Terminated, Fired, Laid off, Dismissed- just different words that pop one common question into your mind; What the heck just happened to me?
Being terminated sounds awful, but it is seldom that one doesn’t experience it at least once in their career. Rest assured, when it happens, it is not always logical or personal.
It is important to realize that this does not put an end to your career.
While the only thing you might want to do after being let go is to highlight how unfair the whole firing episode has been, however, it is better not to let the grief and shock of it linger for too long.
A smarter thing would be to quickly bounce back and take hold of your emotions and your career again.
There is a great chance that you will land in a much better place.
Here’s how you can do that.
Stop Looking for Who to Blame
If it really has come down to the bitter fact that your company has decided to let you go, just accept it.
Trying to look for the people, management, or circumstances to blame it on will waste your energy as well as your time. Save it for looking for new and better opportunities and focusing on what lies ahead.
There is a good chance that your termination was not your fault, or there was nothing you could have done to prevent it. For one thing, your termination could be a budget-driven decision. Poor economic conditions can lead the company to let go of some of its best employees for what appears to be no reason at all.
Therefore, stop undermining your potential. Let this be an enlightening career-shifting experience.
Blaming yourself or the company will only keep you from looking in the direction of new chances.
Leave Gracefully!
However, sometimes the termination is the result of your inability to meet the company’s expectations.
If this is the case, own your performance, vow to learn from it, and leave gracefully.
Even though you are terminated, try not to leave a negative impression when you go. The world is a small place, you might find the people from here becoming an integral part of your future networks. Some of them for certain will be important references for you.
Complete any tasks at hand, follow the essential parting steps and keep yourself composed.
Whatever the case may be, be grateful for a unique learning experience because it will open up new paths for you.
Build a Network
This is the most important thing in shaping the future of your career.
Keep in mind that about 70% of job opportunities are found through the network you choose and build for yourself. Be very particular about it. Connect with the people who can connect you with new and fresh opportunities, be it through personal contacts, LinkedIn or new network clubs. Try your luck everywhere.
You can also reach out to colleagues who have been through the termination ordeal. Learning a thing or two from their experience can speed up your job-finding process.
Reflect on How Others See You
How you appear in the corporate world can really increase your chances of getting hired. Optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile. There is no harm in relying on professional services to do it for you if you feel it can make a huge difference in landing quicker.
Similarly, continue to polish your skills. See how you can rate yourself on your soft skills.
Is there something you can improve? Your communication? Time-management? Problem-solving ability?
Participate in online courses and webinars that can improve your skills and keep your mind occupied in these trying times.
Termination is undoubtedly a huge setback, but there is nothing in if you cannot recover from it. With the right attitude, appropriate network, and shining skills, it is just a short matter of time before you experience the pride and excitement of the first day of a new job.
The Career Network Club (CNC) is a North American Career Coaching Community that offers pay-as-you-go coaching services for mid to senior-level business professionals. CNC is owned by Curt Skene, a former award-winning training manager for Microsoft, and worldwide founder of Microsoft Skills 2000. The Career Network Club is proud to be the home of the ‘Job Offer Guarantee’ so that business professionals like yourself can Get Hired, Quick and Easy!