What to Do If You are Afraid of Being Fired

If you hear or are told outright by your employer that some jobs have to go and yours “might” be one of them, what can you do about it? It’s a worrying prospect for many who rely on their regular income to cover mortgages, car loans, school fees, food bills, and all the other expenses of living. What you can do about it depends on the size of the company you work for, your skill level and experience, where you live, the status of employment in your area, etc. If you are afraid of being fire for other reasons, there are still steps you can take, so first let’s take a look at being laid off/made redundant.

1. Get the Truth.
Find out first if YOUR job is on the firing line. You may be worrying for nothing. Don’t just ask other employees – they may merely repeat rumors and gossip. Either have a confidential chat with your immediate Manager, or make an appointment with the Human Resources Manager. There’s no point “worrying” unless you have to.

2. Use Your ContactsIf your job is in jeopardy, depending on your current role, you may be able to put yourself in a position of availability to “head hunters” from other companies. Make contact with people in other organizations and ask about job possibilities, or you can contact the H.R. Managers of other companies and ask them if it is worthwhile submitting your Resume. If you are a member of an association, it’s time to network. Let it be known among those in positions to help you that you are in need of a new position… but be discreet.

3. Update Your ResumeDon’t leave it until the bell tolls before you start sending out job applications and your resume. What if you are not going to “lose your job” for another three months, but it takes 3-6 months before you find another one? Can you afford to wait that long? Start applying now. If you find a job quickly, whether you see out your remaining time with your existing employer or not will depend on whether your “new” employer is prepared to wait. It’s hard when you have feelings of loyalty to your existing employer, but they are planning to get rid of you soon… right now you need to be looking out for yourself.

4. Know Your EntitlementsIf staying until the end, make sure you know your entitlements. What settlement is the company offering you? Have you received a termination agreement with everything set out? If in doubt, have it checked by a professional. You have legal recourse if the company does not pay you what you are entitled to under your agreement with them and state and federal laws, and even union rules (if applicable to you) governing such things as redundancy packages etc. In addition to this, find out if you are eligible for any government unemployment benefits – in case you need them.

5. Get References Before You GoMake sure you get references before you leave the company. You will need them.

Now let’s say you are afraid of being fired for other reasons. Perhaps you made one too many mistakes, or your boss doesn’t like you, or you are being discriminated against for reasons of sex, religion or whatever. If you haven’t actually been fired “yet”, try to find ways to overcome the situation that is threatening you. Can you transfer to a different department? Would a word with your Manager help clear things up? Is there anything you can do to put things “right” or fix them?
If not, and the threat of being fired is real, consider this:

1. Keep a diary of all communications, verbal or otherwise, between yourself and others at your place of employment, including any discriminatory behavior /comments.

2. If you are with a Union, you might like to get advice now rather than leave it too late. For all you know, there may be something else you can do to save your job, especially if it is through discriminatory actions or unfair harassment. If you are not with a Union, contact a legal professional or an employment professional to find out your rights. Even if you are fired, you do have rights. And when you are fired, you still have rights. Have you been unfairly dismissed? You can make a claim if you have. You are also entitled to a settlement payout if you have been fired, so make sure you receive all your entitlements. If you can, find someone “friendly” to give you a good, written reference before you leave.

3. If you are not that happy where you are, update your resume and start looking for a new job. You might consider doing this anyway, particularly if your dismissal has been unpleasant and you have been awarded your job back again… you may find the “after” treatment not much of an improvement on the “before” treatment.