I was terminated from my job yesterday.

52 Comments

1. Eileen RedmondMarch 12,2024 at 2:54PM UTC

   How can you stop beating yourself up?

   Know, without a doubt and without exception, that we all make mistakes. This is just one mis-step on your very long journey.

   It is unfortunate that you were not given an opportunity to learn from your mistake and stay in the role, and do better, for whatever reason. But you have to know that everyone has done some regrettable thing at one time or another, probably quite often!

   Be gentle with yourself. You have the presence of mind to acknowledge that you were at fault - not everyone does this. Good for you. That is how we learn and grow.

   Speak to your Self as you would a dear friend - kind and gentle words of support- such as 'we will get through this and this doesn't define the whole of our being. '

   Good luck on your journey.

2. Courtney HolmesMarch 12,2024 at 3:08PM UTC

   I am so sorry to hear this. Try focusing on your strengths and skills you know bring value to the table. It was a dumb mistake that you are learning from (unfortunately) but if it happened, maybe you are meant to have this transition. Sending you all the best in your job search.

3. AnonymousMarch 12,2024 at 4:24PM UTC

   Everyone makes mistakes and the fact that you recognize yours will help you move forward. Give yourself permission to regret the loss of the job and paycheck but then use this as an opportunity for a new start.

   What do you want to do in the future. I lost my job last month so I'm searching as well. It's not easy but staying positive, remember each day is a new start / what else is possible and make sure to mentally and physically take care of yourself during this time. Good luck!

4. AnonymousMarch 12,2024 at 4:42PM UTC

   I would see if your manager will help you by sharing how you could have done things differently. Yes, even though you are gone reach out. Take some time to learn what you did and how to to it better (if it is teachable). When considering other companies and they ask why you left keep it simple. I did not align with the direction the company was going.

   If you signed an exit document be conscious that in any inquiry they might ask why you left. Send a note to your former manager asking if you can use them for dates only referencing. Speak to someone who might be a mentor to you about how to process this. Take time for yourself and while yes, worrying about finances is something of concern take the time for you to find a place where your skills and happiness going forward can fit. In the short term consider temp work, even if it isn't in your field. This too shall pass.

5. AnonymousMarch 12,2024 at 4:56PM UTC

   Get outside, walk, breathe, breathe, walk on repeat. Show yourself some grace. We've all made mistakes.

6. AnonymousMarch 12,2024 at 5:14PM UTC

   It's not your fault. They were looking for a reason to let you go.!! Do not beat yourself up!! These companies are toxic and self serving... they will do and say anything to save their ass

7. AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 1:20PM UTC

   The OP said she made a bad mistake and took responsibility for it. Unfortunately this mistake resulted in her termination. We're all accountable for our performance and output at work, that's what we get paid to do. No point in beating the OP up over this but this is part of being a professional in the work force.

8. AnonymousMarch 12,2024 at 11:56PM UTC

   Learn from it and move on.

9. AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 12:20PM UTC

   I would take a day or so, and let yourself heal.

   We all make mistakes. It doesn't make you a failure, it makes you human.

   Will they let you collect unemployment?

10. Felicia CurtisMarch 13,2024 at 12:20PM UTC

    That door closed for a reason. Have faith in God that you will receive a bigger and better job . Sometimes the closed doors are hard to understand but there will be good opportunities coming your way. Stay hopeful ??

11. AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 12:41PM UTC

    I agree. I was told funding for my position was ending. They did not disclose this when I accepted the position. But I know God will lead me.

12. AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 1:03PM UTC

    I feel like I wrote this post 4 months ago, and now future me is responding. I had a stupid mistake too, I switched two identical trays and swapped their data sets. I liked the job, but coworkers were leaving for other jobs so their workload was added to my own. I had hysterical crying fits, lost any semblance of day routines, totally withdrew. It took me a few weeks to even come to terms with it and start looking for a new job.

    I sidestepped to a different industry, something I had a vague interest in about 20 years ago. Today is my 5th day. Only two days ago, I realized the shift of my mental load: I'm surrounded by supportive people who are interested in my growth, who are even sociable with each other and customers; I have coworkers who can pick up tasks if I need to walk away; I have variety of tasks, and though I'm working constantly with almost no breaks, I feel less stress to get the work completed - I have coworkers to help and the work can easily be rolled into the next day.

