As a working professional, being fired can happen unexpectedly and can leave you feeling defeated and uncertain about your future. However, how you handle the situation can impact your career prospects and personal reputation in the long run.

The purpose of this article is to provide guidance on how to handle being fired in a professional manner by highlighting 20 things to avoid saying or doing. It is essential to maintain a positive attitude and approach the situation with a level head to ensure that you can move forward without harm to your professional standing.

The importance of handling being fired in a professional manner cannot be understated. Your past employers can have a significant impact on your future job prospects, and word-of-mouth can easily spread in professional networks. By taking the right steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can demonstrate your professionalism and ability to navigate tough situations with grace.

In the following sections, we’ll explore 20 common things to avoid saying or doing if you’re fired to help you stay professional and position yourself for future job opportunities.

Handle your emotional response

Firing can be an emotional experience, and it’s crucial to handle your emotional response appropriately. Don’t let your feelings control you, leading to actions that could hurt your future job prospects. Try to stay calm and professional, even if it’s challenging.

Here are some helpful tips on how to manage that emotional response:

Take some time to reflect

It’s essential to acknowledge your feelings, but don’t act on them immediately. You need to take some time to reflect on the situation, your career goals, and your next steps in managing your emotions.

Talk to someone

Having someone to talk to about your situation can help you process your emotions. It can be a friend, family member, or even a therapist. Talking can help you feel heard and validated.

Don’t burn bridges

The temptation to lash out or criticize your employer during the event or online is understandable, but it’s one you must resist. Remember that you could need them as references for future jobs. It’s recommendable to keep a positive professional relationship with your former colleagues to maintain your network.

Stay positive

Stay positive and focus on your future opportunities. When one door closes, another opens. Stay optimistic about your future possibilities and the lessons learned from each experience.

Avoid self-doubt

Firing can cause self-doubt, questioning your abilities, and value as a professional. Despite this, remind yourself that you are not alone, and there is nothing wrong with seeking advice or guidance when needed.

Take steps to improve

Take this time to evaluate yourself and improve your professional skills. Perhaps, you could take a course, attend a seminar, or learn a new skill that can benefit your profile for future job opportunities.

It’s essential to manage your emotions when dealing with a layoff or termination. It’s normal to feel sad, overwhelmed, or even angry. However, it’s essential to avoid acting on those emotions in unprofessional ways that can potentially hurt your future job prospects. Stay calm, positive, and take some time to reflect on the situation to come out stronger from it.

Don’t Burn Your Bridges

It’s natural to feel upset and angry when you’re fired, but it’s important to remember that how you behave in the aftermath can have serious consequences for your future career prospects. Even if you’re tempted to lash out, it’s crucial to stay professional and maintain positive relationships with your former colleagues and employer.

When you burn bridges, you risk damaging your reputation and potentially sabotaging future job opportunities. Here are a few examples of how burning bridges can negatively impact your career:

1. Ruined Reference

If you leave a company on a sour note, you can pretty much say goodbye to any chance of receiving a glowing reference in the future. This can be especially damaging if you’re looking for a job in the same industry, where your previous employer’s opinion carries a lot of weight. Employers want to hire candidates who are reliable, trustworthy, and professional, and a bad reference can swiftly derail your chances of scoring a new job.

2. Limited Network Connections

When you burn bridges with former colleagues or employers, you lose out on valuable networking connections and potential job leads. In today’s job market, networking is key to finding new opportunities, and the more people you know, the better your chances of landing your next job. By damaging your reputation through unprofessional behavior, you risk limiting your network connections and missing out on potential job leads that could advance your career.

In today’s digital age, it’s easy for negative behavior to gain widespread attention online. If you behave unprofessionally after being fired- whether it be through negative social media posts, harsh emails or hurtful comments, the fall-out can be swift and far-reaching. Employers are increasingly checking social media profiles to get a sense of a candidate’s character, and negative, unprofessional behavior can be a major red flag.

It’s important to remember that while being fired can be a painful and stressful experience, it’s vital to keep your professionalism intact in the aftermath. Resist the urge to burn bridges, and instead focus on building positive relationships with your former colleagues, employers, and professional network. You never know when those connections may come in handy in the future, and maintaining those relationships can be key to advancing your career down the line.

Don’t Badmouth Your Employer or Colleagues

As tempting as it may be to vent your frustrations and anger towards your employer or colleagues, it’s crucial to resist the urge to badmouth them when you’ve been fired. Not only is it unprofessional, but it can also harm your reputation and make it harder for you to find future employment.

