Three things you must do if you get fired

The New Year will probably bring some changes in your workplace, and the way the economy appears to be going those changes could come in the form of layoffs and firings. In fact, some estimates put your chances of being fired this year at 33 percent.

If you are fired, you must take certain actions to ensure good continuity in your career. Here are five things you must do if you are fired this year:

1. Negotiate your way to a great severance package. If you are fired, never let your employer pressure you into signing anything on the spot. Let your employer know that before you sign anything, you need to have your legal and financial advisers review it.
   Find information about your company’s standard practices for termination of employees by talking with other employees who were terminated and by reviewing your company’s policies. When you negotiate for a better severance package, you can argue your case by pointing out your length of service at the company, your specific and documented accomplishments over your term of service, and by presenting an estimate of the amount of time you will require to find comparable employment in today's labor market.
   In the course of your negotiation, remember that money is not the only thing at stake. Let your company know of the difficulties this termination will cause for you particularly if you or a family member suffers from an illness or disability. Try to get a continuation of salary in the severance agreement, rather than a lump sum disbursement, as continuation often allows for a continuation of disability benefits as well. Salary continuation also allows you to answer "yes" when asked if you're still employed.

2. Begin searching for a job right away. You may want to take a day to soak in what has just happened or vent your frustrations, but you really need to get on the job search right away. Review your strengths, accomplishments, and experiences that you gained as a result of your former job, and update your resume to reflect them.
   Let all of your friends, colleagues, former coworkers, vendors, clients, acquaintances, etc. know that you are looking for work, as almost anyone you know may be a valuable source of job leads. Put together a plan of attach for getting a new job that includes online job searching, researching industries and companies, networking, cold calling target companies, and contacting recruiters.

3. Hold your head high and keep your spirits up. Almost everyone who’s ever had a job has been fired at least once. Being fired is nothing to be ashamed of, so don’t waste your time wallowing in self pity. Channel any sadness or negative energy into your job search and interview preparation.
   Make sure that you make your job search your job so that you don’t fall into a routine of laziness, which usually comes with dampened spirits. Start each day with a plan and a purpose, and take care of yourself by eating well, exercising, and surrounding yourself with positive people who support you. You’ll find that by doing this you will not only find a new job quickly, but you will also be of good spirits while doing so.

Hopefully none of you will get fired, but if you do, following the steps above will get you on the right track to finding your new job as soon as possible.