No one is ever fully prepared to lose their job. But job loss, reductions, down-staffing, and summary dismissals happen every other day. Still, the words "we'll no longer need your services from today onwards" or "you're fired" may send some dark chills down your spine. And regardless of the reasons behind this action, it can be devastating.
How would you move from receiving a monthly salary to nothing at all? Will you manage to rise again and see better days?
Yet, as bleak as things may look, getting fired might be what you need to get out of a rut and do more challenging and exciting things in your career. You might now put all your heart and soul into acquiring new skills for that career you ever wanted.
Find out how getting fired can be a blessing in disguise:
Here is the thing. Getting fired can disorient you because you feel lost and need help knowing which direction to take. But once you calm down, you can take some personal time to reflect on everything and steer your life in the right direction.
Ask yourself what you want to do and why you need to do that. Use the time to go for the vacation or trip you've longed for if you can, to refresh your mind and reorganize yourself. Use this time to also focus your time and energy on your family.
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There is a unique, nagging pain that goes with losing a job. Sometimes the humiliation and stress can be too much to handle. You might question your abilities in your skillset and lose morale.
While there isn't a quick fix for how you feel, you can gradually begin to have a different outlook once you accept and own your feelings.
Acknowledging that you are out of your job is the first step to feeling better. The next step would be to take a break to help get over the hangovers associated with your job.
You can then adopt a routine where you get up early in the morning, eat breakfast, and schedule your day, including working on your curriculum vitae. The trick is to keep busy and get going.
You can also review and work on your skills, and that might include boosting your skills with a training course. Finally, understand where you are coming from, and improve so you never experience the same problem again in your career.
Getting fired shouldn't curtail your career. Instead, you can consider it the start of new beginnings where you can now get a brand new job in a company where you have always wished to work.
You can devote the free time to preparing a well-structured resume. Review a list of potential employers carefully, and then attempt to meet their requirements in order to develop your career.
You might discover that the job you did previously wasn't enjoyable, and you can now find a job that you will adore.
Is getting fired the final push button you ever wanted to start your dream business? It could be your wake-up call to create a new business and ensure that whatever you do succeeds at all costs.
If anyone has ever questioned your skills and abilities, you should prove them wrong by putting your entrepreneurial and managerial foot forward.
The advantage of starting your own business is that no one will ever fire you.
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A comfort zone can be worse than getting fired because you might shun any additional or challenging responsibilities at the workplace.
You might have taken things for granted, thinking you had job security. Fortunately, humans are wired to learn new things. They enjoy challenging tasks, and getting fired might be the fire you need to do different stuff, look out for new opportunities and learn new things.
You can also acquire even more unique skills for personal development.
Spreading risks is essential not just in business but also in your personal and professional life.
When you lose your job, you can see how not to rely entirely on a job. You will see the need to create those small side hustles that can shield you in the future. Getting fired could be way to create a vibrant emergency savings account to keep you afloat and take care of expenses as you begin afresh.
Are you a talented hair stylist? Start a hair salon. Are you good in painting? Start an art business. Never settle; always attempt something new. You have the chance to fully embrace your variety and make the most of it if you get dismissed from your job.
Many people realise how stagnant in their job they have been once they get laid off.
Employment research states over 60% of Kenyans with the right skills go on to find newer and even better job opportunities within the first 3 to 6 months of being fired from their last job.
Many experienced HR recruiters do not fault candidates who have been laid off because they know it can sometimes be inevitable for companies to fire their employees.
The beauty is that joining a newer, vibrant employer will allow you to perform more challenging tasks. You learn more about your new job, preparing you for future roles.
There is a positive side to getting fired, and that is learning the lessons. These include:
Getting fired gives you sufficient room and time to sit back and reflect on your job situation. You might have to revisit your performance and identify things you would have done differently. You delve deep into your skills, attitudes, and general personality.
Re-evaluation prepares you for better working relationships once you get a new job because you identify and address things that might cause problems in the last appointment.
Getting laid off can immediately throw you sideways, but it also gives you time to rebalance and identify or work on your strengths and motivations. You might quickly discover other working potentials and talents that can keep you busy and even earn an income. The more you find where your passion lies, the better you can identify a job or business that aligns with what you enjoy doing.
Life is full of uncertainties, including getting fired when you least expect it. While it might look like the end of the world, it could be the beginning of even better things. Depending on how you approach the situation, you can turn these bitter experiences into the sweetest moments of your life. Getting fired shouldn't be the end of your career. Let it be a new beginning and a time to rediscover yourself and pursue your dreams.
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