Here’s why it’s important to avoid badmouthing:

1. It reflects poorly on you

When you speak negatively about your former employer or colleagues, it sends a message that you’re not a team player and may have trouble working well with others in the future. This type of behavior can be a red flag for potential employers, and they may question whether you’re capable of maintaining a positive and productive attitude in the workplace.

2. It could harm your professional reputation

In today’s interconnected world, badmouthing your employer or colleagues could easily get back to them or other members of your professional network. Once your reputation has been damaged, it can be hard to repair it. Employers and clients may be hesitant to work with you if they believe you’re someone who’s likely to speak negatively about them in the future.

3. It won’t help you move on

While it may feel good in the moment to vent your frustrations, badmouthing your employer or colleagues won’t help you move on from the situation. In fact, it could prolong your negative feelings and make it harder for you to focus on finding a new job.

So, how can you make sure you don’t badmouth your employer or colleagues? Here are a few tips:

1. Take some time to process your feelings

Before you say anything negative, take a step back and give yourself some time to process your emotions. It’s natural to feel angry, sad, or frustrated when you’ve been fired, but it’s important not to let those feelings control your actions.

2. Focus on the positives

Rather than dwelling on the negative aspects of your past job, try to focus on the positive experiences you had. Maybe you learned new skills or made valuable connections with colleagues. By focusing on the positives, you can help shift your mindset towards a more productive and positive one.

3. Keep it professional

If you must talk about your former employer or colleagues, make sure to do so in a professional manner. Avoid using derogatory language or making personal attacks. Stick to the facts and focus on constructive feedback.

4. Think about the long-term implications

Remember that what you say today could have long-term implications for your professional reputation. Before you say anything negative, think about how it could impact your future job prospects or relationships with professional contacts.

By avoiding the urge to badmouth your employer or colleagues, you can maintain a professional reputation and increase your chances of finding future employment opportunities.

Don’t Beg for Your Job Back

When you’ve been fired, it can be a very emotional and stressful experience. You may feel like begging your boss for your job back is the only option. However, begging won’t work, and it could actually hurt your chances of finding a new job in the future.

Why begging won’t work

Begging your boss for your job back can come across as desperate and unprofessional. It won’t change the circumstances that led to your firing, and it could even make your boss less likely to consider rehiring you in the future. Additionally, you run the risk of damaging your reputation and your relationships with your former coworkers.

Furthermore, begging for your job back might lead you to overshare your personal problems or make promises that you can’t keep. This can be seen as inappropriate and unprofessional, and it may put your boss in an awkward position.

Alternative actions to take

Instead of begging for your job back, here are some alternative actions that you should consider:

Take responsibility for your mistakes and acknowledge that you were at fault. This shows that you’re mature, accountable, and willing to learn from your mistakes.
Stay calm and professional. Even if you’re feeling angry, upset or frustrated, it’s important to remain calm and maintain your professionalism. This will make it easier to negotiate any severance or reference of release documents that might help you find a new job.
Reflect on your situation and use it as an opportunity for growth. Take some time to think about what you could have done differently or what skills you need to develop. Attend workshops, take online courses, or pursue relevant certifications to improve your skills and make yourself more marketable.
Network with people in your industry. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or other contacts in your field and let them know that you’re actively looking for work. They may be able to recommend opportunities, provide advice or even offer you a job.
Consider working with a career coach or a mentor. A career coach or mentor can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and career goals. They can also help you develop a plan for finding a new job or starting your own business.

Begging for your job back won’t work and can even harm your reputation. Instead, take responsibility for your mistakes, maintain your professionalism, and focus on improving yourself and your skills. By doing so, you’ll be more likely to find a new job and move on from your firing in a positive way.

Social media can be a double-edged sword when it comes to dealing with job loss. It’s important to understand the potential consequences of posting publicly on social media platforms. Reacting emotionally to job loss can lead to posting unprofessional or inappropriate content, which can harm your personal brand and future job prospects.

Employers may actively monitor social media channels, and will likely take any unprofessional behavior into account when considering new hires. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid posting content that may reflect poorly on your character or work ethic, such as complaints about your previous job or company.

Instead, approach social media in a professional manner. First, consider taking a break from social media until you have fully processed your emotions and thoughts related to the job loss. This can help prevent any knee-jerk reactions that could harm your personal brand.

