Top 10 Things Not to Say or Do If You're Fired

Getting fired can be traumatic, even if you’re expecting it, and especially if it's a wrongful termination. You may experience shock, anger, sadness, worry, and fear about the future. During this turmoil, it can be hard to stay professional and calm.

But for the sake of your career, it’s important not to say or do certain things after you’re fired. Your actions right now can help set you up for bigger and better opportunities—or make your transition to new employment much more difficult than it needs to be. Below, you'll find information on what not to do when you've been fired from your job, as well as what you should do instead.

10 Things Not to Say or Do If You're Fired

Have you recently been fired? Or do you think you may be terminated from employment sometime soon? Regardless of how you feel about the situation, avoid doing or saying anything you might regret on your way out the door—no matter how difficult it might be.

Instead, take it one step at a time to make sure you've covered all the bases and can move on to the next step of your career.

1. Don’t Storm off Without Saving Important Documents

You never know when you might lose your job. So, it’s a good idea to save documents of personal or professional interest from your work computer on a regular basis. Some employers will escort terminated staff from the work site or cut off access immediately. You need to make sure you don’t leave any important information behind.

2. Don’t Discuss Severance Without Taking Some Time to Process

Time really does heal, and you'll be calmer if you can wait before speaking with management. So, ask if you can meet in a day or two to have a conversation about severance. In the meantime, research company policies and practices so that you are prepared to negotiate a reasonable severance package if possible.

Assuming you're unable to delay deciding on a severance package, consider what's been offered and whether it's worth negotiating to see if you can get a more inclusive package. The agreement may be set in stone, but it doesn't hurt to ask if there's room to negotiate.

3. Don’t Refuse to Help With the Transition

By facilitating a smooth transition, you’ll be remembered as a better employee and may benefit by receiving positive recommendations and referrals. Being nice, even when you’re in a bad situation, will help you in the long run.

At the least, you will have made a good-faith effort to help your employer, and that alone can help with getting a positive reference.

4. Don’t Dismiss the Chance to Resign

In some cases, there may be an option to resign instead of being fired. There are advantages and disadvantages to resigning instead of being fired. You may forfeit unemployment benefits if you resign, but you might save face in certain situations. For example, you won't have to discuss being fired during job interviews, which can be challenging.

However, if you were fired for cause, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits. Eligibility for unemployment is generally based on losing your job through no fault of your own.

No one but you can say what’s the best choice in your situation. But it’s smart to review your options before you decide. Start by checking with your state unemployment office to explore your decision's impact on unemployment benefits.

Then, if it makes sense given your personal circumstances, speak to your manager or human resources department about whether there is an option to resign instead of getting fired.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For a Recommendation 

If you have supportive colleagues, ask if they might furnish a recommendation while you are still in close contact. Their endorsement can help you when you’re looking for your next job.

6. Don’t Disparage Your Supervisor or Co-Workers

It's important to keep your departure from the company as positive as possible. Future employers may conduct thorough background checks and seek input from former colleagues at all levels. Any enemies you’ve made with your departing comments will be more likely to share damaging information. Parting impressions can be lasting and might influence staff to view you as a negative person.

7. Don’t Miss the Chance to Ask Why

If your employer has not followed due process according to company policy, you may be able to petition human resources to give you time to improve your shortcomings. You might also have some protection through an employment contract, union agreement, or anti-discrimination law.

8. Don’t Leave Without Exploring Other Jobs at the Company

If your superiors see you as an employee with a positive attitude and strong work ethic, there might be other opportunities at the organization. Your employer might consider you for other jobs that are a better fit for your skills if they learn you’re open to other roles.

9. Don’t Broadcast Your Firing Right Away

Before you tell the world you’ve lost your job, take the time to think through your message and how you’d like to be perceived by colleagues and other professional contacts.

Frame your story around a theme, such as the job not being the right fit for you. But don’t be overly critical of your employer or the company in general. Save your venting for a limited group of trusted friends or family members.

10. Most Importantly, Don’t Lose Faith in Yourself

A firing can be demoralizing but remember it is only one employer's decision. There will be other, more suitable options for you. Take the time to regroup and find a job that is a better fit for you and your interests. It may be that this wasn’t the right job for you, and a push to find a new one is just what you need.

What to Do If You've Been Wrongfully Terminated

Getting fired can be especially difficult if you feel you've been terminated unjustly, but it's important to know that not all unfair firings are considered wrongful termination. Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired in violation of legal statutes, company policy, or employment contracts. Examples of wrongful termination may include firings involving discrimination, breach of contract, or retaliation for whistleblowing.

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, consider hiring an attorney to help you. Remedies generally require legal action or filing claims with relevant authorities, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

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