Fired to Fired Up: How ‘Getting Fired’ Can Turn Sorrows of Setbacks into Blessings of Success!

Steve Jobs. Oprah Winfrey. Walt Disney. J.K. Rowlings. Albert Einstein. Richard Branson. Bill Gates. And Mark Cuban.

We may never have heard of these names, these epitomes of success who are mostly billionaires, if they had not gotten fired at some point in their life. Imagine that? If you bear that same career setback, you are in a class of winners. Spill no tears over that pink slip or that email because you share something in common with society’s greats! Yes, imagine that?

That characteristic alone aptly illustrates how “getting fired” can become a blessing in disguise. You can actually turn your so-called setback into success!

But — if you need that pity party, go ahead and grant yourself one, but have a timer on standby. When it sounds, throw out all the guests, including yourself. The pity party is over, and your new era begins.

Did your firing come as a surprise? Like my friend’s did recently? Or — are you now living in fear that your job may be on the chopping block? Once considered the greatest jobs — ones you dreamed about, or thought you would be safe in until retirement — are subject to elimination today.

What was is no more.

Yet people have always been fired through the centuries, probably going back to the days of the cavemen. There was always someone who could do the job better, and there was always someone slacking off. And as knowledge is gained, there is also no longer a need for certain services for a myriad of reasons.

But — why do people get fired? I’m sure you could speculate on the answer(s), and so could I. If we, ourselves, have not been victims of the firing squad, we know coworkers, family and friends who have watched the pendulum swing not in their favor.

I utilized AI, as in ChatGPT, for my blog’s lists that follow so that I could provide encompassing strategies to move you forward. But before we venture into the why of people getting fired, toxic work environments, warning signs, and how to keep your job before you get fired, let’s first start with the positives of getting fired: The Benefits, or rather, The Blessings. Here they are:

20 Blessings from Being Fired:

1. New Opportunities – Being fired can open the door to new, better job opportunities.
2. Self-Reflection – Time to reflect on your career goals and whether you are in the right field.
3. Pursue Your Passion – An opportunity to focus on work or a side project that excites you.
4. Improved Work-Life Balance – The freedom to prioritize personal well-being and family over work stress.
5. Reinvention – A chance to reinvent yourself, try a different industry, or take a new career path.
6. Time for Education – A break to acquire new skills or go back to school for a degree or certification.
7. Entrepreneurship – A nudge to start your own business or become self-employed.
8. Creative Freedom – The chance to explore creative ideas and ventures that were stifled by your previous job.
9. Boost in Confidence – Overcoming the challenge of being fired can ultimately make you more resilient and self-assured.
10. New Perspective – Time to reassess what’s truly important to you and refocus on what brings you happiness.
11. Financial Planning – An opportunity to take a step back, reevaluate your financial situation, and create a budget.
12. Building a Stronger Network – With more time on your hands, you can nurture professional relationships and expand your network.
13. Better Fit for Your Values – The chance to find a workplace that aligns more closely with your values and ethics.
14. Less Stress – The stress from a toxic or unfulfilling job is gone, allowing for mental and emotional healing.
15. More Time for Hobbies – An opportunity to rediscover passions or hobbies that have been neglected.
16. Personal Growth – Learn valuable life lessons from the experience, building emotional intelligence and maturity.
17. Improved Health – Being removed from a stressful environment allows for better physical and mental health.
18. Spending Time with Loved Ones – More quality time to bond with friends and family during a transition period.
19. Discovery of New Strengths – You discover strengths or talents you didn’t know you had and explore new career avenues.
20. Opportunity for Recharging – Time to recharge and reset your priorities, making you more motivated when you start your next job.

