30 Aug What Not to Do When Terminated
Being fired from work can be overwhelming and embarrassing, especially if you didn’t expect it. It can feel like you failed at something you worked so hard for, which can bring up a multitude of emotions, and sometimes, these emotions can influence the way we respond.
First, know that you are not alone! Many people get terminated every day, and no one should feel as though they are the only ones experiencing job loss. Second, coping with termination and trying to navigate your next steps can be extremely difficult. This article is meant to provide guidance and set you up for future success. This bump in the road should be handled in a way that makes it easiest for you to move on.
What Responses to Avoid
Do not be timid to ask why you have been terminated. It is important to ask why because knowing the reason for the termination can alleviate some panic. The answer may be about skills that need improvement, but it could also have nothing to do with your performance. There is a chance that this termination was necessary for the employer, and completely out of your control. In both cases, receiving an answer makes it easier to understand and move forward. Do know that if you are terminated “without cause” an employer is not obligated to tell you why you were terminated. “Restructuring” is a common answer you can expect to receive.
Avoid projecting your anger onto others or sharing what happened right away. Do not bring your emotions or situation into the relationships with your colleagues. First, maintaining a good relationship with the employer and employees is important because if any future employer seeks information about your workplace conduct, how you maintained these past relationships could contribute to your potential as a new hire. Second, give yourself time to determine how you want to share the termination. You can take time to share this information in a manner that will be conducive to preserving all your connections. You will be under a duty of confidentiality not to disclose to any of your peers the terms of your separation.
Do not initiate a conversation about your severance package right away. Remove yourself from the situation, process the termination, and book a consultation with KCY at LAW to discuss a severance offer that is fair. Why receive advice from a lawyer? A lawyer may help assess what was promised in the Employment Contract and assess how much compensation you deserve based on your position and years of service. It is important to get an external opinion that is not connected to your employment relationship. It provides the opportunity for an evaluation of what is reasonable without bias.
Do not feel that because you have been terminated, you cannot ask for a recommendation from the employer. Just because this employment relationship didn’t work out, does not mean that your work will not be valued elsewhere – and your employer will most likely know that.
Resist the temptation to give up. It is best to keep looking for jobs because you will be needed elsewhere! Continue researching and building connections, it can only help you in the long run. Further, if the termination develops into a potential Wrongful Dismissal, the court will require that you are actively seeking new work.
Refrain from lying about the termination to future employers. There is no harm in briefly explaining the situation, and potentially how it helped you improve.
If you have any questions about your termination, please contact KCY at LAW by filling in an online consultation request or contact us by phone at 905-639-0999 to book your consultation today.