I got fired today

Shit, this has never happened to me before. I'm not sure if I should try to fight it or not ... I'm kind of in shock. I haven't told dear husband yet, he's slaving away at his job.

I have gone to the unemployment office and picked up paperwork, but I don't really think I qualify.

I've been thinking for a long time to start my own business, but not like this, with no warning and no preparation!

Who has been through this before? I've got a million thoughts running around my head right now! Part of me wants to dispute it, and part doesn't want to see any of them again. Advice on how to keep motivated, not fall into depression??

Not looking at this website during work hours I hope?

I have been through it about a year and half ago...

What did they fire you for? Had you been warned previously and was that warning documented?

I had a less than perfect review, I have been working on those issues since then, and documenting my production. Just yesterday we were discussing plans for me to travel and put on a seminar in the fall ... this is a surprise!

I had no disciplinary actions or warnings, nothing ever mentioned specifically except a general "low productivity."

No notes to personnel file, no unpaid time off for discipline.

never went to porn sites, nothing like that ... didn't matter if I was on lunch, or early or after hours ... we're not supposed to go anywhere non-work related at all, any time, at all.

What did they say to you?

but my sympathies are limited if you consistently violated company policy.

n/t

OK, the rules are probably a bit different in the US (and probably change from state to state), but in the UK there has to be a company policy on internet use, and which you are aware of, before you can be fired for breaking it: They usually insist you sign a form saying you've read it when you join (or when the policy was made, if you were already there). Any legal DUers out there to shed some light on this?

Aside from that, Bummer...

when they hire in, so I did sign it when I hired in.

Apply for the unemployment. Most employers do not want to risk the lawsuit, so they don't fight the claim. You'll need the money if you want to start that business.

Try to keep focused on a positive goal you are working toward. As long as you have something you are trying to reach, most likely you won't get depressed.

you cannot have been fired for "cause" If you were laid-off then you can collect. If the firing was done for no good reason you can dispute the firing (though you will probably not get the job back but if you win the dispute you'll be able to collect unemployment). Good luck!

in most cases. i've been un/under-employed for two years...it's been tough. i started doing free-lance work which helped me stay busy, nd pay the bills. now i'm going to volunteer with planned parenthood...may as well do something useful. keep busy...and stay positive.

It's a kind of numbness accompanied by shame. What did I do wrong? What could I have done differently? Does this make me unemployable? How do I account for this on my resume?

I got over it, and survived being fired twice more. Now I'm going to school to do what I want to do. I hope everything works out well for you. Hang in there. (((((Hug)))))

numb, and ashamed.

I guess I knew I was making a mistake, in the back of my mind, but I didn't think it was so serious as to get fired. It's not like I wasn't making any contribution at all. I was doing my job.

I didn't really think about it, but I just never thought that if I got in trouble for anything I'd be fired right off the bat like that!

No HR counseling, no trying to work it out, no probationary period, no progressive discipline if you don't correct the problem.

Two of those three times I didn't see it coming, and it was a complete shock. One works one's hindquarters off for a company, and then they thank you be giving you a pink-slip. It really made me sick for weeks. But, someone like you will be in demand, and it may be just the "open window' you need to give starting that business a try. Even in this Dub Recession, starting a business does not mean it's bound to failure six months later. Talk it over with you husband, and then go talk to the SBA about a business loan. Also find out who handles small business counseling and development where you are (local Community College or local university). Make sure you talk with them about how you can do it, too.

You'll make it through it--though there's a lot of bitterness to get through.

B-)

Firing can be very common. Radio, for example. People are fired all the time. Look at how many times Sally Jesse Raphael has been fired.

Due to my highly independent nature and the fact that I tend to say what I think without regard to the consequences I tend to get fired a lot. The last time I got fired was...hmmm, very recently, when I told the company their paycheck was just good for lunch money. But since I've worked out an income based on diverse sources, I didn't really care. As a matter of fact, I went right out and got two additional jobs that paid substantially more than that one.


