I Was Fired Shortly After Starting Work, What Do I Do Now?

“I got fired. I still  hadn’t been at this job for fifteen days when suddenly and without understanding the reason, I was notified of the termination ». This situation occurs more often than we think. Now, beyond the legal aspects of the termination of that contract, there is an aspect that often goes very unnoticed: we are talking about the psychological cost.

We know that our life cycle is spun by beginnings and ends. Thus, and in some way, those key points in the course of life are often marked by the world of work and those experiences that condition us for better or for worse. We dedicate a large part of our time to that sphere and it is it that contributes to our advancement and development or, on the contrary, to stagnation, until it represents a setback at all levels.

Getting fired is more than just an emotional and personal shock. Often the damage goes beyond the financial aspect; there is also a scratch to self-esteem, a blow to self-concept and even to the sense of competence. These feelings are, at times, more intense and disconcerting when the dismissal occurs in the probationary period or shortly after starting our work in that position.

After that unexpected cessation, there may be many realities that the person must understand and assume. Sometimes the performance doesn’t match the demands of the job. In other cases, there may be more complex realities, such as disagreements between colleagues or even a sudden lack of interest in the management itself when maintaining that position. Whatever the cause, it is a blow that the worker must face.

Dismissal in the trial period … am I responsible?

If I have been fired from a job, the natural and expected thing is to pick up the frustration, discouragement and pride, rebuild myself and start sending resumes the next day, without wasting a second. Because the best thing, as well-meaning voices so often tell us, is to turn the page and focus on finding a better opportunity.

The script at least seems simple and, even so, it is not easy at all. Because no one gets over it that fast. What’s more, in these circumstances it is common for anger and disappointment to linger for weeks and it is almost impossible to find enough courage to start over. The reality, in addition, becomes more complex when that dismissal arises during the trial period. Let’s delve into the subject.

In search of a “why”

On average, every new worker starts off with great enthusiasm. The economy, the labor market itself and the macrostructures that surround us make it not exactly easy to find a job. When someone accesses one, it is common that it takes an average of three to six months to search.

Therefore, at the beginning of this new stage, emotions, anxieties and the firm desire that this contract offer us stability intermingle. However, the fact of being fired during this trial period generates surprise, confusion and misunderstanding in the first place. The person needs to know why and the reasons for this are generally the following:

• Our performance and effectiveness do not match the characteristics of the position.
• We are considered not competent enough.
• A common fact is not receiving adequate prior training for that position. Nobody bothers to train us, to clarify what is expected of us and to show us how certain tasks are carried out. All of this leads us to fail during the trial period.
• Disagreements and not adjusting to an already complex and adverse work environment is another factor.
• On the other hand, there is another very common reality. The company may decide that it is not necessary to fill that position we have just accessed. If they have fired me shortly after starting, one cause can undoubtedly be poor management and poor organization, that for which the contract can be terminated after a few days and even before we join.

They fired me shortly after starting, what can I do?

Losing a job is not easy to handle. And it is even less so when the dismissal occurs a few days after starting. The person sees how their projects fall to the ground. Once again, the lack of income and the idea of ​​having to look for work again must be faced. In addition, a search that can extend for several months until finally, someone calls again.

In these situations it is best to follow some very basic guidelines.

Keys to face an unexpected dismissal shortly after signing a contract

The first step is to understand the reason. Knowing if it is our responsibility and understanding where we have failed is a good step. Now, if it is due to factors beyond ourselves, it is best to accept what happened. In these situations, suffering will extend over time if we do not stop thinking about the matter, if we position ourselves as victims and let it affect our self-concept and personal image.

• Let’s take a week off. It will be a few days to carry out a small duel, a time to release emotions such as rage, sadness and anger. Resting the body and mind will be of great help.
• It is recommended that we can talk to friends and family about the issue. Feeling supported, comforted, and understood brings relief.
• Recover and strengthen self-esteem. We must remember the achievements made in the past, those facts that dignify us and for which we are proud. A dismissal is something specific and, remember, we are much more than that bad experience.
• We must take a proactive attitude. If I’ve been fired, the last thing I have to do is sit still, lament, obsess over it. The ideal is to initiate new behaviors in that job search, do something different like probe my network of acquaintances, perhaps focus on other markets, reinvent myself in some way …

To conclude, a dismissal during the probationary period raises a lot of confusion and misunderstanding. However, it happens more often than we think.

This, very often, highlights the importance of aspects such as the prior training of the worker by the company or the need to make better selection processes, so that skills are in harmony with the real demands of the position.

They are situations that are suffered and from which one also learns, there is no doubt.