YOU'VE BEEN FIRED

YOU'VE BEEN FIRED

ASK IF THE DECISION IS FINAL. Do not plead. If the decision is final, it is final. Respect it.

ASK IF YOU CAN RESIGN INSTEAD OF BEING TERMINATED. In searching for a new job, it is better to have left voluntarily than to have been fired. If the firer agrees, ask: "If I were to resign, would you agree not to contest my unemployment claim?" (Employees who are fired or laid off can collect unemployment benefits, but those who resign usually have to petition for it.)

If they agree, be grateful; if they do not, accept the firing for the sake of securing unemployment.

DO NOT BAD-MOUTH ANYBODY.

THEY MAY OFFER TO MAIL YOU YOUR STUFF so you can leave quickly and quietly, or they might give you the rest of the day to say goodbye and clean out your desk. Go with the latter. A man does not sneak away.

NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, BE CONCISE AND GRACIOUS WITH EVERYONE. "Great working with you, good luck, keep in touch."

DO TRY TO KEEP IN TOUCH.The

best way to find a new job is through the recommendations of former coworkers.

With thanks to Paul Falcone, author of 101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees.

WHEN TO RUN

TUCDDIII TTCD THE BOULDER IS ROLLING TOWARD YOU. SHE HAS A JUSTIN BIEBER POSTER ON HER WALL.

"VOND n AI mUTCD "YOUR DAUGHTER IS IN THE HOSPITAL." BAR FIGHT, FOREIGN COUNTRY, COPS EN ROUTE

"Cl IDCDMADI/TT "SUPERMARKET SWEEP" FINAL BOARDING CALL "BRUNCH?"