Once you are ready, consider posting updates that reflect your ability to handle the situation in a mature and professional manner. For example, you might post positive updates about professional development opportunities, new job leads, or volunteering experiences that demonstrate your resilience and positive attitude.

When sharing updates, be sure to avoid revealing sensitive details about your previous workplace, and never spread rumors or negative gossip about your former colleagues. Focus on demonstrating your professionalism and commitment to your long-term career goals.

Social media is a powerful tool that can help you build your personal brand and connect with others in your industry. However, it’s important to use social media responsibly, especially during difficult times like job loss. By approaching social media in a professional manner, you can demonstrate your ability to handle adversity and emerge from the situation stronger than ever before.

Don’t Trash Your Workspace

Leaving a mess behind in your workspace after being fired is never a good idea. Not only does it demonstrate a lack of professionalism, it can also have negative consequences for your future job prospects.

Employers may be hesitant to hire someone who has a reputation for being messy or disorganized. Additionally, colleagues who are left to clean up your mess may be less likely to provide positive references or recommend you for future job opportunities.

To avoid these negative outcomes, it’s important to take the time to clean up your workspace before leaving. Here are a few tips to help you leave your workspace in good condition:

Clear your desk: Take any personal items and documents with you, and dispose of any trash or unnecessary paperwork. Make sure to also remove any dishes or food items from your workspace.
Wipe down surfaces: Use disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces such as your desk, keyboard, and mouse. This will help to prevent the spread of germs and leave your workspace looking tidy.
Return equipment: If you were using any company equipment or supplies, make sure to return them to their proper place.
Say goodbye: Before leaving for the last time, take a moment to say goodbye to your colleagues and thank them for their support during your time at the company. This will leave a positive impression and help to maintain important professional relationships.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that you leave your workspace in good condition and maintain a positive reputation even after being fired. Remember, it’s always better to leave on good terms than to burn bridges and risk future job opportunities.

Don’t Take Company Property

It can be tempting to take a company asset or two when you’re heading out the door, especially if you feel undervalued or wronged in some way. But this act of revenge can quickly turn into a legal nightmare.

If you take any company property without permission, you are stealing. This is both unethical and illegal. You will likely face legal consequences, which can be quite serious depending on the value of the item(s) taken. It’s not worth it in the long run to tarnish your reputation and potentially face jail time.

So what constitutes company property? Basically, anything that belongs to the company or is used for work purposes. This includes anything from office supplies and equipment, to confidential documents and company-owned electronics.

If you have any company property in your possession when you’re let go, make sure to return it immediately. Failure to return company property can lead to legal action or even a restraining order. On the flip side, if you’re unsure about what belongs to the company and what’s considered personal property, ask HR or your supervisor.

In some cases, employers may ask you to leave your company property behind as a condition of your termination. If you’re required to leave company property, comply with the request. If you’re unsure what to do, ask for clarification from HR or your supervisor.

If you have any personal information on company-owned devices, make sure to delete it before returning the device. Also, be sure to leave any confidential documents or intellectual property in the custody of the company.

Taking company property after being fired is a big mistake that could result in legal issues. If you have any doubts about what’s considered company property, reach out to HR or your supervisor. And always make sure to return any company property upon termination to avoid any unwanted legal trouble down the line.

Don’t Threaten Legal Action

If you have recently been fired from your job, it can be tempting to make legal threats against your former employer. However, before you do so, it’s crucial to consider why threatening legal action is not effective.

Why Threatening Legal Action is Not Effective

First and foremost, threatening legal action can make matters worse. If you threaten legal action and do not follow through, your former employer may feel vindicated in their decision to fire you. They may also retaliate against you by providing negative references or withholding your final paycheck.

In addition, if you do follow through with legal action, it can be a long and expensive process. Even if you have a strong case, it may take months or even years to resolve, and the legal fees can quickly add up. Moreover, even if you win your case, you may be awarded little or no compensation.

What to Consider Before Involving Legal Action

Before you involve legal action, it’s essential to consider the following:

Is there a valid legal claim? You should consult with an attorney to determine whether you have a valid legal claim against your former employer.
What are the potential costs? You should understand the potential costs of pursuing legal action, including legal fees and other expenses associated with the case.
What are the potential outcomes? You should weigh the potential outcomes of pursuing legal action, including the likelihood of success and the amount of compensation you may be awarded.
Are there alternative options? You should consider alternative options, such as mediation or arbitration, which may be less expensive and time-consuming than going to court.