    I left a job that was squeezing water from a rock by trying to see how small their workforce could be and still function. They lost their last common-work (non-specialty) employee by firing me. But now I feel like I may have been given a favor - the boot to the butt to change a stressful situation.

    Think of all the negatives of your former job, the coworkers, etc. You've left them behind. Step back and try to think of other industries/sectors that you were interested in before you began to specialize your skills and explore those options. Reconnect with former coworkers who know the good work you USUALLY do, get them to be your references to vouch for your typical abilities. If you need an immediate job in the meantime, look at jobs that may be a step down for you but demands less mental bandwidth, so you can come home at the end of the day and not feel exhausted. Stay there in the meantime while you look for a better job.

    This is a hurdle you may have tripped on, but get back up and keep going, the race isn't over. You still have much more you can contribute to the world.

13. AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 1:32PM UTC

    I'm so sorry. Without knowing more, I'd say the best thing you can do is take this as a sign that it wasn't for you. Maybe it wasn't the right fit. Maybe they wanted to push you out.

    About a year ago I was fired for being "inflexible" because I was tired of this job calling outside of business hours for stuff that wasn't emergencies and the boss emailing at any time (3 AM, Saturday mornings, when I was on pre-approved PTO, etc.). It didn't happen that often but I was tired of the terrible management that led to stuff like this happening. I was really upset when it happened but have come to accept that it was an all-around bad fit. Was I at fault? Yep, I bear some responsibility. But this manager is also a genuinely not nice person and I do think there's an argument that this was the universe pushing me out when I was afraid to accept this wasn't working.

    Give yourself time and grace. Best of luck to you. :)

14. AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 1:36PM UTC

    Sometimes failure is just a reminder that we are human. Mistakes happen all the time. Your attitude after making the mistake is under your control. Beating yourself up is non-productive. Look at the mistake you made as an opportunity to grow. Figure out what caused you to make the mistake. Was it beyond your control because you had an overwhelming workload? Did you have the support you needed in the position? Was management supportive? Think about what you could have done differently and reenact it in your mind. You will probably never make the same mistake again if you reflect on this. Best to you in your future endeavors. You will be ok.

15. GirlBossanova934974March 13,2024 at 1:40PM UTC

    As a business owner myself, I ALWAYS find it best to think twice or three times before firing anyone for making a mistake. Sure, you may be angry.....How could so and so do such a thing? Maybe go out outside behind the building and kick a garbage can a few times and then go back into the office and calm down? Think about it overnight. 99% of the time, I change my mind as I realize it wasn't that big of a deal. We should have done a better job of training or mistake proofing the task. Employers who do this sort of thing usually end up regretting it later. By the time they get to paying the unemployment and/or having to train someone else and spending all the time interviewing, they realize their mistake. Was it really worth it? That being said, good luck in your job search. I would move on from the problem. Last but not least, I say this! IF WE HELD SENIOR MANAGEMENT in some of these companies to the same standard, we would have a lot less SENIOR MANAGEMENT as many of them these days are as dumb as a box of rocks!

16. AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 2:11PM UTC

    Sometimes we make mistakes. It happens, you are no less because of it. NO ONE IS PERFECT. Learn from this.

17. AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 2:53PM UTC

    apply for unemployment, they may fight it but you should try. do what everyone does when laid off, let people know you are looking you don’t have to tell anyone WHY. If you are struggling with emotions and depression, one of my mentors said if I feel sad 3 or more days a week to seek professional help. Good Luck to you.

18. BeccaMarch 13,2024 at 2:56PM UTC

    Talk to a friend. If possible go to lunch with someone in real life. When I was terminated from a position it deeply affected my self worth and even self confidence. Start networking. Most jobs are found through old colleagues. Start connecting on LinkedIn. Texting and making phone calls. It will pay off in the end. Remember, you are not the sum of 1 mistake, you have an entire career ahead of you!

