What I Learned From Being Fired

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Frank Jennings | CATEGORIES: career, self improvement

The day started just like any other day. I slowly dragged my tired body out of the bed, started complaining and began the process of getting ready for work. I had about 2 full hours of sleep due to the new born baby that was sharing a room with my wife and I in our one bedroom apartment. After drinking a full pot of coffee, which burned all taste buds from my tongue, I fired up my piece of crap car and began the journey to work.

I can remember it like yesterday. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining so brightly that even the rusted spots on my automobile had a marvelous glow as the rays kissed the surface. The temperature was immaculate and I was in the perfect place mentally. I was a proud papa and the sole provider for my family. If there was a spot on the top of the world I was there smiling from ear to ear.

Work on the other hand was absolute chaos. I was working in retail and it was January, return season, and I was a team lead in charge of guest services. I don’t think I talked to one happy person that day. Everyone had a bad attitude and clearly I had just desecrated the grave of their deceased grandmother I assume because of the language people chose to use at me. Who knew that returning a pair of socks could be so stressful? I mean I had been called an a#@hole so many times that I was convinced that I must be one.

I had reached my boiling point. So, what do you think I did?

I kept working. What? Well there were bills that needed to be paid.

Later on during the middle of my shift my manager called me into his office for a quick discussion. We discussed my performance. We discussed my career. We discussed my personality. We discussed my termination. You see I was placed into a team lead position for a role I did not want in a location that I did not request. I was under-performing due to a lack of experience. I was great at providing service but terrible at managing people and their volatile personalities.

I was given the pink slip, my walking papers, laid off, temporarily let go permanently or whatever the euphemism you choose to use for being fired. My world literally crumbled before me. Can you imagine how it felt to go home and tell my wife that I was fired as she was holding my new born son in her arms? I didn’t know how the rent was going to be paid, what we were going to eat, or how the lights would stay on. I didn’t even have any savings. My emergency fund consisted of a piece of paper warning me not to have an emergency.

It felt like life as I knew it was over. Fade to black.

Luckily the story didn’t end there. Opportunities arrived in my life that I never would have taken a moment to recognize had I not been let go. I started to read more. I started to study more. I started to watch a lot more Spongebob. Through the toughest moments in my life, when I wasn’t balled up in the fetal position, I was being prepared for my next level. I didn’t recognize it then but I am so grateful for it now.

THE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

When I was fired I thought it was officially the end of my life. I knew that everything from that moment on would only put me in a worse condition than I was already in. My outlook on life was as bright as a butterfly drawn with a black crayon on black construction paper. I didn’t have a degree to fall back on. All I would fall back on was the concrete floor underneath me after my furniture was repossessed.

Even though I didn’t think it was possible, life moved on. My ending was the opportunity for a new beginning and so far I am loving the way this new story is unfolding. Since my firing I have found new employment doing a job that I am under qualified for on paper. Yet, I am outperforming 80% of my peers and considered a leader within my team. I sure as heck never would have saw this coming.

In life we are going to have circumstances that don’t go our way. The good news is that we have a choice. We can let the story end and complain our way to our timely passing or we can let our ending become a new beginning. I learned a lot from my experience. I challenge anyone who is dealing with similar circumstances to do the same.

Now, what did I learn from my experience?

Nothing is impossible.

The library offers free books. (read them)

Experience is everything.

Life is what you make it.

Ramen noodles although cheap are not good for you.

Spongebob is not a good reference for conversations with adults.

It’s not over as long as you are still alive.

Now it’s your turn to share your story. Have you ever been let go from a job? What did you learn from your experience?

Frank Jennings is the founder of A Spark Starts where he writes short stories of inspiration to help you reach your maximum potential. He writes with purpose. He writes with passion. He writes for you.

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http://hanofharmony.com The Vizier

Hi Frank,

Getting fired can be the end of the world for many people. Yet as one door closes, another one opens. What matters is that we learn the lessons that life has in store for us and pretty much level up. That is how all the characters in computer games level up don’t they? They have to fight a really tough enemy or boss, come close to dying and then they gain the experience needed for the next level and unlock a whole new bunch of skills and attributes.

