It may seem difficult to get canned at work at times, but it's easier than you think - particularly in a poor economy such as today's. Employers will be happy to cut costs if you toe the line and they deem you unimportant to the business at large. Watch out for the following behavior at your job, and keep a lid on performing it yourself, or you may be in trouble.
- Not doing your work. It's such a simple thing, to get your work done; just... do it. That's what you're there for, and if you're not doing your work, well, why should they pay you? You may get a warning at first, but it won't take long for your employer to get serious and make room for someone who's actually willing to do the job.
- Constantly questioning your superiors. Doing this once or twice? Okay. You may even be right in asking questions and pointing fingers at your boss's 'good judgment' on some issues. All the time, though? You're delaying their work, and you're probably doing it just to be a pain. They don't need annoying workers, they need someone who will work. See ya.
- Refusing to do work. This is almost as bad as simply not doing your work in the first place. You may be within your rights not to do one or two things because you either have too much other stuff to do or you're just not suited for the job (or, in some cases, you're actually scared of the job). Consistently turning down work is a bad idea, however, as you'll be branded as someone who can't multi-task, or is otherwise inept and afraid to try new things for fear of failure. At best you'll never move up in the company; at worst, move over for someone else.
- Displaying antagonism towards other employees. There's usually some jerk who everyone hates, who puts pressure on others and is generally disagreeable. Companies need team players. If you can't get along with the rest, at least a little bit, out you go. You'll be out especially fast if you antagonize your boss over and over.
- Messing up. You're not suitable for the job. A few bungles? Acceptable. Constant? Not so much.
- Coming in late consistently. They're paying you to show up on time. Do so. It's amazing how many people can't grasp this concept, however, and eventually their employer will get tired of watching them stroll in half an hour to an hour late.
- Displaying a racist or sexist attitude. You're gone. Next!
- Making sexual propositions openly at work. Don't do it or you're gone. Save that stuff for your social life.
- And, last, not showing up for work. This happens a lot, and quite often it's done without explanation. You can get away with this once at most. Past that you'll be terminated post-haste.
Don't be dumb. It's not difficult to figure out how to act at work, and once you do your time there will swim by with ease.