19. Katie SuttonMarch 13,2024 at 4:29PM UTC

    I just went through this. I had a lot of health issues that effected my last job. I was laid off in September after being written up at the beginning of 2023. I spent four months looking for a job and it was a big mind Fu**. I have a new job now and it is better. But I am still struggling with thinking I failed at the last one. The best thing you can do is give yourself some grace. You are human, we all make mistakes. Lift your head up and learn how to sell your skills. Talk about it with whoever will listen. Don't let it just sit around in your brain and drive you crazy. Admit what you did, take responsibility and move on. That is all you can do. You will get through it.

20. AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 10:28PM UTC

    And… the most important thing is to realize the job was not a fit for you. You are just fine just not where you belonged. Now you will lock yourself up brush yourself off and find your fit!

21. Keitsitse LosabaMarch 15,2024 at 6:28PM UTC

    I think when we get terminated, let go we tend to feel and believe it’s a one way street; when in actuality it is both ways. I found myself angry disappointed in myself and hurt & thought I was a failure; it dawned on me when I took a week to process and look at my mistakes and missteps; I even enrolled in an online course on the very thing that cost me my job. I wanted to improve my skills because of it.

22. AnonymousMarch 13,2024 at 4:58PM UTC

    May I offer a suggestion? You mention that you are 'already applying' for jobs. But, it may be that you need 24 or 48 hours to process this and feel better about yourself. You made a mistake you obviously feel terrible about. It had consequences (perhaps just, perhaps not) but the fact it is impacting you so severely means you WANT to do a good job. I noticed you did not say, "I got caught" making a mistake. Instead, you owned up to it. That is a sign of character and a good worker who just flubbed up. You are still awesome and mistakes happen. Give yourself a few days to yell and let it go and then I hope you come to the point to see that someone willing to own up to their mistakes and improve themselves afterwards is a good hire.

23. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachMarch 14,2024 at 2:21AM UTC

    Im so sorry you are going through this. You can feel sad, but I think getting clear about what you learned from the experience and will change going forward can help you move on and stop beating yourself up about it.

24. AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 12:45PM UTC

    I was let go at the end of my probation period for a stupid mistake too. I’m equally worried about money.

    My confidence has taken a nose dive and I ‘ve been very depressed too. But I’ve also reflected on my complacency in this job. I must have not taken it seriously enough to make sure that I did pass all competency assessments without any mistakes. So I’m annoyed with myself more than anything. Especially now that I’m out of work. Going forward I know no one will help me but myself so I am going to make sure that I am proactive in my new applications and conscientious about everything I need to know for a new employer. And I feel good about it. No more stupid mistakes. I’m making sure I am fully aware and fully prepared professionally. Look forward with new strength knowing you are not your mistakes, but they can be teachers.

25. Maggie StoneMarch 14,2024 at 12:37PM UTC

    I am sorry you’re going through this. I think that there is some great advice here. I hope you remember two things. One, remember that the mistake itself is not important; it’s how you respond, react, and learn from it that matters. Two, losing a job is going to have a grieving process like any other loss. Allow yourself to feel the feelings: sad, angry, etc. Lastly, please do seek support from a close friend or family member or a professional. I wish you the best of luck. This too shall pass.

26. Jamie Martin, ACCMarch 15,2024 at 12:39PM UTC

    I can't agree more with Maggie. There's a grieving process. Allow your self to feel the feelings and process what happens. Get supported during this because grief can bring up more things than your current experience. If you look for a professional, I'd suggest someone who does EFT. It's a great modality to support you processing a negative emotion and then moving into a positive.

    Be kind to yourself! You will be OK.

27. BarbaraMarch 14,2024 at 1:07PM UTC

    Apply for unemployment go to a spa for a day. Re group. You made a mistake and got fired. It happens. I don’t know what kind of work you do but I admire your attitude. You’re not whining or blaming anyone else. This is not personal. You were at a job that was not a fit and this is a blessing for you. Don’t take it to heart. You will find something else , hopefully a more tolerant company willing to train you and do well. Keep your terrific clear thinking attitude and you will be fine. Stay out of poor me and depression.

28. Jacqueline CutlerMarch 14,2024 at 1:40PM UTC

    I am so sorry. That you admit the mistake is crucial and knowing how to avoid it in the future is valuable.

    If at all possible, can you take off a few days? Just to sleep, walk, exercise, and calm down? Then, start applying. And reaching out for mental health assistance with depression could really benefit. Many services have sliding scales since finances are a concern.