Now that you know there is life after being fired, you do not have to feel so gloomy about your future in case the threat has been looming in the distance. After talking with my dear friend about when she found herself being kicked to the curb, we both decided that her dismissal was actually a blessing in disguise. Here are the top reasons for why people get fired:

Reasons Why Most People Are Fired:

1. Poor Job Performance – Consistently failing to meet expectations or deliver results.
2. Lack of Accountability – Failing to take responsibility for mistakes or actions.
3. Unreliable Attendance – Chronic tardiness, absenteeism, or taking excessive sick days.
4. Insubordination – Not following directions or refusing to comply with company policies.
5. Negative Attitude – Constantly complaining, bringing down team morale, or exhibiting a bad attitude.
6. Inability to Meet Deadlines – Regularly missing deadlines or not completing work on time.
7. Lack of Skills or Experience – Not having the necessary skills or experience to perform the job effectively.
8. Dishonesty or Fraud – Lying, stealing, or engaging in unethical behavior.
9. Lack of Teamwork – Inability to work with others or frequently causing conflict within the team.
10. Failure to Adapt – Being resistant to change or failing to learn new skills or technologies.
11. Poor Communication – Struggling to clearly communicate with colleagues, management, or clients.
12. Failure to Follow Company Policies – Repeatedly ignoring rules or not adhering to the company’s code of conduct.
13. Cultural Misfit – Not aligning with the company's values, mission, or culture.
14. Excessive Personal Issues – Bringing personal problems or distractions into the workplace.
15. Taking Credit for Others’ Work – Claiming other people's achievements or failing to give credit where it's due.

To paraphrase Seinfeld’s George Constanza’s “It’s not you, it’s me” statement: “It’s not you, it’s them.” Yes, you may be working in a toxic environment, and not realize it. Here are 15 clues that you are:

Ways You Know You Are Working in a Toxic Environment:

1. Constant Drama and Gossip – People are always talking behind each other's backs or stirring up conflicts.
2. Lack of Transparency – Information is withheld, or there's a lack of clear communication from management.
3. Unhealthy Work-life Balance – Expectations of long hours with little to no regard for personal time.
4. Toxic Leadership – Managers who micromanage, belittle employees, or display favoritism.
5. Unclear Expectations – Constant confusion about roles, goals, and responsibilities.
6. No Recognition – Hard work goes unnoticed, and accomplishments aren't acknowledged or rewarded.
7. High Employee Turnover – A lot of people are leaving or being fired frequently, indicating a lack of morale.
8. Frequent Complaints – You hear people complain about their workload, the company, or colleagues on a daily basis.
9. Undermined Self-worth – You’re made to feel unimportant, undervalued, or incompetent by your colleagues or supervisors.
10. Blame Culture – Mistakes are blamed on individuals rather than the team or the system.
11. Lack of Growth Opportunities – You feel stuck in your role with no chances for development or career advancement.
12. Tight Control on Communication – Important decisions are made behind closed doors with no input or transparency.
13. Workplace Bullying – Employees or supervisors intimidate, belittle, or bully others.
14. Unrealistic Expectations – Overwhelming demands are constantly placed on employees without adequate support or resources.
15. Physical Symptoms of Stress – You experience frequent anxiety, insomnia, or stress-induced illness due to the work environment.

However, working in a toxic environment does not necessarily mean that you are being targeted for dismissal. But what are the warning signs? Here are 15 of them:

Warning Signs That You May Be Fired:

1. Frequent Criticism – You receive constant negative feedback on your work performance.
2. Lack of Responsibility – You are being given less important tasks or fewer responsibilities.
3. Exclusion from Meetings – You're no longer included in important team or company meetings.
4. Sudden Changes in Behavior from Boss – Your manager becomes distant, less supportive, or avoids interaction.
5. Micromanagement – Your supervisor starts hovering over you, checking every little detail of your work.
6. Decreased Workload – Your workload suddenly drops or you’re assigned less to do.
7. Disinterest in Your Work – Colleagues or supervisors seem disengaged when discussing your tasks or contributions.
8. Negative Feedback in Reviews – Your performance reviews are mostly negative with little to no praise.
9. Company Restructuring – The company goes through layoffs, and your position becomes less critical.
10. Disinterest in Professional Development – You’re not invited to training, workshops, or growth opportunities.
11. Frequent Mistakes – You are consistently making avoidable errors or are being blamed for issues.
12. Change in Compensation – Your pay or benefits get reduced, or you notice your compensation is being reassessed.
13. Feeling Left Out – Your input or opinions are disregarded in meetings or decisions.
14. Increased Scrutiny – Your actions and work are being watched more closely, even when you're meeting expectations.
15. Isolation from Team – You're becoming disconnected from the team, and colleagues start to avoid collaborating with you.