I have never been fired, but I did choose to leave the insurance industry because I was just not happy doing what I did. It too me a few years to reach that conclusion and to take charge of my life, but it is something I have never regretted. Making my own decisions is one of the most important lessons in my life. I could never have done that if I stayed in my comfort zone.

Thank you for sharing this lovely article!

Irving the Vizier
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Irving,
  
  When I lost my job it I thought is was the end of the world for me. That was so far from the truth. In essence it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Who know’s where I would be if I didn’t lose that job. I might still be working in that hostile environment suffering because I hated every moment of it. I love the video game analogy as it is so true but never related to real life. We really do have to come to the conclusion that we have to fight for the experience that is going to help us win in life.
  
  Thanks for your comment.
http://www.2knowmyself.com Farouk

thank you for the informative article
quite a tough experience but in the end it can teach us many lessons
thanks Frank
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Farouk,
  
  This was one of the toughest situations I have ever faced in my life but I am grateful for the lessons I learned. I will never forget them.
  
  Thanks for reading!
http://www.selfdefenselessons.co Allan

Powerful article.

I recently started pursuing other avenues in my life. At first it was daunting. But now I wish I’ve done this earlier.
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Allan,
  
  Thanks for reading this article. I am glad you found some value in it. I wish you the best on your journey.
Pingback: Facts vs. Function (continued)
http://www.asparkstarts.com Jermaine

Frank!

I can honestly say I’ve never been fired but I know a little about quitting (at the wrong time).

Your story is such a breath of fresh air that I… I… I wish I wrote it!

Seriously, when people say that it is our trials that make us strong they are not lying. This has led me to appreciate the clarity that trouble brings me. It makes me reinvent the lens by which I view life. Trouble makes me work harder. Trouble makes me think outside the box. Trouble aka unexpected stress can be draining and envigorating at the same time. In your case, it sounds like a little trouble made you better (not bitter).

GREAT POST! So glad I got the opportunity to read it.
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Jermaine,
  
  Are you bragging that you have never been fired?
  
  I guess trials do come to make us stronger. I just wished they were so stressful. I can look at a pack of ramen noodles without getting queasy now. The funny thing is my son loves them so I am forced to interact with them everyday. I was lucky that during this time I was surrounded by people who refused to let me give up. They also made some investments into my life that I am forever grateful for. Trouble don’t last always!
http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

Did you say fade to black? Is that how you got so tan? Just askin’……….:)

Dude, this is about as wrenching as JK’s fire story. Already in a piece o’ crap job probably barely making enough money to get by and you have to go home and face the wife and kid and tell them you were out of work………..lovely.

It probably didn’t feel like it at the time but obviously you are a much stronger man because of it. Not only stronger but probably with an extra layer of confidence, that by golly I can do this. I’ve seen what bad looks like and this is nothing.

I’m proud of you buddy. You were spot on when you said Life is what you make it. Not always easy to have the smile on the face, but you made it happen.

First time I’ve been to this house, but good to see you. I hope you have a fantastic day.
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Bill,
  
  LOL! I nearly feel out of my chair at work. You are a funny guy. Yes I was already working a crappy job and got fired. Isn’t that sad. I got fired from a crappy job. That is a fun way to look at things. I guess it’s better than getting fired on my day off.
  
  I can attest and say that this experience was a life changer. I had to rely on the little bit of inspiration that I had to get by. It is just really tough to watch your wife go to work to take care of you when you are sitting around in your underwear eating Oreos. That is a day I will never forget.
  
  Those Oreo’s were tasty. lol!
  Thanks so much for your support Bill!
http://unlockthedoor.net Stuart

Frank, I’ve said it before, but I love how you start your posts off with a crappy section, then BOOM the spark hits, and Super Frank is with us again!

I’ve never been fired, but I’ve had short-term contracts finished with nothing to move onto, and I felt bad being in that state. It felt like I didn’t know what I wanted to do. But that was then.

And this is now. If I lost my current job, I’d take the time to dust myself off, then I’d charge into the next opportunity. Life is too short for moping around. When one door closes, another opens!

Do you still have the piece of crap for a car?
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Stu,
  
  It is all a part of my scheme to trick people into reading what I have to say. If I started with the good part no one would want to read it. It’s hard enough just to get people to read my title let alone my article.
  
