How Not to Get Fired

So you’re getting fired or laid off. It happens to everyone at some point. But making the situation worse than it has to be is always a mistake, and will come back to haunt you later.

Don’t get emotional. Actually, I take that back — of course you’ll be emotional. But don’t show it. Don’t get angry, or vindictive, or loud. Remain professional. People will be watching how you react — and some of those people may have an opportunity to help you in the future with your career.

Don’t argue. By the time someone is informing you that you’re out, the decision has been discussed, discussed again, approved and recorded for posterity on paperwork. It’s too late for argument — you won’t be able to talk your way back into your job.

Don’t threaten. Don’t bring up the many no-doubt-valid lawsuits or complaint actions you’ve fantasized about. If you have a real claim, bringing it up during the firing process will just endanger the claim. If you don’t have a real claim, well then you’re just being an ass.

Don’t steal from the company. I know you want to grab as much stuff from your desk as you can on your way out — don’t. If you personally purchased it with your own money, then take it. But if it’s the company’s, whether a laptop computer or a broken pencil, just leave it. Don’t set yourself up for further trouble.

What do all these rules have in common? Don’t burn bridges. No matter what you think of your company now that they’re cutting you loose, you gain nothing by causing trouble or taking revenge. If you have a genuine claim against a firm, then pursue it. Otherwise, behave yourself. Future employers will most likely contact the firm that laid you off, and you don’t want them saying anything that might hurt your future employment chances.

Go home, spend a week in bed, and then get out there and find a new job. And if anyone asks you what happened at the old firm, just grit your teeth and say “they’re a good company, but it didn’t work out.”

Tags: firings, five-finger discount, job advice, lawsuits, layoffs

More Advice for the Unemployed

Read part one.

If you see layoffs coming, negotiate with your company. If things are going badly at your company, you probably think the worst thing you could do is go bother your employer. But this is not the case. If layoffs are on the horizon, your employer may be happy to negotiate with you, to compensate you for leaving voluntarily. Most employers would be happy to see an employee leave voluntarily, rather than being laid off — and they’ll offer money and severance packages. Worst case scenario — your employer makes no offer, and you get laid off with everyone else. Best case scenario — your employer wants to keep you, and your worries disappear. In fact, maybe they’ll even offer you something to encourage you to stay!

Refinance loans, and cut expenses. Lost your job and can’t pay your bills? Call your creditors. Let them know your situation. Some will work with you, and even the ones that won’t will look more kindly on people who bother to call. And, heaven forfend, if you ever end up in court, judges and arbitrators will look more kindly on you as well. If you pay rent, then be sure to pay that before anything else. And cut your extraneous expenses — eating out, movies, cell phone data charges. But don’t cancel your World of Warcraft account- that’s sacred, and you can get a lot of leveling done while you’re unemployed.

Get health insurance. If you’re like most people, you’ll lose your health insurance the second you’re laid off or fired. Sure, COBRA offers continuation of your existing insurance, but even the people who run COBRA admit it’s waaaaaay too expensive. Lots of companies offer personal health insurance plans. They’re expensive too, but often not as expensive as COBRA. And don’t take the chance of going uninsured — disaster can strike anyone at any time. Angry that all this costs so much? Then support national health care.

Don’t dip into your 401(k) or other retirement accounts. Just don’t.

Tags: Advice, COBRA, health, health insurance, layoffs, personal finances, severance packages, unemployment, voluntary buyouts, World of Warcraft

How to Tell You’re Going to Lose Your Job

In this economy, everyone is in a precarious position career-wise. But there are ways to tell if a firing or lay off looms on your horizon.

You don’t have enough work.

Symptoms: Your boss isn’t assigning you enough work to keep you busy all day. This could be because he or she doesn’t want to give you an assignment you won’t be around the finish. Or, maybe he or she no longer trusts you. Or the reasons could be innocent — maybe the whole company doesn’t have enough work. Perhaps your boss simply isn’t aware you have free time.
The cure: Don’t be afraid to go to your boss and ask for more work. Even if you really are on the short-list for a layoff, asking for more responsibility may change management’s mind. And if they won’t give you more work, it’s time to start updating that resume.

You’re out of the loop.

Symptoms: You used to get invited to all the good meetings. Your boss would stop by to chat. People asked for your opinion, and not just about whether last night’s Lost made any sense. Now, you’re not in the loop anymore. If you hear about important office issues, it’s through the rumor mill and not through official channels. You’re feeling isolated.
The cure: Again, go to your boss. Or if he or she won’t help, then your boss’ boss. Maybe there’s a good reason you’re out of the loop — to help give you more time to get your work done, for example. But simply asking to get back in the action may be enough to deal you back in.

Your boss gets fired, or quits.

Symptoms: One day you get to work, and your boss is gone. You’re assigned to a different supervisor (or if you’re very unlucky, multiple supervisors). But you’re still associated with your old boss, and to some people, this makes you expendable. And if they replace your superior with a new hire, he or she may wish to fill your position with someone of their choosing.
The cure: Communicate directly with your new supervisor. Don’t try to be “loyal” to your old boss — who does that help? Not your old boss, he or she is gone! Make sure your new boss knows you are on their team.

Your firm is recruiting to fill your position.

Symptoms: The company keeps bringing in people to fill a position suspiciously similar to yours. They may even ask you to interview the candidates! And if you’re skimming through craigslist and see your job up for grabs — well, how much evidence do you need?
The cure: Get out. Now.

Tags: firings, job advice, layoffs