Almost everyone has been fired at one time or another, and in most cases it turned out for the better. It can pertain to you, too, provided that you keep your emotions under control and your wits about you and, instead of falling into a depression and its inevitable paralysis, begin taking immediate action.
First of all, being fired doesn't automatically mean that you will lose your job. It pays to put up a fight in this situation, especially if your replacement hasn't been hired yet. However, to put up an effective fight you must do some soul-searching and be honest about those areas of inadequacy or non-productivity that have led you to this point.
Has your enthusiasm for the job waned, which, invariably, means a lowering of performance?
Have you become careless about your appearance and grooming?
Have personal problems began piling up and interfering with your performance on the job? I always like to say that it's better to take your work home with you than to bring your home to work.
When answering these questions about yourself, keep putting yourself in your superior's position and see yourself as your boss sees you. This is no time to be kind to yourself. It is a time to sum up the reasons you have been fired without necessarily having been told what they are.
Now, approach your boss again. Under no circumstances become emotional. Get rid of the tears or anger at home or in the restroom before this meeting. Avoid questioning your superior's judgment. That will get you nowhere. Remember that unless your boss is one of those sadistic individuals who enjoy firing people, his or her emotions are strained, too.
Your best approach is to acknowledge that perhaps you haven't been yourself lately but that you have recognized it and have already taken steps to correct it. Don't make excuses. Don't blame others in the department for some of your work being late or not as carefully prepared as in the past. Point to specific things you have done to correct the situation, and suggest that you be given a month to completely turn it around. Here's where that personal personnel file comes in handy. If you have kept records of your accomplishments over the course of your employment, you will be able to pull out some gems and offer them as examples of what you can do again if given the opportunity.
You mustn't be disappointed if you don't receive that extra month you asked for. The best you can hope for is that your boss will agree to reconsider the firing.
That buys you some time, and time is very much in your favor at this point.
If you have managed to buy time, use it productively. Don't view it as simply an extension of your paychecks and spend half your day on the phone looking for another job. If your boss has reconsidered because you asked, respect the decision and give it your all on the job. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't be preparing to look for another position. Get your network of contacts in order, and update your resume. Be ready; but don't jump yet.
The percentages are not in your favor in this situation, but this approach has worked for people I know and might work for you. If it doesn't, and your boss informs you that you will have to leave, then it's time to attempt to make that parting as amicable as possible, no matter what feelings of anger you harbor. There is nothing to be gained-and a great deal to be lost - by telling your boss off and storming out of the office.
Instead, ask for certain courtesies, such as the use of an office and telephone to make looking for another job easier. You should have an idea of company policy toward severance benefits, but by discussing them openly you might be able to improve them. Take subtle advantage of your boss's discomfort and feelings of guilt about firing you, in the hope that a more generous severance offer will be made.
Do everything possible to establish a pleasant, professional relationship with your boss before leaving.