  You are just like Jermaine bragging about not getting fired. I wish I was so lucky. lol! It is all a matter of perspective and having the guts to do something you have never done before. I am with you the next time I get fired I am looking for another door or window to jump out of. Is that what you meant?
  
  I mean I am looking for my next opportunity. No that car nearly exploded as I was driving on the highway. I had to let it go. Thanks for the idea for my next post.
http://www.lifeforinstance.com Lori Gosselin

I swear Frank, I’m following your for the great belly laugh I get from reading your wonderful posts.

“My emergency fund consisted of a piece of paper warning me not to have an emergency.” [This reminds me of my rock solid plan to have a rock solid retirement plan!]

Your Spongebob references were hilarious! I nearly forgot I was reading about a fellow who probably didn’t see humor in the situation at the time. (Or DID you – were you thinking about what a funny blog post this would make!?!? Imagine if life were that simple!)

I don’t have a firing story. I do have a quitting one, though. It was just after university and I was working at a card and gift shop while I researched my book. The young manager gave me the creeps and I soon found out that he was selling drugs out of the back room. Now I really had to get out of there (I was minding the shop out front while this was going on in back!?!?) So I called my Dad and he told me HOW to quit – I never even went back with my key, quit with a phone call, without notice and that was that. It wasn’t hard to take because it was a filler job. It just gave me a story to tell.

Like now. Sorry it’s not as funny as your story!
Still chuckling,
Lori
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Lori,
  
  Thanks for the added pressure. I don’t know if I can continue to bring the laughs. I am quickly running out of material. Spongebob was my best friend during those days. He got me through a lot of stuff. To this day I make sure I stay up to date with what’s going on in Bikini Bottom. You can’t forget your roots. lol! Yes the Spongebob references were there for comic releif. I mean a person getting fired is heavy stuff.
  
  I am sorry to hear about the young manager who forced you to quit. Coming up in Detroit I was happy when I found a manager who only sold drugs. I am glad you had your Dad to give you the right advice. I didn’t want to tell my Dad I got fired he would have gave me the look. Thanks so much for joining the discussion and sharing your experience Lori. You ROCK!
  - http://www.lifeforinstance.com Lori Gosselin
    
    Sorry Frank, I didn’t mean to put pressure on you. I don’t think YOU will ever run out of material (not that I’d wish that getting-fired stuff on you). I am still chuckling today when I remember: “My emergency fund consisted of a piece of paper warning me not to have an emergency.” I’m going to be quoting that for the rest of my life (or at least until I have an emergency fund!)LOL
    
    “Coming up in Detroit I was happy when I found a manager who only sold drugs.” LOL I guess I’ve led a sheltered life. In High School the first time I heard the word “stoned” I thought they were talking about drinking too much. Ah well. What can I say? ( Why DIDN’T anyone offer me drugs!??!)
    
    I hope you are smiling Frank because you sure make others smile.
    Lori
http://www.balancedworklife.com/blog Bryce Christiansen

I never got fired but my last job let almost everyone else go. It was a cold calling sales job and expectations were above the roof for employees. I felt incredible pressure to perform and did so, but admit some of it was just plain luck.

What I liked about your story was the resolution you came to. You weren’t happy in the job, sometimes getting fired is life’s way of telling you to find something better.

Looks like you did.
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Bryce,
  
  You sound like a man I need to know. Quick tell me tonights lottery number or randomly point out some stock picks in the newspaper. You clearly are a lucky man.
  
  I am sure that was not a comfortable time for you. I too have had the experience of watching the building get emptier and emptier as I worked. It was not good for morale.
  
  Getting fired to me was the ultimate wake up call. I couldn’t complain because I had nothing to fall back on. It literally forced me to do something different and I am grateful for that chance. Thanks for your comment.
http://marleeward.com Marlee

Frank!
So cool to see you here! I’m telling you, you have the best way of infusing comedy with tragedy. You had me laughing every other line, and deeply inspired. I had a similar experience in leaving the law although my transition was much more welcome for where I was at.

Ultimately, I think it’s these experiences that teach us not only that ramen noodles are bad for us, but that there is an opportunity in every obstacle – you just have to be willing to look for it.

HOLLA!
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Marlee,
  
  What can I say, I try to find the humor in everything. I am glad I was able to sneak some inspiration in there on you as well. I will tell you this that Ramen noodle lesson is one I will never forget. I still have nightmares about chicken flavored noodles.
  
