If you think you might get fired tomorrow, I’m sure there are a lot of emotions swirling around in your head.
Are you scared?
Happy?
Been expecting it?
Whatever the case is, you need to be prepared and know what your rights are.
You also need to realize what went wrong (if you are fired) and start planning for the future!
I Think I Might Get Fired Tomorrow! (5 Signs You Will Be)
1. You’re Been on Performance Review and Not Improved!
If you’ve been on a performance review and your boss has told you that you’re not meeting the standards set for you, you’re right to be concerned you’ll be fired.
If you don’t improve after a performance review, your employer is going to lose faith in you and want to either move you to a different role or fire you.
That’s what performance reviews are for, so I think you know what’s coming.
2. Your Boss Has Told You They Want a Meeting When You Arrive
If you know you’ve been underperforming and a request to meet with you is out of the ordinary, this is a big sign that you’re about to get the boot.
If your boss doesn’t just spring this type of meeting on anyone without cause, you can be pretty sure that they’re going to fire you.
3. You’ve Been Removed from Work-Related Chat Groups
WhatsApp chat groups (or other apps) are commonplace nowadays as it helps everyone keep in contact in case of emergencies.
If you’ve been removed from these groups, it could be a sign that your boss is trying to distance themselves from you.
They might even be telling your coworkers that you’re about to be sacked so they can prepare and start covering your work already.
4. You Did Something Big Wrong Yesterday
If you did something yesterday (or even longer ago) that you know is going to really upset your boss or make them angry and it’s coming to a head now, you’re right to be concerned.
You know your boss better than anyone, if they’re volatile and have fired people before for less, it might be your turn.
5. The Writing Has Been on The Wall and You Just Know
Sometimes, you just know it’s coming.
You know your workplace, your individual situation, and your boss better than anyone.
You should always take a step back and take a deep breath and try not to overreact, but if you know it’s coming then it’s coming and you need to brace and prepare yourself.
What Should You Do if You’re Going to Be Fired?
If you’re going to be fired, or more so when you’re in the process of being fired, it’s very important you act professionally if you want to walk away in the best possible light.
It’s important that you do the following:
1. Turn Up To Work and Face the Music
The worst thing you can do is try and run and hide if you think you’re going to be fired because you’re never going to be able to dodge it.
Your boss isn’t magically going to change their mind just because they can’t find out!
Trying to avoid hearing those words will only make it worse, so turn up and face your fate.
2. Don’t Quit Before You’re Fired
It’s tempting to quit before you’re fired so you can have the last word, but this might be the worst thing – at least financially – that you can do.
When you quit, you forfeit any severance pay or benefits that might be coming to you.
You also won’t be able to collect unemployment benefits.
So, even if you know you’re going to be fired and have a high sense of pride, don’t quit!
3. Listen to Everything Your Boss Says
Keep in mind that this is your opportunity to get feedback about why you’re being let go and what, if anything, you could’ve done differently.
Listen to what your boss has to say so you can learn from the experience and use it in future job interviews.
You might not like what you hear, but it’s important to keep an open mind.
And, of course, don’t forget to collect any personal belongings you have at the office before you leave.!
4. Don’t Say Anything Other Than Simply Accepting The Decision
When you’re being fired, it’s best to keep your mouth shut as much as possible.
You might be tempted to argue or negotiate, but this will only make the situation worse.
Instead, simply agree with your boss and let them know that you understand why they’re doing this.
It’s not the time to try and talk your way out of it, so just accept the situation.
Also, don’t sign anything or feel pressured to say that you were in the wrong in specific incidents.
5. Seek Professional Advice if You Think You’ve Been Unfairly Treated
If you think you’ve been unfairly treated or that your firing was illegal, then you should seek professional advice from an experienced employment lawyer.
You might have a case for wrongful dismissal, which could lead to compensation.
But, even if you don’t have a case, a lawyer will be able to advise you on what to do next and how to protect your rights.
Related – If you want to resign verbally here are some examples of what to say.
How Can You Learn from This Experience?
The best advice I ever received was to try and turn every negative into a positive, no matter how heartbreaking it feels at the time.
This is no truer than in a situation like being fired.
You may feel like your career is being derailed, wondering how you’re going to pay your rent, and stressed out about your situation – but you can turn it all around.
But trust me, being fired isn’t the end of the world, but it is a chance to learn and grow.
Take everything that happened at your job – the good and the bad – and use it as a learning experience.
There are loads of positives, such as the skills you’ve developed, experience, contacts you’ve made, and so on.
You’ll find a better job if you’re committed to doing so. I can’t tell you when or how long it’ll take, but I can guarantee you will!
So, after you’re fired, go and treat yourself to a nice lunch or something you’ll enjoy, dust yourself off, and work on your resume!
Image credits – Photo by Yasmina H on Unsplash
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.