Why I Was Fired
I was fired from my dream job. It was near to my home and it was in the industry that I really wanted to work in.
It all started back in October of the previous year when my boss was out sick for a week. I had a project deadline and the tools to meet the deadline were not working. IT gave me a work-around but it was too late. My boss had to enlist my entire department to get the project completed on time. It turns out it was a project too big for one person but I did not raise my hand to say so.
I was fired a few days after renewing every single client contract that I had.
What Being Fired Has Been Like
Being fired was pretty horrible given the bad economy. On the bright side I was able to do consulting work for 3 months and help out a few friends with their businesses. This also made me interview much stronger than I would have without the consulting (no resume gaps).
I was able to make an industry change and I was selected out of 100 candidates for my job. Out of the negative (getting fired) came the positive (finding a new job). Yes, I'm making less but I have better hours and a much less competitive environment.
I do miss my old job nearly every day.
Advice
- Do freelance work while you are job searching
- Do not let getting fired discourage you. You are not your job.
- Look to your network. Is there anyone that could benefit from your assistance as a contractor or freelancer?
- You need to stand out during your job search. Network outside of your comfort zone. Job search outside of your field as well.
- Do not be afraid to make a big change
- Examine all of your best qualities. Jot them down!
- Get references from past colleagues and clients. If your company has a 'no reference' policy get references from other employees that were laid off around the same time!