  This story to me was a great example of how to get up after life knocks you down. The funny thing about that is I can’t fight and I have scrawny legs so if I can learn to stand I know anyone else in this situation can as well. Thanks you for your support.
http://hustlersnotebook.com Jk Allen

Hey Frank,

It’s amazing that sometimes we get placed into situations where we think we’ve been had, we’re done, and there’s no rebounding – when in reality, the situation occurred for a very definite purpose…that we’re often not aware of while it’s happening.

I’ve never been fired or laid off from a job. I have, however, taken a job and wish I would have stayed put in my previous job after starting the new one. But in time, everything worked out for the better. What started as a highly stressful situation led to a great situation.

From my experience I learned that despite how difficult a situation may feel while in the moment, at some point in the future it just might bringing more positive than we expected. Also, everything happens for a reason.

Great guest post Frank!
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Jk,
  
  I couldn’t tell you how devestated I was. I really thought it was a wrap for me. I always heard the saying that all things happen for a reason but when you are in the midst of the things it is easy to lose faith.
  
  We all have made decisions or had decisions made for us that effect the way we live. I’ve learned it’s not always about what happens but it is about how we respond. So, when are you going to hire me out where you’re working? lol!
http://www.peppervirtualassistant.com/ Agatha

Hi Frank, I’ve never been fired but I decided to resign from a job everyone thinks I should have kept. I never hoped to be in that position and my heart says, I am not happy being there. I like what you said on the last part, “It’s not over as long as you are still alive”. It’s true. We just have to live one day at a time and continue with life. It isn’t the end of the world and life must go on.
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Agatha,
  
  Don’t you just love when everyone else thinks they know what is best for you? It drives me nuts! No one knows what’s best for me but me. They don’t have to sit around and deal with the issues I have on the job or at my home. People and their opinions sometimes drive me crazy. I am so glad you were able to find some value in this post and I thank you so much for your commnet.
http://www.Mazzastick.com Justin | Mazzastick

Hey Frank,
I worked in retail for 11 years, I feel your pain. I was also “downsized” and without a job. I discovered that I was totally capable of supporting myself without having to have a JOB.

Sometimes our biggest nightmare can turn into a wonderful blessing.
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Justin,
  
  You were a fellow retailer? Now I know who to share my horror stories with. Isn’t is a great feeling to be able to support yourself after a difficult situation?
  
  Thanks for your comment.
http://www.2achieveyourgoals.com Dia

Hi Frank,

Yes my friend, we all face circumstances in life. What we have is our attitude. We always have a choice. One door closer and another one opens. Nice lessons you learned and you are right NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.

Great post my friend! Thanks for sharing
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Dia,
  
  I am so glad that I was able to start over and make a new and better life for myself. As the door was slammed in my face I have learned to rub my nose to remove the pain, take a step back and go knock on the next one. Sooner or later I knew my opportunity would come along.
  
  Thanks for your added insight.
http://ThePowerToLive.com Connie Lee

Hi, Frank,

Thanks for reminding us that ‘Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end’. (That’s a favorite line of mine from a Third Eye Blind song.)

11 years ago, I was diagnosed with a life-threatening dis-ease. It was one of the best things to happen to me.

I wrote about that experience on my blog @ http://thepowertolive.com/252/life-threatening-becomes-life-changing/

Thanks for sharing your story of transcendence. It was inspiring!

Connie
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Connie,
  
  Thank you so much for sharing your story! It definately put me in the right perspective. I just had to battle to find new employment. I did not have to battle against a life threatening disease. What a powerful story. I can’t wait to read it.
http://www.annieandre.com Annie Andre

Frank,
Sponge bob is not a good point of reference for conversations with adults? I challenge your statement. Did you know that in France and Montreal sponge bob is called “BOB L’eponge”? Isn’t that just fascinating to you?..

I’ve learned a few lessons in my life from being laid off like
money is a means to an end but it’s not everything.
Commuting 2 hours a day to work is no way to live.
Kids care more about you being home than how much stuff you can buy them
Working 60 hours a week us unhealthy

I lived and worked in silicon valley California for many years while i was a single mom raising two kids. Companies came and went more times than i can count. I’ve been laid off 4 times in my life. The last job i lost was the last job i had.
We, my husband and i are entering long term unemployment. Meaning, we no longer even qualify for unemployment. But that’s ok, because, we decided to invent our own jobs. We have no wear near as much stuff as we used to, but we somehow manage and our life revolves around our family and each other. I’m all the more happier for it too.