    We all make mistakes; that's life. I am sorry this one has such a high price. But you will get back in your feet again. Please, though, take a few days.

29. misskelleypMarch 14,2024 at 4:45PM UTC

    Also, your Employee Assistance Plan coverage is likely still active, if so, call them (or access online), they can help with this too.

30. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEMarch 14,2024 at 6:29PM UTC

    Have you heard of Louise Hay? She has numerous videos on YouTube. Her videos focus on positive self-affirmations. You may want to check out her videos (they are between 15 - 30 minutes long and work wonders.) They work wonders! I love them!

    Best of luck!

31. CosmosMomMarch 15,2024 at 12:10AM UTC

    You are not a failure, everyone makes mistakes. Give yourself the grace your company didn’t give you. File for unemployment and apply for a ton of jobs. If you need, get a job at a bookstore or movie theatre or coffee shop- somewhere you can enjoy-so you have income.

    Try hard not to think about all the what ifs that will overwhelm you and make a plan made up of small steps, one a time. Be good to yourself, don’t negative self talk- the world is hard enough without us being hard on ourselves. A quick google search of “how many people have been fired” will show you at least 40%. You are not alone.

    Battle the depression with endorphins by going for walks, and while on the walk try to practice grounding by focusing on the smells, the colors, and sounds. Take your shoes off and feel the grass. These are things suggested to me recently by a therapist.

    Things will get better.

32. Keitsitse LosabaMarch 15,2024 at 10:50AM UTC

    I was in the same position, however, mine was handled terribly by my employer where she announced it to the entire project team on site during the weekly construction site meetings. She also involved the clients and basically placed the blame on me for everything that went wrong. I felt humiliated and even doubted myself and my skills and capabilities as an architect. I owned up and accepted responsibility and took accountability for my mistake but I was not given grace to leave the project professionally and correctly.

    I took a few days to myself after my last day at the company, went and sat with my therapist and spoke to a few recruiters regarding my situation. I am a single mom on top of it all- so my anxiety levels regarding finances are sky high. I have a few small projects that could sustain me. I spent the entire week last week planning my next moves but also sifting through job ads. I watched a few youtube videos and am trying to really not lose faith. I am remaining optimistic, I got a temporary position for 2 months with my first employer who was my mentor as she is severely understaffed. It doesn't pay what I was earning at my last job but it allays my fears a bit more and helps me remain rather calm for the time being, where my finances are concerned.

    My therapist and close friend said to me that it doesn't reflect on you as a person or that you are not good at your job, it's just that you were incompatible with that environment and that employer.

    I tend to be severely harsh on myself, I also thought I was a failure. It was my first job ever that I had been terminated from and I was gutted. I berated myself for a whole week. In that week I took for myself - I actually enrolled in a course where I could improve my skills and correct the mistakes and missteps I took that cost me my job. So I will agree: give yourself some grace, take a breather and break away from it all. Start applying for jobs, hit the reset button by doing something that refreshes and reinvigorates you. You will be fine.

33. Ruth RobbinsMarch 15,2024 at 12:52PM UTC

    You are handling this with courage and grace.

    I wish you best of luck in landing something so much better that wil engage your talents and renewed confidence.

34. Lena EsteyMarch 15,2024 at 12:24PM UTC

    I am so sorry you're going through this.

    Please know that you are not alone, and this one setback does not say anything about your character or your value.

    I don't have a solution to offer, but I can share a few videos that I have found impactful for dealing with my own failures (some of them have been epic)-

    "4 steps to overcome a devastating setback"

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4gK8vZlXW0&ab_channel=MarieForleo

    "how to stop catastrophizing"

    https://youtu.be/bS2LPNlO07s?si=PdxigYRhUr_CU7lq

    To get your hype back up -

    "how successful people deal with setbacks"

    https://youtu.be/tA7iCb9_YXc?si=E3TlBPSOMXDAEUzi

    What you're going through sucks, but it will make you more resilient. It also adds to your life story, and you will find that you'll be able to help others in the future because of it. No one wants to hear from people who have perfectly spotless careers!

    Hang in there and be kind to yourself.

