Fired From First Job: 10 Tips to Bounce Back
What is one tip to bounce back after being fired from your first job?
To help you with tips for getting back on track after being fired from your first job, we asked business professionals and executives this question for their best suggestions. From getting in the right headspace to asking for feedback, there are several ways that may help you get past this life challenge that many people experience in their careers.
Here are 10 tips to overcome being fired from your first job:
- Learn From It and Move On
- Upskill and Show Your Expertise
- Take a Break to Reevaluate
- Get Back Into a Hobby
- Reframe the Situation
- Tap Into Your Emergency Fund
- Get in the Right Headspace
- Be Honest With Recruiters
- Head to the Gym
- Ask for Feedback
Learn From It and Move On
The first thing to realize after getting fired is that you are not alone. Most people have been fired at least once in their careers. Instead of dwelling on the fact that you were fired, acknowledge the reason why you were fired. If it was a mistake on your part, then learn from your mistakes and move on. If it was out of your control, then accept the situation and find new opportunities. Think of it as the freedom to find something better.
Mike Pasley, Allegiant Goods
Upskill and Show Your Expertise
Getting fired can be a difficult time in your life. But as you come to terms with the situation, you will find that you finally have the time to take that continuing education class or workshop you’ve always been interested in. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills to add to your resume. What’s more is you can position yourself as a thought-leader in your industry by submitting insights in a knowledge platform. When you are ready to start searching for a new role, you’ll have created a stronger resume and online presence.
Jenn Christie, Markitors
Take a Break to Reevaluate
Instead of jumping for the next opportunity that comes your way, take some time off to assess your priorities and envision what you want your next job to look like. Your last job may have been a resounding wake-up call that you were incompatible with the organization. It may be stressful to reflect on the reason why you were fired, but it’s crucial to realize what went wrong and how it can be avoided in the future.
Larissa Pickens, Worksion
Get Back Into a Hobby
I remember when I lost my first job. It felt as if I were the most stupid and unskilled person under the sun. To raise my mood, I started practicing my hobby again, and, to my surprise, it helped me bounce back. By improving my skills, I think I boosted my self-esteem. I also felt renewed energy and passion.
Maciej Kubiak, PhotoAiD
Reframe the Situation
Sometimes the best way to bounce back from being fired is to reframe the situation. Don’t see being fired as a negative thing, instead view it as an opportunity. Being fired doesn’t define you, so thinking about it as an opportunity to find a better job you love will help you move forward.
Justin Chan, June Shine
Tap Into Your Emergency Fund
The best way to bounce back after being fired from your first job is to be prepared before it happens. Now, this doesn’t mean you should always expect to be fired, but rather, you should have an emergency fund set up for this exact situation (even if it never comes). There is likely going to be some time after you’re fired and before you get a new job where you’ll be trying to figure things out. During this time, you’ll still need money to survive. While some jobs will provide you with a severance package to help with challenges like this, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and saving up an emergency fund will help you to get back on your feet after losing a job.
Andrei Vasilescu, DontPayFull
Get in the Right Headspace
Take some time to disconnect and decompress. Do not immediately start your job search. You want to get into a better headspace before doing any job searching whatsoever. If you need to make money, sign up to do some focus groups, online surveys, or tutor students. You will need a few weeks to clear your head before looking for a new opportunity. The worst thing you can do is start a search right after being fired. Your negativity will likely come through, whether you want it to show or not. Take some time to regroup and think about what you learned from the situation.
Jennifer Holtz, Second Wind Career Strategies
Be Honest With Recruiters
Being fired can be traumatic to most people. You can bounce back by updating your resume and start reapplying for jobs. You might feel anxious to go into interviews. What you can do is to mentally prepare yourself because you’re going to have to talk about it with people, especially recruiters. A tip I can give is to be as honest as you can. You don’t have to give an in-depth explanation if you’re uncomfortable.
Joe Flanagan, VelvetJobs
Head to the Gym
Try working out to help you bounce back after being fired from your first job. Exercising is great for your mental wellness, and it can provide you with that boost of energy you need to begin your job hunt. Physical exercise will also boost your overall mood, which is needed when you are looking for a new job.
Omid Semino, Diamond Mansion
Ask for Feedback
Being fired from one’s job should not be considered taboo. Rather, it should be regarded as a learning experience that has the ability to improve one’s career. One way to ensure this occurs is by asking your ex-employer for an honest evaluation of your strengths and weaknesses. This will allow for an honest and productive conversation that is devoid of guilt or shame.
Ryan Craver, Mallary by Matthew
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