How to Gracefully Survive Getting Fired

With the nation's unemployment rate seeming to rise daily, learning how to move on after you have been fired is unfortunately becoming a necessary skill for everyone.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time to Decompress
• A Healthy Outlook
• Perseverance

1. Don't Burn Bridges When You Leave Your Ex-Employer. While it's tempting to lash out when you're given the heave-ho, resist that urge. Bite your tongue if you must. You never know when your paths may cross again. Also, the reasons you have been let go might be strictly budgetary or another reason that has nothing to do with your job performance.

2. Give Yourself a Day or Two to Stay in Bed and Grieve. Treat this for what it is - a break-up, a major life change. As such you need a day or two to grieve for the loss.

3. Think About What You Want to Do Next in Your Life. If you've been toying with the idea of switching careers, going back to school, or staying home with the kids, now is the time to seriously consider it. If you're searching for a new job, shouldn't it be one you'll love? Take stock of what you did and didn't like about your previous job and use this list when considering your next position.

4. Remember You Are Not Alone. Reach out to friends and family. Let them know what kind of job you are looking for - you never know where your next job offer will come from!

Tips & Warnings

• Update your resume and any profiles on job-hunting websites
• Volunteering is a great way to fill out any gaps of employment
• Be wary of listings on websites such as Craigslist (Like anything else, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!)

[johngriggs]

on 10/1/2009 With this economy, many people are experiencing getting laid off. Your article offers great advice, and will help many people in these tough times. 5* rec

[pnstlion]

on 9/22/2009 Excellent tips! It's a tough subject, too, especially with those who support families.

[beautyqueen26]

on 9/21/2009 So true about not burning your bridges. This is especially true if you live in a small town or if there are limited employers in town for your field. If you burn the bridge, chances are, you'll also burn future employment with other employers once they find out. Thanks for the info. Five stars and a recommendation!

[KingHostile]

on 9/18/2009 Very good advice for a tough situation.

[harvard]

on 9/18/2009 Great article and everything you say rings true. I've been in this position and I can relate to every word you say. Good advice for the times we live in. Thank you.