TRACEY’S PRACTICAL EMPLOYMENT TIP
OF THE MONTH*

MARCH 2008 : WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET FIRED

Getting fired has unfortunately become much more common over the past 20 years. It is also a painful experience that usually comes without warning and, sometimes, under suspect circumstances. For many, it causes upheaval to ones career, family and self-esteem.

If and when you walk into the office and HR and your boss are sitting there the best thing to do is nothing. As emotionally upsetting as the situation may be, you should not admit to any wrongdoing, raise your voice or threaten to get a lawyer and/or sue the company. If you are offered a separation package do not sign it (or any other document you do not understand) or try to negotiate it. You will not be in the right frame of mind to truly address the myriad issues that might arise.

If you feel up to it you can ask questions about your severance, health care, unemployment and what prospective employers will be told. You can even ask for the reason for the decision, although I would not expect an answer (nor is your employer legally obligated to give you one).

Other than those types of questions, it is best not to react. Simply accept the decision, leave quietly and, if you feel the decision was improper or even illegal, contact an attorney.

Next Month’s Tip: IS LITIGATION FOR ME?

Monthly Tip Archive

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* Disclaimer: The contents of this page are for informational purposes only and nothing herein is intended to constitute legal advice nor should anything contained herein be taken or relied on as such. Each individual executive and employee has a unique set of facts and circumstances that the general discussion set forth above may be wholly inapplicable to. Only through consultation with a lawyer from our firm in which all of the facts and circumstances of an individual’s unique situation are explored and considered can a true legal assessment of your rights and remedies be ascertained. Any use of this information is taken solely at your own risk.