Let’s just get one thing out of the way: getting fired happens to everyone. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but at some point in your career, it’s more likely than not that you’ll be sitting across from your boss, getting handed a "termination letter" with your name on it. And honestly? It's not the end of the world. No, really—it isn't. It might feel like your professional life is imploding, but take it from us, there’s life after "you're fired."
In this episode of Working On It, we’re going full throttle into the topic no one likes to talk about but almost everyone experiences. We’re talking about getting fired—why it happens, how to handle it, and why it can sometimes be the best thing that ever happens to you.
Getting Fired: The Harsh Reality
Molly kicks things off with a truth bomb: "I’ve been fired from more jobs than I’ve voluntarily left." Sounds intense, right? But it’s true. Molly’s job history is the stuff of legends—like an episode of The Tudors, where heads are always rolling.
“I’ve been let go for performance, for health issues, and sometimes just because I wasn’t the right fit,” she shares candidly. “It happens more than you think, and yet no one ever talks about it openly. Everyone’s always whispering behind closed doors, acting like it’s this big taboo.”
And Lauren’s not too far behind with her own story. “I haven’t been fired in the ‘pack your things, you’re done’ kind of way, but I’ve definitely been nudged out of a job. You know, those subtle moments when HR calls you in to 'discuss your future'? Yeah, that was my cue.”
The reality is, getting fired happens for all sorts of reasons—some valid, some not so much. As Molly explains, "The two big reasons people get fired are performance issues or misconduct. But there are also softer, less obvious reasons—like not being a cultural fit or lacking professionalism."
And here’s the kicker: sometimes you’re blindsided. Even if you’re on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), you may not realise just how close you are to getting the boot. “A lot of people think they’ll come back from a PIP,” Molly says. “But the truth is, if you’re on one, it’s likely you’re already halfway out the door.”
Performance vs. Misconduct: Knowing the Difference
Now, not all firings are created equal. There’s a big difference between being let go for underperformance and being shown the door because you crossed a line—ethically or otherwise.
Lauren breaks it down: “Performance-based firings usually come with some warning. You’ll have conversations, get feedback, and maybe even be put on a formal review process. If it’s misconduct—well, you might not see that coming either, but for different reasons. Things like theft, harassment, or just being insubordinate can lead to a pretty swift exit.”
And while we all like to think we’d know if we were heading for the chopping block, the truth is, sometimes you just don’t see it coming. Molly shares, “I remember one time when I was fired, and it completely caught me off guard. I thought I was doing fine—okay, maybe not great, but fine. And then bam! I was out.”
If you’re scratching your head, thinking, How could someone not see it coming?, consider this: a lot of people don’t have clear lines of communication with their managers. Sometimes, you think you’re doing okay, but behind closed doors, your boss is already preparing your exit strategy.
The Psychological Blow: Why It Hurts So Much
Let’s be honest, though. Beyond the logistics of getting fired—performance reviews, policies, and all that jazz—there’s the emotional side. Getting fired stings. It’s embarrassing. You start questioning your self-worth, and suddenly every decision you’ve made feels wrong. It’s like a breakup, but without the ice cream and Netflix binges.
Lauren gets it. “When I was essentially pushed out of my job after calling out my boss’s inappropriate behaviour, I felt like I was losing part of my identity. I’d invested so much of myself into that role, only to realise they didn’t want me anymore. It’s hard not to take that personally.”
Molly adds, “It’s easy to feel like getting fired is this huge personal failure, but often it’s not even about you. It’s about the company, the role, the fit. I’ve seen people outperform their peers, but they weren’t ‘right’ for the culture and ended up being let go. It’s not always logical.”
Why Getting Fired Can Be the Best Thing That Happens to You
We know what you’re thinking: How could this possibly be a good thing?
It’s all about perspective. "Getting fired is like a forced opportunity to reevaluate your life and career," says Molly. "It gives you a moment to stop, breathe, and ask yourself, ‘Was I really happy there?’ Nine times out of ten, the answer is no."
Lauren agrees. “I was devastated when I left my last job, but in hindsight, it was the push I needed to start focusing on what I really wanted. Sometimes the universe forces your hand because you weren’t going to make the move yourself.”
Take it from us—being fired can be a wake-up call. It’s a chance to hit reset, find a new path, and focus on what you really want out of your career. Sure, it doesn’t feel great at the time. In fact, it feels awful. But as the saying goes, sometimes you have to be pushed off a cliff to realise you’ve got wings.
The Smart Way to Handle Being Fired
So, what should you do if you get fired? How do you navigate this incredibly awkward, potentially life-altering moment?
Step 1: Don’t sign anything right away. Molly stresses, “Your first instinct might be to sign a severance package just to get it over with, but don’t. Take the time to get legal advice. Understand your rights and make sure you’re getting a fair deal.”
Step 2: Take control of the narrative. “If you can, resign before they officially fire you,” Lauren advises. “It gives you more control over the situation, and you’ll be able to explain your departure in future interviews without the stigma of being fired.”
Step 3: Lean on your support network. “It’s okay to feel like crap for a bit,” Molly says. “Let yourself process what happened. Talk to friends, family, or even a therapist if you need to. Just don’t bottle it up.”
Step 4: Focus on the future. As Molly’s business coach once told her, “Stop running away from the past and start running towards the future.” It’s crucial to shift your mindset from “I failed” to “What’s next?”
Reframing the Story for Interviews
One of the toughest parts of getting fired is figuring out how to explain it in future job interviews. Do you admit you were fired? Do you sugarcoat the truth? The answer lies somewhere in between.
“If you own it, but in a way that emphasises growth, you’ll come off much better,” Lauren advises. “No one wants to hear you bash your old company. Focus on what you learned and what you’re looking for now. It’s all about the spin.”
Molly concurs: “I’ve interviewed people who were upfront about being fired, but they framed it in a way that made them look stronger. They focused on why the role wasn’t right for them and what they’d learned from the experience. It’s all about being honest without sounding bitter.”
Moving On: It’s Not the End, Just the Beginning
At the end of the day, getting fired isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it could be the start of something amazing. Maybe it’s the push you needed to change industries, start your own business, or finally pursue that passion project you’ve been putting off.
“Being fired felt like a nightmare at the time,” Molly admits, “but looking back, it was the best thing that could have happened. It forced me to reevaluate everything, and that’s how Flexa was born.”
Lauren echoes that sentiment: “You never know what’s waiting on the other side of a firing. Sometimes it’s the beginning of something far better than you could’ve imagined.”
Have you ever been fired? We’d love to hear your story. Drop us a line at hello@workingonit.show or send us a message on Instagram or TikTok at @workingonit.pod
