Written by: Corina Neagu, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
There is no easy way to take being fired. Even if you know the decision is justified, it can really sting and one of the hardest parts can be wondering how you’ll get back on your feet and back into the jobs market. This is no time for self-indulgence because although being fired won’t necessarily hurt your job search, the way you handle it, or mishandle it as the case may be, may well hamper your chances.
You need to understand that this is not the end of your career and you are not the job the used to have, you are much more than that and you have a life ahead of you.
Dealing with dismissal can be a difficult and challenging experience, but there are several things you can do to help yourself cope and move forward:
Take time to process your emotions: It's natural to feel a range of emotions after being dismissed, including shock, anger, sadness, and disappointment. Allow yourself to feel these emotions and process them in a healthy way, whether that means talking to a friend or family member, journaling, or seeking support from a therapist.
Take action immediately: This doesn’t mean being rude with your manager or coworkers, sending nasty emails or putting the blame on everybody else, as this doesn’t do any good to you or to the rest of the world. Choose your options wisely and make sure you clarify the terms of your dismissal.
Review your dismissal paperwork: Make sure you understand the reasons for your dismissal and review any paperwork that outlines the terms of your dismissal, such as severance pay or benefits. If you have questions, reach out to your former employer's HR department or legal counsel for clarification.
Evaluate your options: Consider your next steps, whether that means looking for a new job, pursuing additional education or training, or starting your own business. Take the time to assess your strengths and skills and explore new opportunities that align with your career goals.
Take care of yourself: Dealing with dismissal can be stressful, so it's important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition, and consider incorporating stress-relieving activities such as meditation or yoga into your daily routine.
Network and stay connected: Reach out to your professional network and let them know you are looking for new opportunities. Attend networking events and industry conferences to expand your contacts and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in your field.
Keep your motivation and enthusiasm at high level: Surround yourself with positive and well-intentioned people who could empathize with you and could support you during these difficult times.
If you feel you have been unfairly dismissed by your employer, you should try appealing under your employer's dismissal or disciplinary procedures. If this does not work, then you may be able to make an appeal to a court of justice.
Before making a formal complaint for unfair dismissal, you should try and resolve the reasons for your dismissal with your employer. Another option is individual arbitration, where an independent arbitrator hears the case and makes a legally binding decision.
Remember, dismissal can be a setback, but it doesn't define you or your career. By taking proactive steps to cope with the experience and move forward, you can emerge stronger and more resilient than ever and it may be the best thing that ever happened to you!
Corina Neagu, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Corina is the H (human) in HR, and she has more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources. She has become an entrepreneur in HR and Leadership Consulting in 2014. She founded Dare (www.dare.com.ro) in 2016 as she always dared to dream, to create, to share more and more, to do good. She has trained, mentored and career coached thousands of people starting 2010 including teenagers, students, employees in many organizations. She has started to deliver HR and management trainings in Asia in 2015, when she has also become an HR and Management professor at the Business Academy in Bucharest. Now she works as Human Capital Business Partner at Xclusiverse, in Dubai.
