Being fired is no fun. While there are many tools and articles out there for knowing how to position yourself best when involuntarily let go, few tell the details of how to keep your dignity on the corporate walk of shame. This article will go through the steps you should take during this difficult time to maintain your composure and keep your head held high.
Take Care of Business
The first order of business when being fired is to ask the important questions, mostly about finances. These questions include:
- Will there be severance pay?
- Will any unused paid time off be payed out?
- How long after the termination date will insurance end?
- How and when will the final paycheck be handled?
Yes, these questions are not fun, nor do they provide an opportunity to “stick it to” the person doing the firing. That’s okay – you want to keep your composure. You can be professional, even if they are not. But these questions are the ones that will keep you afloat in times of needs. If you are leaving on somewhat amicable terms, perhaps you can negotiate a bit. Likewise, make sure to get every last detail in writing. Recording verbal conversations is also a good idea.
Personal Belongings on the Walk of Shame
Before you step out the door into the unknown next adventure, make sure you have all of your personal belongings. Completely clean out your desk – use a box, purse, or backpack if you have to. Anything left behind may never be recoverable. If you have a mug, photo, or book at your desk – grab it. If you brought it into the office, you should take it home.
Similarly, you should try to recover any personal files on your laptop. If there are work files that you think could be useful, try to get them, too. These include citations for misconduct or exceptional work completed, correspondence, or completed projects for your portfolio.
That said, company owned items, like your desk, chair, or shelf, should be left where they are. They may be used for the next individual occupying the space, or perhaps they will be poached by other office staff. Whatever the case, it is out of your hands. The last thing you need right now is to be accused of stealing.
Keep Your Professionalism on the Walk of Shame
This is not the time for a grand speech. If you’ve known you were on your way out for a while, make sure you say goodbye to those you are close to and can trust. Don’t make grand gestures just to “stick it to the man”. All it will do is make you look desperate and unprofessional. Chances are, the rest of the employees know what you would say, anyway. If not, you won’t be able to get through to them in the first place. Accept the situation, keep your dignity, and walk out with security without incident.
Finally, Write Down Your Story
Writing down what happened from your point of view can have multiple benefits. First, in a situation like this where stress is high and uncertainty is even higher, writing it down can give you a moment to decompress. That can be invaluable in a time like this. Similarly, if you felt as though something was off about the firing or the way you were treated, writing down your experiences maybe the first step towards a lawsuit against your former employer. If something did seem off, be sure to contact a lawyer.
These main steps for keeping your cool and professional dignity may seem like a lot, but they are essential. While it may not be easy to remember all of this in the moment, trying to keep yourself above the fray should be your top priority. After all, you have work to do – finding another job.
