to pursue next can help to hire managers quickly understand how you can add value to their organization.

Tips for Building a Great LinkedIn Profile

In addition, this will demonstrate your willingness to learn from past experiences, adapt, and grow professionally.

Be honest about why you left your previous position during interviews or on applications; lying about being fired could harm your reputation if discovered.

Network and Opportunities

Updating your resume, reaching out, and networking with colleagues, friends, or other industry professionals can be immensely beneficial. They may have access to valuable information about job openings and can provide helpful insights into currently hiring companies.

Reworking Networking | Eleanor Turner | TEDx-Wolverhampton

Networking allows you to build relationships with people who might eventually help you find employment opportunities or give you referrals. Therefore, it is important to leverage your existing connections while putting yourself out there to expand your professional network.

Consider attending career fairs or networking events in your area as well. This can help you make new connections and learn about different industries.

Learn New Skills

Focusing on finding the right position and improving your skills and knowledge can be helpful when searching for a job.

This can give you a competitive edge in the job market and help you feel more confident in your abilities. In addition, online courses, seminars or workshops, or volunteering in related fields are great ways to gain experience and learn new skills.

By doing so, you demonstrate to potential employers that you are committed to professional growth and are willing to invest time and effort into improving yourself.

There are many places online where you can learn new skills and get free certificates. Some of the most popular ones include:


1. Coursera - This platform partners with top universities and organizations to offer online courses and certifications. You can audit most courses for free and pay a fee if you want a certificate of completion.


2. edX - Like Coursera, edX also offers courses from top universities and institutions worldwide. You can take most courses for free; if you need a verified certificate, there is an additional cost.

Explore your future with Udemy.

3. Udemy - Udemy is an online learning platform that offers courses on various topics, including business, technology, health & fitness, etc. They have both paid and free options available.


4. Codecademy - Codecademy offers free coding classes that cover several programming languages, such as Python and JavaScript.


5. Skillshare - Skillshare is an online learning community where you can take classes in design, photography, and marketing taught by industry professionals.


6. Google Digital Garage - Google Digital Garage provides free training on digital marketing skills, which include topics like SEO optimization or social media marketing.

Remember that continuing to learn and develop your skills can lead to more excellent career opportunities and overall success.

Stay Positive and Focused

It can be challenging to stay positive after getting fired, but it’s important to remember that this experience doesn’t define you. So instead of dwelling on the past, focus on the future and find new opportunities that align with your skills and interests.

Getting fired can be an opportunity for growth and change, allowing you to reassess your career path and pursue new avenues. So don’t let this setback hold you back - stay resilient, keep moving forward, and trust that better things are yet to come.

Stay focused on moving forward and finding new opportunities that align with your skills and interests. Remember that getting fired does not reflect your worth as a person or employee; it’s an opportunity for growth and change.

Last Thought

Getting fired can be a challenging experience, but it doesn’t have to define you as a professional or person. Take time to process your emotions and evaluate why you were let go before updating your resume and seeking new opportunities through networking and continued learning.

Most importantly, stay positive and focused on new opportunities that align with your goals and passions.