Cher

the same thing happened to me. Most states are "at-will" so they can fire you for any reason,or no reason,as long as it's not due to discrimination. You should definitely apply for unemployment,though. Not knowing the circumstances,it's hard to know whether you would qualify...but it's up to the unemployment people,not your employer. It's hard when it comes with no warning...I'm only now realizing that it really did happen. It's a shock right now,but it will get better.I'd be interested to hear more of the details.
Take care of yourself.

I got laid off a couple of months ago. My situation is different from yours though. Some of us at my old architecture firm got laid off at the same time because of a lack of projects coming in. I had a wonderful relationship with my supervisor and I think he took it harder than I did because I had been expecting it for months. The higher ups were very nice about it and were even trying to help me land another job. In your case I can imagine you must be devastated. I’ve been fired before and not in a nice way either so I know how you must feel. The week before I was laid off my wife was laid off. Luckily we were able to find jobs. But enough about me. What I would do first is call unemployment and make sure whether you qualify or not. You might be surprised. It is pretty depressing and I don't know what to say to make you feel better. I can only say that you must find a way of keeping your spirits up. Otherwise the whole thing will make you depressed. Also start hitting the net right away there might be something for you out there. Even temp agencies, depending what your line of work is, can find you something fairly quick. In our case both our families are over seas and we had no one to turn to. I hope that is not your case. Keep your head up.

1. Everyone gets fired at one time or another for some dumb excuse or another. Don't feel bad. It doesn't reflect on who you are, only who they perceive you to be, there's a big difference!

2. Apply for unemployment. Your former employer would rather pay unemployment than be sued.

3. Use some free time to reassess things, looks like you're starting to do that already.

4. Have you got a close friend whom you have worked with help you redo your resume? You'd be surprised with the insights another person can have, I was.

4. Repeat number one!

Been there, done that, stopped at the snackbar. Just remember, everything always happens for the best. When I got laid off in 1985, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm sure that will be the case for you. These cheap-labor conservatives need to understand it's a two-way street. My pipe dream is to organize WalMart workers. Hang in there Scout, and let us know how it all transpires.

keep your skills and resume up to date. Always keep a network. Never live paycheck to paycheck.

I check out job ads once and a while in my field to find out what employers are looking for.

I got laid off yesterday. I had a thread about it, but it disappeared.

That awful feeling will go away. It's just shock. You need to ride that out, unpleasant as it is. Then you'll be able to assess your situation a bit more logically.

Go walking. Get the seratonin flowing. It will definitely help you through this stage. :thumbsup:

On edit: my thread didn't disappear. That must have been my brain.

I hope you find another job soon.

I got laid off in April and just started working again two weeks ago - at a job that is so shitty that I cry in the shower some mornings. I'm better now, I promised myself I would leave after 3 months. By that time I hope that one of the million resumes I've sent out takes root.

Kill the lemon seller! Just kidding! Break out the card table, pitcher, sugar and put out the sign "lemonade for sale!" You said that you always wanted to start your own business, but not without warning or prep. Well, carpe diem! The fates are sending you a sign: now is the time! Put it behind you and take a couple weeks to grieve the loss of your job (because it is a loss like any other) and then start putting together your business plan. Start making the preparations to be your own boss. Think about it: YOU WILL NEVER BE FIRED AGAIN!

What kind of business did you want to open? There are plenty of resources for you to take advantage of, especially as a woman.

Good luck, and don't be to hard on yourself. We all make mistakes, it's how we learn from them that matters. Life has handed you an opportunity. Grab on with both hands and don't let go.

thanks for the kind words, and the good advice, I appreciate it.

logging off for now, I'm at my brother's using his computer.

must go home and figure out how to tell dear husband. I will get through this, I will try to take this as the perfect opportunity to start the new life that I want to live, not the one I've been living sort of "by default."

will keep all posted, just not sure when!

Thanks DU friends, keep up the good work!

You'll be in my thoughts.