I Was Fired, Now What Do I Do?

Answer:
There is no doubt that being fired is a traumatic experience.

If you are fired, you should carefully take stock of your options. Being fired is different than being laid off. Make sure you know your rights. Talk to your union if you are a union member, or go to an employment office and find out if you are eligible for unemployment benefits (this is more likely if you have been laid off than fired), and what steps you should take next.

First of all, check your employee manual or talk to the HR department to see if you are eligible for severance pay or benefits. If you are eligible for unemployment benefits, file for unemployment immediately, as the benefits are not retroactive. If you feel that you were unlawfully fired, it is also important to immediately take action. Get legal advice in order to determine if you have a case.

Losing a job provides a timely, if unwelcome, chance to reprioritize. Think about the position you just left. Were you happy there? Were you doing what you were trained to or what you love? Were you in an environment that was nurturing or stimulating? Is there something that you have always wanted to do? A career counselor or career assessment test can help you find a field that you will thrive in.

Finally, use all possible resources in your job search. Update your resume, possible with the help of a resume writing service. Get your resume out to anyone who might have a lead in your field.


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