Losing a job sucks. Let’s not sugarcoat it. Whether you anticipated it or it blindsided you like a rogue wave, “What to do when you get fired?” becomes the immediate question on your mind. It delivers a gut punch, messes with your confidence, disrupts your routine, and—let’s be honest—can throw you into a spiral of overthinking every little mistake you made at work.
But here’s the thing: getting fired is not the end of your career. In fact, for many, it’s the beginning of something even better. You might not see it yet, but this is your plot twist moment. Just like Robert Downey Jr. rebounded after Hollywood blacklisted him, you can turn this setback into a comeback. (Cue dramatic montage music 🎵)
So, the question is, what to do when you get fired? Grab a coffee (or something stronger—we won’t judge), and let’s walk through a step-by-step plan to bounce back after getting fired—because trust me, you will.
Step 1: Breathe, Process, and Don’t Do Anything Rash
First things first: take a deep breath.
You’re probably feeling a cocktail of emotions right now—anger, panic, sadness, maybe even relief. Whatever it is, acknowledge it. Losing a job, especially unexpectedly, can be a major shock to your system. You might feel a range of emotions within just a few hours—disbelief, frustration, sadness, and even fear about the future. These emotions are completely valid. It’s okay to feel lost. It’s okay to grieve. The important thing is not to let these feelings control your next move.
That which does not kill me makes me stronger.
Friedrich Nietzsche (as quoted in Living Through Job Loss by Ann Kaiser Stearns)
Right now, you might feel tempted to blast your ex-boss on LinkedIn or demand answers from HR in an email. Don’t. Take a pause. This is one of the most crucial moments in your professional journey, and how you react now will set the tone for what comes next. Even if your employer fired you unfairly or blindsided you, resist the urge to react emotionally. You don’t want to do something in the heat of the moment that you’ll regret later. Instead, take time to let the dust settle.
3 things you should never do after getting fired:
- Bad-mouth your former employer online. It might feel cathartic now, but it can haunt your future job prospects. Employers check social media, and a negative post about your past job could make potential employers hesitant to hire you.
- Immediately jump into job applications. You need clarity, not desperation. If you apply for jobs while emotionally charged, you might make poor decisions, like accepting a role that doesn’t fit just because you’re in panic mode.
- Spiral into self-blame. You are not your job, and this one setback does not define you. Even if you made mistakes, this is an opportunity to learn and grow rather than dwell on the past.
Instead, give yourself 48 hours to process before making any major moves. During this time, engage in activities that help you feel grounded. Whether that’s exercising, journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or even just taking a long walk, allow yourself to decompress. Your emotions need an outlet, but they also need space to settle before you make any strategic decisions about your future.
Step 2: Get the Facts—What Are You Entitled To?
One of the most confusing parts of being fired is figuring out what you’re owed. If you’re wondering, “If I get fired, what am I entitled to?”
Here’s what to check:
- Severance Pay: Some companies offer it, some don’t. Check your contract.
- Unemployment Benefits: Eligibility varies by country and state, but many fired employees can still collect.
- Health Insurance Options: If you’re in the U.S., you might qualify for COBRA or marketplace insurance.
- Final Paycheck: Ensure you receive everything your employer owes you, including unused vacation days.
Knowing your rights puts you back in control of the situation.
Step 3: Handle the Emotional Fallout (Because It’s Real)
Losing your job isn’t just about losing a paycheck—it can feel like losing a part of your identity. That’s normal. But here’s the good news: you will bounce back. The key is to process the emotional weight of this experience in a healthy way so it doesn’t derail your next move.
How to cope with getting fired?
- Mourn it (but don’t dwell on it). Losing a job is a form of loss.
You must first acknowledge and work through your natural feelings of loss. With job loss, it’s normal to feel angry, anxious, unsure, and even depressed. These feelings can permeate not only your day but your motivation and self-confidence. And if they are not healed, they can ultimately affect your search for a new job and your long-term happiness.
Alan Wolfelt, Healing After Job Loss
So yes, eat that pint of ice-cream, take a day to feel the emotions, but don’t stay there.
- Talk to someone. Whether it’s a mentor, therapist, or friend, verbalizing your feelings helps. You’ll realize you’re far from alone.
- Move your body. Exercise releases endorphins, which can combat the depression after getting fired. Even a daily walk can shift your mindset.
- Journal your thoughts. It helps untangle emotions and clarify your next steps.
- Remind yourself: This is not your identity. You are more than your job title.