35. Laura LeeseMarch 15,2024 at 12:39PM UTC

    Its tough... Hang in there and try to focus on going forward. Been there but no fault of my own. I have been listen to Mel Robbins alot and it helps.

36. AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 12:54PM UTC

    I'm so sorry this happened to you!
    I have been there - I think you would be surprised how many people have been in tis exact situation, but don't really talk about it for many years. It took me 10 years for me to even admit to others in casual conversation that I have been fired before, and the whole thing shook me to the core for a really long time. My situation was also handled very poorly by my employer, and I am sure I could have sued them, but I just didn't have the fight in me (or the $5K to retain a lawyer). I had been the top performer in my department at the time this happened. I filed for unemployment, which they fought, but I won! Definitely try for unemployment if you haven't already - it can't hurt!

    I didn't sleep for months, but I knew I had to pull myself up and put on a brave face to interview for a new position. Honestly, I prayed like I have never prayed before, and eventually I landed a role that really accelerated my career way beyond where I was before. I think sometimes the universe puts us where we need to be, even though the path to that new life is like running the gauntlet. "This too shall pass," even though it doesn't feel like it right now.

    I have a picture on my desk to this day that says "The storm doesn't always come to disrupt your life, sometimes it comes to clear your path." It is so true!

    Years from now you will look back and see how this sent you in a new direction you may never have imagined. Good luck to you - have confidence that you are worthy of something better, and faith that it will come!! I will send up a prayer for you! ?

37. AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 1:08PM UTC

    Know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and you will prevail. Let it go and look at the positive side towards finding something else in due time. Don't give up. You are not a failure.

38. AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 1:10PM UTC

    file for unemployment immediately! it may take a little bit of time, but it helps during job hunting

39. Marisa C.March 15,2024 at 1:42PM UTC

    The amount of people who get fired and are too afraid to say so because of fear of judgement is beyond our imagination.
    With "fire at will", the littlest thing can be a cause of termination and many have been fired for less and kept on staff for more- just dependent on the company culture.

    I myself am one. I WAS FIRED IN NOVEMBER 2023.

    There I said it.

    You are truly shaken to your core. I know and understand that. One thing I will say is, if you can even remotely afford it (a CC, borrowing from a 401k, a personal loan). Invest in a career coach to write your resume, LI and interview prep.

    I understand that the investment is scary but from one fired person to another- our confidence has been stripped and now we need an outside lens, someone who doesnt know us or doesnt know our employer to say hey- YOU DID THIS! You're CAPABLE of this!

    Perhaps you don't hire someone to write it for you but instead coach you to write it yourself. It's cheaper and certainly a skill you will need for the rest of your career.

    Please feel free to find me on LinkedIn. I can recommend you the person I've used. She's stellar and has reminded me how stellar I am.

40. Angel JMarch 15,2024 at 2:18PM UTC

    Hi Marissa,

    Can you also give me the person you used. I looked for you on LinkedIn but there are tons of Marissa's with the last name starting with C. I have used professional resume people and companies and have been disappointed with their work as all they did was mimic my original resume. So I really would like to use someone that has been already vetted by a real customer.

41. AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 2:26PM UTC

    Firstly, I commend you for stating, very clearly, that you are responsible for a "VERY DUMB MISTAKE" and accepting 100% responsibility. Do you realize how many people will not accept responsibility, throw blame, etc...This reveals to me that you are a person of high integrity. THANK YOU! Now, GOING FORWARD...all you can do is one of two things: Accept your responsibility and learn from it....or not. Naturally, you will worry about finances and finding another job, etc....I've been there/done that. And, you're going to cry, grieve, lose sleep and kick yourself over and over (we ALL DO THAT in this situation- you are NOT ALONE). But I also suggest that you deeply ponder what you've learned..and give yourself a time limit for grieving. This too shall pass. We've all done DUMB THINGS..some of us have lost jobs, some have not. But at a certain point, you gotta stop beating yourself up and move forward-- or not. That's your choice and you're in control. Take a few days to rest, cry, and grieve...be angry at yourself but don't turn it inward. You sound like a quality person. I am always impressed by someone who owns their mistakes...and you've CLEARLY done that. In the end, you'll be better for it and you'll be able to encourage someone else when it happens to him or her. Chin up. I'm dead serious. I wasn't even going to answer this question today (I"m super busy) but something about your post and your HONESTY AND AUTHENTICIty REALLY SPOKE TO ME. I would hire you, if I could. You are a quality person and you'll find new work. But remember, people will perceive you as you perceive yourself. If you can apply for unemployment, then do so. If not, so be it. Cut back on spending...take a deep breath. Do some free Certifications on LinkedIN (make an acct if you don't have one)- and press on. God bless. You've got this.