Thanks for another great story Frank. Glad to see you here. You are becoming prolific aren’t you…
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Annie,
  
  Finally another person who has been downsized. Someone I can relate to. I did not know that about my good friend SpongeBob. Now I just need to move to France or Montreal to get some good conversation.
  
  I love what you learned from your experience as it was very eye opening an relevant to exactly the things I want to focus on. My current job although extremely fulfilling doesn’t allow me the flexibility to spend as much time with my family as I would like.
  
  I am so happy to read that you have found what works for you and your family and I wish you nothing but success on your journey. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
http://www.successdemandsaction.net Allen Loomis

I have been there, working unbelievable amount of hours, feeling drained and like a zombie. I never got fired, but eventually quit. That moment, I decided to live life on my terms, not to be determined by another persons cash flow enterprise, but of my own.

Thanks for this great article.
Keep on working hard
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Allen,
  
  Thanks for sharing your experience. Life on your own terms has to be extremely fulfilling. I would love to hear more about your journey. I guess that is what your blog is for.
http://www.mindadventure.com/blog rob white

Wow Frank. You are powerful! Meeting life’s challenges with humor and insight is what has you getting ahead and will continue to move you on to greater and greater expressions of yourself. I know from my own life when it is darkest out I begin to see the light. I sense your unrealized potential boiling over and ready to manifest marvelously.
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Rob,
  
  Thanks for the kind words. I needed them today. I have found that my sense of humor has allowed me to stay encouraged through some of the challenges just like this one. When I was a kid I was scared of the dark. now as an adult I am still afraid of the dark…but I put up a good front for the people watching lol! Your words have inspired me today. Thanks for stopping by and joining the discussion.
Nate

I was not fired, but I have recently been in the job hunt, and have been disappointed several times. I’m 24 and have done the retail thing for a while with several different employers. I interviewed for a similar position with a new company that was opening a store in out area, everything went really well, and about 5 minutes after leaving the interview, the guy who would have been my manager called saying I had the job, and to sit tight for a few weeks while they completed the rest of the hiring process. We discussed details about the job for a few minutes, even going into what shift I would be working etc. After a few weeks of not hearing anything I call to follow up, after a few days of phone tag, i find that the position was given to someone else, a major screw up. I had been banking on the job, it hurt bad.

It made me reevaluate my life a bit, I didn’t want another retail job, or anything like it at all. I was not happy with my college pursuits, I was just going through the motions, doing what I thought was expected of me, and under performing. I have always dreamed of working in the oil industry as a career, so for the last 4 months I dedicated my free time to filling out as many applications as possible, and sent my resume to literally 1700+ oil companies, through the use of a few websites and personal contacts. I wanted it so bad that I would come home from work, sit down at the computer, and do nothing but fill out applications and research jobs all night long. I also got myself back in shape, started working out every morning, and eating healthier then I ever had before. I don’t think I have ever been this motivated for anything in my life.

I finally have an interview for a position on a casing crew in Oklahoma on Saturday, driving 14+ hours there from Colorado, I just know I’m going to nail it. I have never done anything like this in my life, but I think for the first time, I am living life on my terms.
- Nate
  
  I also took the opportunity to eliminate another problem, insecurities with my balding hair, I cut it all off, feels great.
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Nate,
  
  What a freaking experience! I can’t believe that things like that really happen. I would have wrote a strongly worded letter to the CEO and then contacted my local news just to make a stink. How dare you tell me I have a job and then give it to someone else. Oh well I guess it was in the cards. Now you are on to something you are passionate about and from what I read it sounds like your are healthier than you have ever been with a new hair cut. I know this job is yours to have. Anyone who is commited enough to drive 14+ hrs for an interview is alright with me. Nate you will get everything you deserve in more. You have a contagious attitude and you have inspired me to live life on my terms. Outstanding comment and even better story. Good luck!!
http://connect2mp.com Michael Porter