Step 4: Frame Your Story—Because This Will Come Up in Interviews
At some point, you’ll face the dreaded question: “Why did you leave your last job?” Handling this well can be the difference between landing a new role or scaring off employers.
Does getting fired affect future employment?
Not necessarily! What matters is how you talk about it. Here’s how:
🚫 What NOT to say:
- “My boss fired me because he was an idiot.”
- “The company was toxic, and I was over it.”
- “It’s complicated… I’d rather not get into it.”
✅ What to say instead:
If it is due to restructuring:
“The company reorganized and unfortunately it affected my role. While it was tough at first, it gave me the opportunity to reflect on my strengths and take my career in a new direction.”
If it is related to performance:
“I received feedback that I needed to improve in [specific skill], and I’ve since taken [course, training] to work on that.”
Own your story. No shame, just growth.
Step 5: Update Your Resume & LinkedIn (The Right Way)
Before you start applying, polish your online presence:
- Update your resume with quantifiable achievements, not just job duties.
- Optimize your LinkedIn profile (keywords matter!).
- Share a positive career update—post something like:
“Excited for new opportunities in [industry]. Grateful for the experiences and skills gained in my last role.”
💡 Pro Tip: LinkedIn is one of the best job search tools. Recruiters constantly scan profiles for candidates—so make sure yours is active, polished, and engaging.
Step 6: Activate Your Network—Your Best Job Search Tool
How to find another job after being fired?
Networking. It’s not just about who you know—it’s about who knows you. Here’s how to tap into the hidden job market:
- Send “catch-up” emails to former colleagues, mentors, and industry friends. Let them know you’re exploring new opportunities.
- Join industry events and LinkedIn groups. Visibility is key.
- Consider informational interviews—they often lead to job leads.
“Networking is, at heart, about making connections that will have a long-term, often unexpected, value as you move through your career.”
Stephen Viscusi, Bulletproof Your Job
This is not the time to be shy—reach out!
Step 7: Apply Strategically (Not Desperately)
How to get a job after being fired?
Be selective. Quality > Quantity. Choose opportunities carefully—make sure they fit your goals.
🔥 Job Search Best Practices:
✅ Tailor each application—recruiters can spot a copy-paste job a mile away.
✅ Follow up. A polite follow-up email can double your chances of getting an interview.
✅ Practice for interviews. Nail your story and prep for tough questions.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re wondering, “When can I apply for a new job after termination?”—apply ASAP, but only after taking time to recalibrate.
Step 8: Consider a Pivot—New Career, New You?
Sometimes, the universe nudges you in a better direction by making you face job loss.
- Learning new skills or getting a certification.
- Exploring freelancing or entrepreneurship.
- Switching industries if you were unhappy in your last role.
The Chinese use two symbols for change—the symbol for crisis and the symbol for opportunity. Job loss sent you into crisis mode. But it has also opened new opportunities—possibilities that you may not have been able to see before.
Alan Wolfelt, Healing After Job Loss
Ask yourself: What’s something you’ve always wanted to do but never had the chance?
Step 9: What to Do When You Get Fired—Keep Your Head Up
What to do when you get fired unexpectedly? Remember: you’re not alone.
Rejection happens, and it stings, but it’s not the final chapter of your career. Bouncing back takes time, and it’s never a straight path. Some days will feel productive, others frustrating, and that’s completely normal. What matters is staying focused and persistent.
Many successful people faced job loss before achieving greatness. Apple fired Steve Jobs, but he returned and revolutionized the tech industry. Television executives doubted Oprah Winfrey’s potential, yet she built a media empire. Publishers rejected J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter manuscript multiple times, but she persisted and became a literary icon. They didn’t let one setback define them, and neither should you.
This could be the perfect opportunity for something new. Maybe your old job didn’t fit well, maybe it created a toxic environment, or maybe you need this push to explore something more fulfilling. Instead of seeing this as an ending, think of it as a fresh start.
Here’s how to keep moving forward:
- Stay Positive – Surround yourself with supportive people. A strong network will keep you motivated.
- Acknowledge Progress – Every interview and networking call is a step forward. Celebrate the small wins.
- Be Open to New Paths – This might be the right time to explore freelancing, pivoting to a new industry, or learning a new skill.
- Take Care of Yourself – Job searching is exhausting. Take breaks, stay active, and protect your mental health.
- Remember: This Is Temporary – A year from now, this moment will be a lesson, not a defining failure.
Countless people have faced this challenge and come out stronger. Keep pushing forward, and stay open to the new opportunities ahead.
Your next chapter is waiting. Are you ready?