Getting Fired: A Perspective

What do you think and feel when you hear the words “you’re fired” or “I’m sorry, but due to the increasing expense and inevitable irrelevance of your position, we have to let you go.”? What goes through your mind? Or what about that odd hollow feeling in the pit of your stomach? I understand that it is just business (in most situations), but it stings regardless. I have to mention that this isn’t about pity. It is about how we can avoid the pity trap and assess our fears to successfully navigate the murky void of uncertainty that we find ourselves thrust into with only our wits and a flashlight with a dead battery to guide us.

Background

Here is a little background for context. I got fired a few months ago. It was one of those situations that was a shock yet expected at the same time. I was deemed unnecessary, or too expensive, so I was sacked — terminated, laid off, canned, axed, dismissed, downsized, sent packing, shown the door. Actually, it was more like hit the “Leave Meeting” button since this all transpired over Zoom. So that was that. What now? Can I afford to take a much needed break to recover from a 9-5? Am I going to starve to death?

It’s been a struggle for me to maintain my balance on the edge of that pit of crapulence that is so easy to fall into when faced with challenges regarding uncertainty; those situations where you question your self worth and go through the whole “what’s the point?” dance.

So, I have been reflecting and pondering. And considering these anxious times — there is a lot to think about. When you are faced with a situation where the natural reaction is to give in to fear, panic, or self-pity, taking a step back to observe things from a more objective viewpoint can give you the moment, the opportunity, you may need to breathe and see a more productive path forward.

Perspective (with Gratitude)

How we view things matters. Optimism versus pessimism. Trust vs. cynicism. Humility vs. ego. Empathy vs. selfishness. Gratitude vs. greed. Coke vs. Pepsi. Make that conscious effort to recognize where your thoughts are focused so you can analyze where your perspectives are holding you back and where you can course-correct as you move forward.

I would love to just mope and shuffle about in my self-pity slippers, but I have to force myself to put some running shoes instead, which isn’t the easiest thing to do when you are going through a difficult time. Hell, for me it can be difficult when things are going fine, but that’s mostly because I am inherently lazy. Doing something is the first step to getting something done. Duh, you say? Duh indeed.

The needed shift in perspective comes by looking forward and outward rather than back and inward. Yes, it takes effort and practice to develop a habit, change a behavior or challenge a belief; but it is well worth your efforts in the long term. You may start to see opportunities where you hadn’t before.

Opportunities

Opportunities come and go. Along with maintaining a healthy perspective, being receptive to or recognizing opportunity is another behavior that can take some practice. Not all people are wired to see opportunity by default let alone pursue it. I sure wasn’t raised in that type of environment.

What’s the solution?

Train yourself to be more aware of opportunities that interest you and could be a good fit. It takes some work to actively seek them out. They don’t just come flying by to hit you upside the head. Set aside a short amount of time each day to research a market you are in or one that interests you. Join and interact with relevant groups, companies, and individuals on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, etc. This having to go out and be all network-y isn’t the easiest thing to do for us introverts. We like our alone time because too much PvP is draining. But unease and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone is where progress happens.

One thing I want to add here is — at the very least; strive to be a lifelong learner. If you are not already a person that loves to learn, for fun — make the effort to build in some learning time into your day. It doesn’t have to be long; 30 minutes is good. When you are learning something that interests you or there is perceived benefit, you will feel much less resistance than when you are trying to learn something that you just don’t care about.

Moving Forward

So, that is where I am at now; reassessing my position, evaluating my experience, and taking stock of my skills.

Questions you can ask yourself are:

• What can I do well?
• What do I enjoy doing?
• What value can I provide?
• How do I make a living by doing what is essentially, me?”

What much of this boils down to is basically a lot of unlearning old behaviors and limiting beliefs. Rewiring the brain and rerouting the positron flow through the primary cortex junctions. It is a continuous cycle of self-assessment; adapting to new realities; stretching your limits to the point of discomfort; and constant learning.

There is no easy path forward. With the future being a fog of infinite possibilities, there are no straight lines to any point. Everything is in flux. And we have incomplete information, best guesses, and intentions to navigate by. All we can do is put forth our best efforts to anticipate and confront the obstacles, changes, and diversions as they appear on our path. They are inevitable.

That’s a cheerful note to wind down on, huh? The inevitable chaos of the unknown. Ooga booga. Even though I am still in a transition point in my journey, I hope there is something you can salvage here.

What is your strategy for managing personal or professional change? I’d love for you to leave a reply in the comments. Excelsior!