Hello Frank,
Thanks for sharing for I found it to be inspiring.
Although I have many talents I felt stuck on a job I did not like and over the 12 years looked for ways to leave and follow at least one of my passions. I worked for the City of San Diego in Parking Enforcement very tough job. I had a work related injury last year. My recovery was not well enough to return to the job (which really is okay) and got the news that there are no other jobs available within the City so essentially I am getting canned in about 30 days. To top it off our city does not pay into Social Security or State Disability so I won’t qualify for any sort of disability check. At 53 years old I am applying for Medical retirement which will take 18-24 months.
I am now pursuing a Voice Over career, something that I’ve wanted to explore for many years. Reading your article help me to realize I need to chunk down my focus with doing a podcast reading children stories to other voice projects.
Although the funds are low I hired a voice coach (he actually forward a link to your article) and loving it. I know initially I will have to make adjustments but I am looking forward to new opportunities and grateful that they are releasing me!
~Michael
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Michael,
  
  I am so glad that I was able to inspire you with my story. That is the very reason why I write. After hearing about your line of work I want to first off apologize for all of the times you have been cussed out, physically threatened, and insulted. I say this because I am aware with how many people behave when they see people who did that line of work coming. That is a really tough job.
  
  Now with the recent events it sounds like you are reaching for something that you are passionate about and I am confident you will be great at it. The more you practice the better you will become and more opportunities will come your way. Thanks so much for sharing your story. You have inspired me.
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Michael,
  
  Man you really did have a tough job. I can’t imagine how many times you have been cussed out, threatened, and just down right poorly treated just trying to earn a living. You did that job for 12 years! You deserve a metal. It seems like life has now presented you with an opportunity to follow your passion and do something you have dreamed of. I am so excited for you and your adventure. I can’t wait to hear your work once you go big time. Don’t forget about little ole me when you do! Thanks so much for sharing your inspirational story.
Champ

Hi Frank ! there is lot of connection with my story and your story. Till now I have been fired 3 times. It did not hurt much when I was not married and young but second time when I had little daughter – I got fired and like you said i thought – life was over , I could see darkness everywhere and was thinking that how would I feed my family.
Fired 3 times does not mean that I was bad at work but sometime it is difficult to understand / handle people around you or situation and then we have pay the prize for the same.
Initial days are difficult to handle and even we spend sleepless night thinking why I was fired but then I tell myself that I must move on and find the job or study something to get the job.
For me everytime something better have happen due to firing.
Thanks for the post
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Champ,
  
  I am glad our stories have so much in common because I am confident that yours will end much better than mine. The first few weeks after I was let go were the worse. I felt useless and I behaved just like I felt. Eventually I realized that complaining wasn’t doing anything but making me bitter and not better. So, instead of focusing on what I didn’t have I focused on how to get what I wanted.
  
  With what I went through I was able to find a way to make my life into what I wanted to be. I may not have it all figured out yet but I know I can find a way to make it happen if I want it bad enough. I know you can as well. Those opportunities left because they weren’t right for you. The perfect job is right around the corner. Do you know exactly what you want to do?
  
  The ball is in your court. I know you can make it happen.
Champ

Frank,
I forgot to tell that the last job from which I was fired was “Retail”. I was working in software company providing retail solution like POS / SCM and I have been given project out of country. Many people have came in that project and resigned but I told myself that I will be there till project get finish….after working for 2 years and 3 month in that project , project got scraped and my boss called me and told me to leave the job…….
Vivienne

Frank,

Thanks for reminding me of all the greatness that lives in me. Getting fired is never easy. It feels like your soul has been attacked! All you can hear in your head is, they don’t want me , they don’t want me. It’s the craziest thing. Keeping an eye out for the jewel around the corner is the best you can do most times. Be still and know that it is coming!