Threatening legal action after being fired may seem like a tempting option, but it’s important to consider the potential risks and drawbacks. Before taking any legal action, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney and weigh all of your options carefully.

Don’t Complain About Being Fired

Getting fired from a job can be a devastating experience. It’s natural to feel angry, frustrated, and even betrayed. However, dwelling on these negative emotions will not help the situation. In fact, complaining about being fired can actually make things worse.

Firstly, complaining can give the impression that you are difficult to work with or unwilling to take responsibility for your actions. This can make it harder for you to find a new job. Employers want to hire people who are resilient and focused on the future, not those who are stuck in the past.

Secondly, complaining can be a waste of time and energy. It won’t change the fact that you no longer have a job, and it won’t make you feel any better. Instead of complaining, use your energy to focus on positive actions that can help you move forward.

So, what can you do to be proactive about your career after being fired? Here are some steps you can take:

Take time to reflect: Before you jump into your next job search, take some time to reflect on your career goals and what you want out of your next job. This can help you make decisions that align with your long-term career aspirations.
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: This is a good time to update your resume and LinkedIn profile with your most recent experience. Make sure your profiles are up to date and present you in the best possible light.
Reach out to your network: Don’t be afraid to reach out to your professional network for support and advice. Let them know that you are looking for a new opportunity and ask if they know of any job openings that might be a good fit for you.
Attend networking events: Attend industry events and job fairs to meet new people and expand your network. This can be a great way to learn about new job opportunities and make connections in your field.
Learn new skills: Use your free time to learn new skills or improve existing ones. This can make you more marketable and help you stand out from other job applicants.
Stay positive: Finally, it’s important to stay positive throughout the job search process. Rejection is an inevitable part of the job search process, but don’t let it discourage you. Keep your head up and stay focused on your long-term career goals.

Being fired can be a difficult experience, but it doesn’t have to define your career. By staying proactive and positive, you can move past this setback and find a new job that is a better fit for you.

Don’t Misrepresent Your Situation

One of the worst things you can do when you’ve been fired is to misrepresent your situation. Whether you lie to potential employers, friends, or family, being dishonest never ends well. It may feel tempting to make up a reason as to why you were let go, but it’s important to remember that the truth will always come out eventually.

If you’re asked about your termination, it’s important to handle the situation professionally. Honesty is always the best policy, and it will serve you well in the long run. However, that doesn’t mean you have to divulge every detail of your firing.

When explaining why you were terminated, be concise and avoid placing blame or speaking negatively about your former employer. Stick to the facts and focus on what you learned from the experience. If you were let go due to performance issues, for example, explain what you did to improve and what you learned from the experience.

It’s also important to keep in mind that not every interviewer or potential employer will ask about your termination. If you feel uncomfortable discussing the matter, you can simply state that you are no longer with your former employer and leave it at that.

In all cases, avoid going into too much detail or saying anything that could be perceived as unprofessional. This includes badmouthing your previous employer, making excuses, or placing blame on others. Instead, keep your answers professional and focused on your future goals.

While getting fired can be a challenging experience, it’s important to remember that how you handle the situation can make all the difference. By being honest and professional when discussing your termination, you’ll increase your chances of landing your next job and moving forward in your career.

Don’t Blame Others

When faced with the unfortunate reality of being terminated from a job, it can be tempting to lash out and blame others for the situation. However, directing blame towards others is not a productive way to handle the situation. Not only does it make it harder for you to move on, but it can also damage your professional reputation.

Blaming others may provide temporary relief, but it ultimately does not solve the problem. It is important to acknowledge that there may have been factors outside of your control that contributed to your termination. Instead of focusing on who is to blame, it is more productive to evaluate what you can learn from the experience and how you can improve moving forward.

In situations where others are involved, it can be difficult to know how to approach the situation. However, it is important to take responsibility for your own actions and refrain from placing the blame on others. This does not mean that you should not communicate any issues or conflicts that may have occurred. It is important to approach any conversations with a collaborative and problem-solving mindset, rather than a defensive or accusatory one.

When addressing the situation, it is also important to listen to the other party’s perspective and try to understand their point of view. This allows for a more productive and respectful conversation, and may even lead to a resolution that satisfies both parties.

Blaming others for your termination is not a productive way to handle the situation. Instead, focus on what you can learn and how you can improve. When dealing with situations where others are involved, take responsibility for your own actions and approach conversations with a collaborative mindset. By doing so, you can maintain your professional reputation and potentially even resolve any conflicts.