42. MislynMarch 15,2024 at 3:20PM UTC

    Just relax I was told I was about to get fired from a job by a co-worker and I let it eat me up. I worried everyday that it was going to be my last day and I was not prepared for it. I started looking for other jobs and it seemed like nothing was going to work out. I started to stress and loose my mind. I did everything for the company and I just couldn’t figure out why my boss was so unhappy with me. (Come to find out he was looking for more then an employee) Fortunately I was able to make something work and got out of there. I should have stayed and filed for unemployment but I didn’t want the rumors involved with being fired. So what I’m saying is you will be fine. Relax and find another job move on and you will realize you are better off.

43. na1102March 15,2024 at 4:02PM UTC

    My first thought is to file for unemployment immediately. it will take a bit of time, but will help in the longrun while you are searching for employment.

    next, relax - you made a mistake - we all make mistakes and we all get through it. Just learn from it and move forward in your next job. Wishing you luck and don't forget to file for unemployment and do not be ashamed to do that.

44. Lyn HillmanMarch 15,2024 at 4:47PM UTC

    Thanks for the suggestion. However, the OP may not be successful in filing for unemployment. From what I understand, only applicants who were terminated through no fault of their own are eligible to collect UI benefits. Unless the employer is willing to tell the labor department claims examiner something like she was laid off due to lack of work, her claim will probably be denied. Laws may vary in each state, but this is probably true everywhere.

    I wish the OP the best of luck! She should just tell prospective employers that this job just didn't work out and she is seeking an opportunity where she can make better use of her skills.

45. Gillian Stanford-CienfuegosMarch 15,2024 at 4:08PM UTC

    I saw this post stand out in the email digest I received this morning and had to come on here and tell you … you are NOT a failure.

    Sure, Idk what exactly happened… but it doesn’t sound like this was a mistake you made consistently. I’m not sure where it started in our society, but when it comes to work, I feel like some companies and people forget that we are humans. From what I know, humans make mistakes. Sure some mistakes are bigger than others and yes, we must face the consequences of actions we take and of the mistakes we make. Again. I don’t know the details of the situation but even so, I don’t want you to think you’re a failure in general because you made a mistake and got let go. It sounds like you are taking full responsibility and acknowledging that you made it which is a lot more than what a lot of others are capable of. You will find a place that will handle things differently, just remember when you are being interviewed, you were interviewing them too. Ask them how they handle it when a mistake is made . It will help you decide on whether the next place is a fit.

    Now, I totally understand the depression and anxiety thing that’s why I’m on here talking to you lol. Just wanted to give you some words of encouragement… try not to spend so long beating yourself up that you miss other potentially great opportunities. You got this OK? Don’t give up! ❤️‍

46. AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 4:20PM UTC

    Don’t stress too much - it happens. I also made a very dumb mistake a few months ago (which I owned, rectified, and apologized to the parties involved sincerely). I got fired a few weeks ago because my boss apparently couldn’t move past it, despite not having a blip in his life since then. He didn’t communicate that he didn’t like the way I was working and just decided to get rid of me instead of working with me. And they accuse us women of not having any control, lol.

    I just signed a new offer, so I just I’m here to say that you’re not worthless and something better is coming!

47. Tami L CannizzaroMarch 15,2024 at 7:12PM UTC

    First, I'm sorry you are going through this.

    May I ask you a question: Have you learned from this mistake? If you have, then Congratulations! There is no failure here, only learning. If we are honest with ourselves, the BEST way to learn is by making mistakes and discovering how to make improvements for next time. I can only imagine if I'd never made a mistake; I'd think I knew EVERYTHING and would be the biggest pain to work with. Not kidding, LOL! Because of mistakes, I know more today than I did years ago simply due to having to admit to it and course-correct.