Thanks for sharing.
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Vivienne,
  
  It was my pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to read about my experience. When I got fired I thought the universe was laughing at me. The day started off so promising and ended up the complete opposite of what I expected that day. I was ready to fight but I didn’t have a physical presence to go after. I took it personal as well. The guy who let me go didn’t like me for reasons I can’t really seem to understand. I think I am a nice guy but I was really young when I had this position maybe that was the issue. I have learned that everything really does happen for a reason. Thanks for your comment.
Amie

Good day Frank,

thank you for sharing this truly uplifting story. i got fired from my job 6 months ago and i am still in the process of getting back to focus now. I really felt bad about it until now and im still hoping i can bounce back and feel good again about myself.

upon reading this, im thinking this may be the day to start afresh…
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Amie,
  
  Thank you for reading about my experience. This post was written just for you. I have been there and I know it is not a comfortable place but I am confident that you are now in a position to make the most of what you have available. You have been given a fresh chance to start all over. Take advantage of it. Thanks so much for your comment. It made my day.
Champ

Hi Frank !
Today my boss told me to quit (i am serious ). I had enough with him because he do not understand project management and always blame me.

This time I am cool and I am taking this as positive as compare to my previous lay-off.

One reason why I am cool is that I have done savings (if u do not have saving then you are more worried since we think about paying school fees / other bills.

Champ
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Champ,
  
  What did you do? Did you walk off? You got me on the edge of my seat here. This is like a good movie but with real people. I am glad to here you were prepared for your transition period as that makes a huge difference. Now you can focus on what’s next because the other needs are taken care of. Good luck!
Champ

Hi Frank,
I did not walk off ( I never run aways from any situation ). When I joined the company we had rules of giving 1 month notice to company and vise versa. few month back company came up with new rule saying any employee who need to leave company must give 3 month notice period ( this is not practical because no other company wait for employee to join after 3 months ) everyone object but company given that reason that they take time to hire people so 3 month is valid. Yesterday my boss told me to resign and said give 1 month notice so I objected saying it is 3 month and I like to fight for justice.(not resigned yet)
But now I am prepared for transition and exploring different options
It is good that I have family support and they supported me on this(moral support).
Thanks for your support
http://7des7iny.wordpress.com 7des7iny

Receiving that letter is never a good feeling… Which I guess is why nowadays people are always looking for different sources of income streams.

So, perhaps if we make the right preparations, we can fire our bosses instead
kerry

Frank we share a similar story twice and what i’ve noticed is that even though we see it as a set back it’s actually a spring board into our desires. I had the opportunity to change careers as well a the opportunity to learn more about myself spiritually. A chapter might have ended but the story is not over. Love the inspiration thank you.
- http://www.asparkstarts.com Frank
  
  Kerry,
  
  I am always excited to hear from someone who traveled down a similar path as myself. My experience was similar to a baby bird that is pushed out of a nest to aggressively teach it how to fly. I would have never left that job on my own. Had I not been fired I might still be working there miserable to this very day. What I thought was my dramatic fall to my death was actually a lesson to teach me how to fly and that is on a spiritual and natural level. You talk about a faith builder. Having nothing with no hope builds up spiritual fortitude and gives you belief that all things are possible if we only have the strength to believe. Thanks so much for your comment.
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Lifesforlearning

I too was hired for a job for which I was underqualified. I didn’t actually apply for this job. I applied for the social worker’s job as I was a social worker. The job I took was always held by a nurse. But my future boss recruted me to take the position. In good faith I took the job with a verbal promise I would be “trained”. ( This hiring boss was fired a few months after I started.–the beginning of the downward spiral for me.)

Oh, I was trained alright. When the corporate people discovered how I was trained they blamed me for not knowing the correct Company proceedures. Did the trainers stand up & take any responsibility? NO.
That certainly started me off on the wrong foot and gave me a pretty clear idea of the Company I worked for and the people I worked with. Following a public humiliation meeting I was then told I would have to absorb a 25 hour per week position they were eliminating in addition to tasks currently performed by another department. WhenI asked for help, which everyone else was getting, I was told I was not entitled to help and that I should “delegate”.
They could not/would not specify who I could delegate to. Whenever I took it upon myself to delegate, (I tried twice), that person would complain and my new boss, (35 years younger than me), would tell me not to delegate. I was working diligently, on average 50-60 hours per week and at times close to 70 hours. I was a salaried employee. More and more work laid in my lap..but over and over…no help nor any effort to respond to my good faith appeals for help.
Acually I was living in Kafka novel. Believe me, I would have quit long before to save my sanity but my husband ‘s company moved out of state a year before and I was supporting us.
There is a lot more to this story…but I’ll spare you.

