by David B Hitchcock

Created on: May 12, 2009

When getting fired is an opportunity for change and growth

You just got your pink slip, and it wasn't from a company reorganization. While you may have seen it coming, often it is still a shock to be let go from your company, and an even bigger shock to be fired. Many people look at being fired as a very negative thing. While it's not the best thing that can happen, it can be the opportunity for change and growth in your life. Think of that old saying about lemons and lemonade.

If you were fired for a bad personal habit, now is your chance to address that habit so it's not a problem. This can be anything from being late all the time, to a drinking problem, to simply arguing with co-workers all the time. It might be a little thing like a negative attitude at work all the time. Any of these things makes it hard for other people to get their work done around you. Now is your chance to address the problem, get help if you need it, and make sure that it is not a problem for your next job.

If you were fired for failing to meet your performance objectives, now is a chance to sit back and evaluate those objectives. Did you set them or your boss? Were they reasonable goals or were they way out of reach from the start? If they were out of reach, then it wasn't your fault. But if they seem like reasonable goals that you didn't meet, you need to take a look at why you didn't meet them, and what you will do differently next time. If you don't do this, you will find yourself in the same position later on and likely with another pink slip because of it.

In general, leaving a job for any reason is a liberating experience. Even jobs you love seem to tie you down, and wear on you after a while. When you leave a job, you have freedom to do what you want any old time at all. Think of it as a mini-vacation. It's a great time to do things you have been meaning to for a while - like fix that shed in the backyard, train for that 10km race, or go see that new museum downtown that's only open during business hours. But you need to set a limit on the fun, so you can get down to the work of finding another job.

Was work too stressful for you? Sometimes in a family there are too many pressures associated with getting up, getting everyone ready to head out the door, and making it to work on time. You might want to consider alternatives to the standard 9 to 5 routine. Can you work from home in your line of work? Can you work two part time jobs to have more flexibility in your schedule? Is now the time to start your own home based business? Any of these can be the answer to your situation, but you need to sit down and evaluate your needs - time needs, money needs, and your family's needs.

When you are fired, often it's the opportunity for change and growth you need to take a new direction in your life. You will find when you do that, you are happier, more productive, and more enjoyable to be around. In short, you're a better person!

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