By CAREERBUILDER.COM
"It's not a question of if you'll be fired, it's a question of when," Mackay says in his book 'We're Fir ed... and It's the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us' (Random House). If you're one of the unlucky majority, keep in mind Mackay's tips to keep your career -- and dignity -- in tact when the axe falls.By CAREERBUILDER.COM
You may be a star employee, but the odds are still against you. If you are under age 30, you have a whopping 90 percent chance of getting fired in the next 20 years, a leading human resources executive told author Harvey Mackay.
"It's not a question of if you'll be fired, it's a question of when," Mackay says in his book 'We're Fir ed... and It's the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us' (Random House). If you're one of the unlucky majority, keep in mind Mackay's tips to keep your career -- and dignity -- in tact when the axe falls.
Don't take it personally.
"(Getting fired) doesn't say you're bad," Mackay says. "It says somebody thinks you're not good enough." Look at it this way: a leading reason people get fired is employers don't make hiring decisions thoroughly enough.
Sometimes the failure is clearly your fault. Even so, don't drown yourself in self-pity. The surest way to bounce back is to put yourself out there again. Harry Truman once said, "As soon as I realize I've made one damned fool mistake, I rush out and make another one."
Do figure out why you were fired.
Most people are mistaken about the real reason they lost their jobs. They blame their boss, their co-workers or themselves, when it was actually a simple cost-cutting measure. It's easy to point fingers and fabricate stories about being fired, but it's important to find out what really did you in so you can avoid making the same mistakes again.
Don't give up on your dreams.
Michael Jordan wasn't always a basketball superstar; he was cut from his high school basketball team his sophomore year. He worked hard, made the team and led them to the state championship. Now, Jordan has six NBA championship rings and was named to the All-NBA first team 10 times.
One setback didn't deter Abraham Lincoln either -- neither did two or three. Abraham Lincoln lost six government elections before he became our nation's president.
Do 'doable' things.
One of the first things they teach soldiers who might become prisoners of war is to focus on small, doable things like washing out their socks, Mackay says. To bounce back from a career setback that leaves you feeling hopeless, start small. Find a mentor. Check out online job boards. Stay in shape. Work your way back into the swing of things, and you can end up with a bigger, better job than the one you lost.
Don't burn your bridges
It is understandable to be upset, even furious after being fired. However, it's still crucial to act like a professional. If you leave with class, you may still get a recommendation from your former boss. But don't ever commit what Mackay calls "suicide by poison pen." Writing a scathing letter to your old employer may seem tempting, but that note could find its way to the next company you apply at... and the next, and the next. You former employer will be very careful what he puts in writing. You should do the same.
Do find things that motivate you
Your family and friends are there to help you. It's also helpful to find a positive group of colleagues going through the same thing you are. These practical, action-oriented people can act as role-models and help keep you on track. But be careful: It's easy for so-called self-help groups to turn out to be a bunch of wallowing people committed to lose. Pick your company carefully.
Moral of the story: Getting fired can be a great new opportunity or the end of your career. You choose.
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Feb 12th 2009 @ 12:10PM ROBERT
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Feb 23rd 2009 @ 9:51AM Edwin
hey I read your post, but I couldn't access the links.could you E-mail them to me?
Feb 12th 2009 @ 8:08PM Ron
I have actually never been fired. I always worked my way up the ladder and ended up quitting because the job was no longer fulfilling to me. My bosses have always begged me to stay. Eventually, I realized that NO job would satisfy me and I began working for myself and running my own business. It's been 12 years now and I don't miss it one bit! You can do exactly what I've been doing if you go to http://www.TryMaverick.com. I like to think of my job as stimulating the economy. :) You'll probably understand what I mean once you watch the videos. Take care.
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Feb 16th 2009 @ 10:08PM Diane
The ONLY way to escape from this is to be your own boss. A traditional brick and mortar business will OWN you almost as much as a JOB (Just Over Broke!) Your only HOPE is a home based internet business (The internet grows every SECOND!) The paradigm shift has already occurred – this economy is the perfect storm for the home-based business industry.
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Mar 6th 2009 @ 1:14PM Danita
This question doesn't come up when you work for yourself! And it doesn't get any better than this! You get to work for yourself and enjoy what you do! Set your own schedule! Meet lots of great people doing the same thing. Travel all around at really cheap rates! Help others to do the same and have your own thriving business! Be determined that this year will be different than last year! http://www.danita.mydfilive.com
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Mar 6th 2009 @ 6:05PM LanaMarie
Boy, it's a scary world out there! It seems people are losing their jobs left and right. Danita is right, when you work for yourself and own your business you don't worry about it. There are alot of ideas for working at home. Those looking for work need to explore what's out there to find the one that's right for them. The one I found is in the Discount Health Industry. It lets you help people save money and/or help people make money from home. If you like helping people you will like this business. Contact me to see if this could be for you. Email me DIRECTLY at: lanamarie2@gmail.com
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