Getting Fired: How to Cope Professionally and Emotionally

In today's ever-fluctuating job market and constantly changing company structure, getting fired at least once in your lifetime is almost a given. Regardless of skill, accomplishment or education, getting fired from your job is not impossible. Still, it's always a shock when it happens directly to you. If you have recently been fired, or feel like you're about to get fired, keep a few things in mind as you finish up your time at your company.

First of all, getting fired can be extremely emotional-especially if its unexpected or you feel as though you've been doing a good job. The simple fact is, not all firings are based on performance alone. It is important to remember this and to keep a hold of your emotions as much as possible. Remember, you are in a professional environment, so it is important to stay as professional as possible. You've heard it before, but it bears repeating: don't burn your bridges! You will need to get a job in the future, and firing or no, perspective employers will want to talk to someone at your company. If the firing had more to do with the company than with your performance or attitude, this is especially important. Despite the emotions swirling around, it's important to keep your head and accumulate references wherever you can at the company. This will look extremely good to future employers: you were let go, however, they are still willing to vouch for your abilities.

Also important before you leave the job, is to have a long talk with the Human Resources person at your company. Yes, they are representing the company that has fired you, but they are bound by certain laws and with the amount of lawsuits in today's corporate world, they will be extremely careful to be truthful with you. Make sure you were fired legally. Make sure you understand how you will get the last of your pay and when your benefits will end. Depending on your situation, you may want to offer resignation if possible instead of the firing. Many companies will offer this with a severance package. However, if you are looking to collect unemployment, you will not want to take this option. The important thing to know is your options and what is going to happen next.

But, being fired goes beyond the professional/financial aspects of life. Getting fired can be very emotionally taxing, especially if you do not agree with the reasons behind it. Still, regardless of the situation, it is important to do two things to keep your emotional state as solid as possible.

Rely on close family and friends for emotional support, but if at all possible, avoid financial help. Finding yourself in debt to a friend or family member may only cause more stress while you attempt to regain your confidence and find a new job. As for significant others, discuss your finances frankly. Especially if you are married, share a home, and/or have kids, make sure all the financial ramifications are out on the table. Communicate. If you ignore the problem or don't allow your partner to know what's going on financially, you're creating more strain. Create a plan to feel more in control of the situation. Losing your job is often an uncontrollable circumstance, finding a sense of control in the aftermath will help you deal emotionally.

The second important part to move on both emotionally and even professionally is to take responsibility for the firing. Learn from your mistakes. It is really important to objectively analyze the reasons you were fired and see how you were responsible for those mistakes. Not only will it allow you to move on, it will help prepare you for your impending job hunt knowing that you have recognized the part of the firing that was your fault and are ready to go beyond it. Knowing this will also help you land that next job. On applications and in interviews you will be asked why you left your job. If you go in blaming the employer without total cause and evidence, an employer will be less likely to trust you. Acknowledge your mistake; explain what you've learned and many perspective employers will respond to that far more than the blame game. Also, never lie about the firing. It is extremely unlikely you will get away with it, especially after the employer checks your references.

The next step is starting that job hunt. It is extremely important to find new work as soon as possible beyond any financial motivation you might have. Any gaps on your resume will be analyzed in future job pursuits, so make these holes as short and inconsequential as possible. Be honest and upfront with perspective employers, both in resume and interview. As said above, don't lie. Acknowledge what you've learned from the firing as articulately and professionally as possible. Also, be willing to take a job that you don't necessarily want in order to build your employment history. This is not to say that you should go out and find a job not in your field, but if you have an offer that could build marketable skills for a future position, take it. It will build employment history, and pay the bills while you continue to look for a position closer to what you want.

Above all, getting fired is not the end of the world. It happens a lot more frequently than you think, and reasons are always varied. It will not end your career, your financial standing, or your relationships if you take the proper steps to remedy the situation.