What I learned is to be true to yourself and deal with the consequences of that.
Now I’m dealing with the results of a job that was designed to make me fail. For the 34 years and 3 jobs that I’ve had I was always a valued employee and awarded for my good work. Because of fear I am now a TERMINATED EMPLOYEE.
I also learned I should also have gone to a labor lawyer early on.
Champ

Frank ! I am back after 4 months . My last day at work was 22 July,2011. During this 4months I tried for job every day but did not got any interview call – it is hard situation for anyone sitting at home for 4 months but i knew that I am capable of doing work and god will not like anyone sitting at home for long
I realized that during this period – I need to believe in myself and be positive. On saturday i came across a job in another city (3 hrs from mine) and they said person who is taking interview is going to fly back to another country soon so come on sunday for interview. I went by train and since I did not had reservation i stand for 3 hrs while going and 3 hrs stand while coming back and next day I got call that I have been selected and very soon I will start my new job.
Your post have helped me alot so I thought to inform you first
I hope my story will help others too
Champ
thisnthat

thanks so much for sharing I just got fired from a job I hated. They said “This just is not the place for you”. After weeks of torture little did they know I had beaten them to the punch. I had interviewed 2 days the week prior called in sick and landed myself a new job paying way more money. I had an offer the day after I was fired. BINGO. seamless and inspirational . Of course it was not the place for me something better is!!!!
thisnthat

thanks so much for sharing I just got fired from a job I hated. They said “This just is not the place for you”. After weeks of torture little did they know I had beaten them to the punch. I had interviewed 2 days the week prior called in sick and landed myself a new job paying way more money. I had an offer the day after I was fired. BINGO. seamless and inspirational . Of course it was not the place for me something better is!!!!
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Tahoe9901

Thank you for this article. I was fired a few days ago and have been down on myself, wondering what I did wrong, am I ever going to find a job again? Who will hire me now? I worked in a very stressfull, highly overwhelming environment, consisting of customers that demanded answers immediately, that I didn’t have the answers for, and didn’t have the authority to fix. Like you, I did my responsibilities well, and was capable of doing the job, I just wasnt qualified to handle volitile, and at some times verbally abusive people. I was so miserable. I made the mistake of confiding in a co-worker about my unhappiness, and in return she reported this to the owner of the business. He took me into his office and asked me how I was doing. At first, I thought, “Wow, he really cares about my well-being!” I couldn’t have been more wrong. He flipped the switch and started to belittle me about my feelings. He asked me what I was trying to prove by telling my co-worker that I was overwhelmed at times. I was completely taken aback and shocked by the way he was speaking to me. At that moment, I discovered that he didn’t care about his employees, he didn’t care that his business was a stressful environment. After he said that he was letting me go because I was unhappy, part of me was relieved. Yes, I was scared. Yes, part of me felt like a moron for getting fired. But in the end, I was unhappy. I probably would have kept on being unhappy the longer I was there. I see it now as a blessing in disguise. I’m still unsure about how to find a job now that I have the “I’ve been fired” cloud hovering above me, but I’m trying to have faith. Thank you again for your article. Made me feel that I was not alone in my situation, and I hope to be happy again like you.
Ed

Frank
Thank you for your story. I have been very depressed ad I found out when I come back from medical leave I am going to be fired. I am on FMLA right now as well.
I have worked for this company for 30 years. I have worked with a tyrant for a boss. Out of this I worked 7 years 100 hours a week. I have 3 children to take care of.
Several years passed I worked with a new boss who had less years with the company and less expirence. We both applied for the job. I was passed up and was told earlier in my career I was passed up due the pressure to promote a woman as we were heavy in male. I do not care male female or anything just as they are qualified!
Well I let this slip to my new boss. She was failing at getting her reports to do the company programs. So I became her excuse to our district mgr.
I was moved to another location more Customers and sales. I thought this was a mini promotion for all of the support I provided for her as I defended her and tried to get the staff to communicate with her. Instead my new bosss said our district mgr. said I was a handful. Meanwhile my back went out and had to get my third back sugery. I destroyed my back throughout the years. I dared not go workman’s comp I knew they would fire me for sure.
I called my boss while on medical he told me our main supervisor said that I was done.
I love my wife and three children they know there is something wrong. But there is still hope. Maybe a change would be good.
Your story and the others did make me feel better. Thank you.

Ed.

What I Learned From Being Fired

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