    The interview question, "What is your weakness" actually tries to address something similar. Hiring managers want to hear us admit a fault (similar to a mistake) AND explain what we are doing to improve.

    Same with mistakes. When interviewing, hiring managers are not as concerned with the mistake as they are what we have learned from it so we don't make the same mistake again.

    This is hard right now as it's fresh, and since you've stated struggling with anxiety and depression I would urge you to discuss this with your therapist. Yet know you are not alone. Hold your head up! You've got this!

48. Lynn AlvesMarch 15,2024 at 10:35PM UTC

    Oh nooooo! I too got fired (for the first time ever) back in September, for a ridiculous reason. None the less, it feels awful. I had to check in with my therapist a few times to really work through it. At some point, you’ve just got to let it go, and continue on in your life. I’m still job hunting, so the frustration is high over here. I hope things work out for you! Just give it time, and give you self some grace-things happen and it doesn’t mean you’re not a talented individual.

49. AnonymousMarch 16,2024 at 4:16PM UTC

    Everybody makes dumb mistakes from time to time. An atmosphere where you don’t have some grace afforded to you for an honest mistake is not a place to continue investing your time in. They did you a favour.

50. LisaMarch 18,2024 at 12:50PM UTC

    Assuming this must have been an egregious mistake to be let go because of it, use it as a learning moment, forgive yourself, be conscious never to make that type of mistake again, and move forward.

51. Jamie BertinoMarch 21,2024 at 6:35PM UTC

    I'm sorry you are going through this. Every time I've gotten layed off (which was too many for my liking. But knowing how the market flip flops in my industry, after my 40+ yrs in it, I saw the signs.) I would give myself one pity party day. Whatever that is to you. For me, it was Tequila. I cried ugly in the shower, was very sad to no longer see my family of coworkers daily. It's a loss and you are grieving. Then of course you worry about finances/healthcare. COBRA anyone? Yeah, right.

    You have no income, but they offer you COBRA at ridiculous premiums! I am the breadwinner in our household. The dreaded task of having to tell my husband & son, AGAIN.

    Truth be told, I told several friends (in the biz) first.

    Luckily I have a large local network of coworkers I have kept in touch with. After giving myself a little time, I emailed my close friends the next day to let let them know. We all support each other and the word was out.

    Are you able to do this? Call on prior coworkers?

    It was a huge help, to hear someone say they're on it, to spread the word! This landed me interviews & positions many times, thankfully. But this time it's different. 1 yr 2 mos still unemployed. Like many of my coworkers and contacts nationwide. Still sooo many of us unemployed & our unemployment benefits have run out. With no income coming in any longer, Like so many, I had to take withdrawal from my retirement IRA. I have decided to go in a different direction, which hopefully is more stable. I know I will take a huge pay cut (probably at least 50%).

    My point is, you may have to pivot in a different direction for new opportunities. Which could be a true blessing for you. Think of the possibilities! ONE mistake, that you so bravely,

    /honestly took accountability for, DOES NOT DEFINE YOU!

    Please remember that above all. YOU have worth and A LOT to contribute to any employer lucky enough to snatch you up.

    Good point someone else mentioned, don't go on LinkedIn, or other job sites. It's truly depressing. You don't need that now. You need to self care & to heal. It truly is suffering a loss. You go through all of the grief stages. Once you get to the pissed off stage, you're on your way. Please be careful of depression setting in. It's a sneaky SOB! Lots of good advice on here. We FEEL you and KNOW you WILL get through this. If you need to talk to a professional, do it. There is no shame in it. Good luck & plz keep us posted! People you don't even know, care about you, as we ARE you! ♥️

    PS Your ex-boss is a DICK!

    THERE, I said it, if you are anyone else was thinking the same thing. Karma is a beautiful lady when you see her work her magic.

    So just watch what unfolds.

    ♥️????

52. Vickie Fig.March 22,2024 at 6:29PM UTC

    I'm sorry for your loss of employment - I bet it's painful like a gut punch. Also, I'm sure the first move is to start a search. But take time to grieve and organize finances. You'll be no good to yourself or potential employers if you're emotional while looking for work. Update your resume and interview skills - practice for today's market because so that you don't look dated (IT IS VERY DIFFERENT OUT THERE). Best of luck, and I'm pulling for you.