But — what can you do if you really love your job? How can you prevent yourself from getting fired?

Here’s how you can improve your work behavior so that you don’t end up on the chopping block:

Things You Can Do to Avoid Being Fired:

1. Be Proactive – Take initiative, anticipate needs, and stay ahead of deadlines to show you're committed to your role.
2. Take Responsibility – Own up to your mistakes and actively seek solutions, demonstrating accountability.
3. Communicate Effectively – Keep your manager and team updated, and ensure that communication is clear and concise.
4. Stay Organized – Keep your workspace and tasks well-organized to manage your time and workload efficiently.
5. Improve Your Skills – Continuously work on improving your professional skills and staying updated in your field.
6. Be Punctual – Arrive to work on time, meet deadlines, and avoid tardiness to show you are dependable.
7. Maintain a Positive Attitude – Stay optimistic and approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset.
8. Be a Team Player – Collaborate with others, offer help, and contribute positively to team dynamics.
9. Show Flexibility – Adapt to changes and be open to new tasks, projects, or ways of doing things.
10. Seek Feedback – Regularly ask for feedback from your manager or peers to identify areas for improvement.
11. Be Respectful – Treat colleagues, management, and clients with respect, valuing their contributions and perspectives.
12. Demonstrate Work Ethic – Put in the effort, go the extra mile, and show that you’re fully committed to your role.
13. Develop Emotional Intelligence – Improve how you manage and express emotions, and build stronger interpersonal relationships.
14. Stay Focused on Your Goals – Set clear career objectives and keep working toward them, aligning with company goals.
15. Understand and Follow Company Policies – Familiarize yourself with your company’s rules and culture to avoid unintentional breaches.

Now these we have covered several aspects of getting firing, particularly how we can turn such a setback into success, it is time to move forward! Remember, the masters of their respective fields, whom I mentioned in this blog’s beginning? Each one of them got fired for various reasons in life, but it led to greater things, greater heights!

And as I noted, and it is worth repeating, we may never have heard about them had they not gotten fired, and grown into their purpose. However, I have to admit, I think the exception might be Albert Einstein. With his genius level, he would leave his mark in history no matter what. Perhaps, he may not have given us his E=mc² theory, but it would be something on a similar grand realm — a different kind of breakthrough that we would marvel about generations to come.

We also should realize that there were probably many other famous and great leaders who got fired and kept that news to themselves. After all, it is not necessarily something that you go around boasting about. Unless you become mighty successful, and want to encourage and inspire others.

I did not get fired, but it sure felt like I did because I was working in a toxic work environment. And while I have mentioned both previously, these two books helped me to not only stop playing small, but also enabled me to step out of my comfort zone because I lacked confidence and courage: Necessary Endings: The Employees, Businesses, and Relationships That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Move Forward and Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life. Both are by Dr. Henry Cloud, and both were recommended.

Remember, you do not have to wait to get fired to leave a job, and turn your sorrows of setbacks into blessings of success!

And now, to borrow the Loony Tunes sign-off: That’s all Folks!

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I’m Ruth Anita Foote, an award-winning journalist, historian, author, and online entrepreneur — passionate about helping you enhance your business, career, and lifestyle. Whether you need writing, editing, research, or online business development, I’m here to support your growth. My goal is to empower you to elevate your success and make a lasting impact in your field. You can connect to all my social media platforms through Linktr.ee