Overcoming being let go from last job

[Lord-Barrington]

It's the new age. A good chunk of the workforce have been let go at some point or will be let go during their working life. Most employers know this and don't see it as such a red flag.

 

[Eason]

I was fired from my first "real" job back in college. I was promised a raise due to high performance in the second month, but after months and months of excuses and procrastinating, my boss never gave it to me. I was young and didn't know anything about office politics, so I went to the director of finance and asked about their raise policy. She told me "You did the right thing in coming to me, you haven't done anything wrong!" A week later, my boss fired me for basically going over her head, after working there for over a year. She even had me unknowingly train my (highly under-qualified, vegetative) replacement! A truly awful manager who cultivated a toxic work environment. Lesson learned. Anyway, my friend was the second-in-charge, so if anybody ever asked me for a reference, I gave them his contact information. It's never come up in the 6 years I've been working since then, just make sure to not make the same mistakes twice.

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by Eason

I was fired from my first "real" job back in college. I was promised a raise due to high performance in the second month, but after months and months of excuses and procrastinating, my boss never gave it to me. I was young and didn't know anything about office politics, so I went to the director of finance and asked about their raise policy. She told me "You did the right thing in coming to me, you haven't done anything wrong!" A week later, my boss fired me for basically going over her head, after working there for over a year. She even had me unknowingly train my (highly under-qualified, vegetative) replacement! A truly awful manager who cultivated a toxic work environment. Lesson learned. Anyway, my friend was the second-in-charge, so if anybody ever asked me for a reference, I gave them his contact information. It's never come up in the 6 years I've been working since then, just make sure to not make the same mistakes twice.

In the US, if you had proof you could have sued the **** out of them. But, yeah it's important to learn from your lessons.

 

[Eason]

Oregon is a "work at will" state, I think that means you can fire anybody anytime for anything.

 

[SenorMatador]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

Good luck!

Verdict came back: they're flying me in next week!

They rarely fly anyone in, so my mission is to seal the deal.

 

[imageWIS]

Rumor mill has it that tomorrow is my last day (i.e. the axe)... will keep the forum poasted.

 

[Lord-Barrington]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

Rumor mill has it that tomorrow is my last day (i.e. the axe)... will keep the forum poasted.

Tough break if true. But as I said, there shouldn't be much shame with being let go anymore. The labor force is more "flexible" than ever, which cuts both ways -- employees are up and leaving their employers at the drop of a hat and employers don't think twice about canning their workers.

It is what it is, I suppose. But it still sucks if you're on the receiving end of it.

 

[SenorMatador]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

Rumor mill has it that tomorrow is my last day (i.e. the axe)... will keep the forum poasted.

Good luck man.

Typically there are warning signs (being given less work, the shine on from managers). Looking back, I noticed management was trying to leave a paper trail in the case I tried to dispute it. Anything similar for you?

I'd get right back on the ball and start dialing up every contact in the business you know and broadcast you're looking for a job if you get let go. You'll have more set of ears, and the support network will help out immensely.

 

[gladhands]

Originally Posted by Lord-Barrington

It's the new age. A good chunk of the workforce have been let go at some point or will be let go during their working life. Most employers know this and don't see it as such a red flag.

This.


In most fields, being let go doesn't carry the negative connotations it once did. If there is someone within the organization with whom you have a good relationship and trust, feel free to use that person as a reference. Remember, in most cases, prospective employers will only speak with HR and references. In a big enough organization, the people in HR won't even know who you are. They will only confirm your title, salary and dates of employment. It's the references that matter most.

 

[Neo_Version 7]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

Rumor mill has it that tomorrow is my last day (i.e. the axe)... will keep the forum poasted.
I'm sure it'll be alright. Didn't you have that feeling like..a month ago?

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by Neo_Version 7

I'm sure it'll be alright. Didn't you have that feeling like..a month ago?

Didn't happen, I'm pissed actually cuz I know eventually they will and I rather it be sooner than later.

 

[Neo_Version 7]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

Didn't happen, I'm pissed actually cuz I know eventually they will and I rather it be sooner than later.

Oh, Jon. Angry with a job. Angry without one. You kill me. I'm not sure whether to congratulate you or..I don't know. I'm happy for you nonetheless.

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

Didn't happen, I'm pissed actually cuz I know eventually they will and I rather it be sooner than later.

Self fulfilling prophecy.

 

[Hombre Secreto]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

Didn't happen, I'm pissed actually cuz I know eventually they will and I rather it be sooner than later.

What the **** are you doing at work?

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by Hombre Secreto

What the **** are you doing at work?

Expand on that please.