How do people react to getting fired?

Asked by: Keeley Haag MD  |  Last update: November 15, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (14 votes)

You may experience shock, anger, sadness, worry, and fear about the future. During this turmoil, it can be hard to stay professional and calm. But for the sake of your career, it's important not to say or do certain things after you're fired.

How do people react when fired?

Manage your emotions. You may feel anger, fear, shock, sorrow or in some cases even joy. These feelings are normal responses to being fired and will change throughout the days and weeks ahead. Recognize and accept your feelings, but choose not to act upon them.

How do people feel after getting fired?

It comes with a flood of emotions that can leave you feeling lost, disheartened, and uncertain about the future. It can also be really embarrassing. That second time I got fired, the one before Christmas, I didn't tell anyone but my wife until the new year.

How to react if you're fired?

What To Do If You Get Fired: Quick & Simple Guide
  1. Be prepared. ...
  2. Ask questions. ...
  3. Negotiate your severance package. ...
  4. Ask for outplacement services. ...
  5. Leave on a positive note. ...
  6. Consider hiring an employment attorney. ...
  7. File for unemployment services. ...
  8. Made decisions about your retirement savings.

How do you respond to someone getting fired?

Express sympathy and listen while she vents her frustration and confusion. Don't speak out against your employers. That kind of thing has a way of coming back at you. But you don't have to defend them, either. Just be a friendly and sympathetic ear and a shoulder to cry on.

How to React When Being Fired

29 related questions found

Is getting fired a big deal?

That depends on the reason you were fired for and how well prepared financially you are. Emotionally it can be a big deal if you feel you were fired because of bad performance or incompetence. That is different from being fired because of a workforce reduction.

What not to say in termination?

11 Things You Should Never Say When Firing an Employee
  • “This is really hard for me.” ...
  • “I'm not sure how to say this.” ...
  • “We've decided to let you go.” ...
  • “We've decided to go in a different direction.” ...
  • “We'll work out the details later.” ...
  • “Compared to Susan, your performance is subpar.”

Does getting fired go on your record?

Yes, being fired goes on your record. When you get hired, human resources starts a file gathering your working history information. That includes all your basic info, performance reviews, job title, dates of employment, and specifics of your departure.

What to do right after you get fired?

Tips for How to Recover After Losing Your Job
  1. Understand the reasons behind your termination. ...
  2. Learn if there are other opportunities. ...
  3. Leave on good terms. ...
  4. Consider filing for unemployment benefits. ...
  5. Take time for reflection and self-care. ...
  6. Update your resume. ...
  7. Begin to search for new jobs. ...
  8. Improve your hard and soft skills.

How do you tell if you are being quietly fired?

8 Signs of Quiet Firing
  1. Lack of Promotions or Career Advancement Opportunities. ...
  2. Denied Raises, Bonuses, or Other Financial Benefits. ...
  3. Micromanagement, Mundane Work, or Reduced Responsibilities. ...
  4. Overly Critical — or Lack of — Feedback or Recognition. ...
  5. Isolation or Exclusion from the Team. ...
  6. No Support from Management.

Will getting fired ruin my career?

No, getting fired won't ruin your career. In fact, companies may have more concerns about candidates who have a history of quitting jobs. Being fired can actually provide an opportunity to re-evaluate your life situation and seek a new job or career change that more closely aligns with your goals and values.

What are my rights if I am terminated?

If you are fired or laid off, your employer must pay all wages due to you immediately upon termination (California Labor Code Section 201). If you quit, and gave your employer 72 hours of notice, you are entitled on your last day to all wages due.

Is it shameful to get fired?

You might feel a sense of betrayal, embarrassment, or even shame when fired. These feelings are natural and valid. It's essential to allow yourself to process these emotions rather than suppress them.

How do people feel when they get fired?

Getting fired can be traumatic, even if you're expecting it, and especially if it's a wrongful termination. You may experience shock, anger, sadness, worry, and fear about the future. During this turmoil, it can be hard to stay professional and calm.

How to survive after getting fired?

Steps for how to get over being fired
  1. Let yourself feel your emotions. When you get fired, it's likely that you'll feel a mix of emotions. ...
  2. Focus on yourself. ...
  3. Reflect on the positives. ...
  4. Reassess your wants and needs. ...
  5. Set new goals. ...
  6. Make healthy decisions. ...
  7. Take a break from social media. ...
  8. Find areas of improvement.

Can you talk to HR after being fired?

If your former employer has a human resources department they are the best source to contact. Your former employer may entirely exclude rehiring former employees, or they may have set conditions that need to be met.

Can future employers see if I was fired?

The Hard Truth: Yep, It Goes on Your Record

Most companies will at least note the fact that you were terminated, even if they're light on specifics. Oftentimes, when a new employer checks your references, all they can check is your dates of employment and whether of not you're “eligible for rehire”.

How do you react when getting fired?

How to respond when you get fired from your job
  1. Stay calm. ...
  2. Learn the reasons behind your termination. ...
  3. Ask if there are other options. ...
  4. Determine your outstanding compensation and benefits. ...
  5. Get clear on your rights. ...
  6. Ask for references. ...
  7. Learn more about unemployment benefits. ...
  8. Leave on good terms.

Is it harder to get hired after being fired?

It depends on the circumstances of your termination and the company's policies. If you left on good terms, you might be able to apply right away. If there was bad blood, it's best to wait a while and let things cool off. In general, give it at least a few months before reaching out.

Can I say I quit if I was fired?

Hiring managers ask a number of questions during the recruitment and hiring process. Often, hiring managers want to know about your reasons for leaving a past position when screening applicants. If you were fired from that job, it's best to prepare in advance to answer as positively as possible.

Does getting fired go on your resume?

The general advice is: don't include the fact that you've been fired in the resume. In fact, you should not write the reasons why you left a position in your CV, even when they are as understandable as moving to another town.

Can I get fired without knowing?

Employment in California is largely governed by a legal doctrine known as “at-will employment.” If you're wondering whether you can be fired without warning in California, the answer is yes. In most cases, you can.

Is termination worse than quitting?

Typically, employees who resign and end on good terms with an employer have a greater chance of receiving a positive reference from that former employer. On the other hand, when an individual has been terminated, their former employer might provide less than satisfactory remarks due to the circumstances.

Is HR present during a termination?

Yes. HR should undoubtedly be present in every termination meeting. Their role as professionals in the matter is vital, especially if there is any contention over the dismissal.

What should you never say during a layoff?

Don't say “This is something every manager hates to do” or refer to how hard this is for you. This time isn't about you, it is about them. Both you and the HR person should join the call five minutes early. Neither you nor the HR person should be waiting for someone to show and make fake small talk with the employee.