Getting laid off by your company can be mentally taxing, even if you see it coming. You may experience fear, worry, sadness, anger, and shock about what’s coming next. Amidst all this chaos, it can be challenging to stay professional. But you must refrain from doing or saying these eight things to ensure you don’t dig your career’s grave.
Don’t Leave Without Important Documents
If you’re leaving on bad terms, your former employer may try to make it difficult for you to get your personal belongings and important documents. They may withhold your final paycheck or give you limited access to the office.
Don’t fall into this trap. If possible, request your important documents in writing before you leave. These items may include:
- Your personnel file
- Your W-2 form
- Contact information for your health insurance provider
- The contact information of your direct supervisor.
Ask For Compensation If You Have Been Wrongfully Terminated
Your employer may have suddenly decided to let you go because of your physical injury like a broken spine, disabling you to travel to the office daily. They didn’t offer work from home option and rather decide to lay you off instead. If you feel like you’ve been wrongfully terminated, don’t hesitate to ask for compensation. A catastrophic injury attorney Los Angeles will be able to help get the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Get Emotional
It’s natural to feel emotional after getting fired—you may feel scared, sad, angry, or even relieved. But no matter how you’re feeling, it’s important to keep your emotions in check.
Getting emotional can damage your reputation and hurt your chances of getting hired by another company.
If you’re feeling angry, avoid lashing out at your former employer. And if you’re feeling sad, resist the urge to cry or vent to your co-workers.
Don’t Speak Badly About Your Former Employer
Even if you had a terrible boss or a frustrating job, resist the urge to speak badly about your former employer. When you’re job-hunting, potential employers will contact your references—including your former boss. If you speak badly about your former employer, it will reflect poorly on you and may damage your chances of getting hired.
Don’t Sign Anything Without Reading It First
If your former employer offers you a severance package, don’t sign anything until you’ve read the agreement carefully and consulted with an attorney.
You may be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), which would prevent you from speaking publicly about your firing or the company itself. You may also be asked to sign a release of claims, which would waive your right to sue the company.
Don’t Burn Your Bridges
Even if you’re leaving on bad terms, try to maintain a positive relationship with your former employer. You never know when you may need to rely on them for a reference or recommendation. And if you’re hoping to return to the company one day, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open.
Don’t Forget To Update Your Social Media Profiles
Your social media profiles are a reflection of your personal brand—so don’t forget to update them after you’ve been fired. If you have a LinkedIn profile, make sure your current job status is accurate. And if you have a personal website, remove any mention of your former employer.
Don’t Let Your Job Search Fall By The Wayside
Just because you’ve been fired doesn’t mean your job search has to come to a screeching halt. If you’re actively looking for a job, make sure you keep your job search a top priority. Don’t let the rejection of one company deter you from applying to others.
Final Word
It’s essential to know what to do immediately after being laid off by your company to ensure you do not suffer mental and financial losses. We are sure the above tips will help.
Must Read : Everything You Should Know About Travel Nursing
