So you got fired. Cry, yell, scream and write about how unfair it all is. Then when the raw emotion is taken care of do a little exercise that will help build your future.

I am reminded of a song Tim McGraw recorded. The title is "Last Dollar". Even if you hate country music if you got fired today I think you should give that song a listen. It might just be food for the soul. It reflects on that fact that freedom comes with losing everything and you somehow find yourself in that freedon.

It is a loss and it fine to feel that loss, for awhile. A little wallow in self-pity is probably justified,and perhaps even healthy. But then it is time to get on with your life. You can use this as an opportunity to reintroduce the new and improved you to the world.

Take a look at the reason you were fired after the emotion is gone. Try to focus on losing the perception that for whatever reason you don't fit well into a company and realize that the company may not have fit well for you. Turn it around. If some of their concerns were legitimate change your behavior and habits so that will not happen again.

Take the criticism you received at face value. The point isn't whether the information is accurate. The point someone has that perception of the situation. Learn how to avoid that perception in the future. Here is a personal example

Tina and her friends were big diet coke drinkers. Tina was always happy to supply the beverage. She would always say there's a 12 pack in the trunk. Her friends after meetings would say "Let's go get the cooler out of Tina's trunk."

Tina was shocked when her manager suggested in a review that she might have a problem with alcohol. She never drank alcohol and could not understand where or how anyone would get that perception. Clearly her supervisor had an incorrect impression, but it was now written in a review. You can bet Tina is more careful about perceptions.

So take what is said and treat is as a perception. What can you do to change that perception? Sometimes the changes needed are very small and sometimes we find a rather large list. Keep working on these perceptions as long as you can keep blame and emotion out of the equation. That is when you can work out a plan for changing perceptions in the future.

Use this chance to make other changes you've may have been considering. Maybe you should move to that new place you've always dreamed of living. Now is a time to take some chances. You don't have a job to lose.

Ramp up your resume. See this as a chance to really sell yourself and don't be afraid to get help to do it. Try several different styles and have several on hand so you are prepared for a job title that may have been a little out of your realm before.

Get that little mini makeover. The new haircut and the new job interview outfit are things that can help boost your confidence.

Practice your interviewing skills. Your local job service has this available to you at no cost. Take advantage of every thing they have to offer.

Contact your references. It is a good time to remove old references and make certain you have their information correct. Keeping a good reference base is one of the major benefits of networking. Don't be afraid to get out there and talk to people.

I would never go back and thank the person who fired me, but I am sure glad I don't have to work for her anymore. I still have no love loss for dear LeeAnne. I am glad that other doors opened and I was able to take advantage of those. All those experiences helped to make me who I am today and I am fairly happy with that person. Perhaps I am even a better person.

Learn more about this author, Trenna Sue Hiler.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Fired: How to assess your own behavior?
We want to hear your view. Write now!