What to Do if You Think You’re About to Get Fired

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Then there are those bosses that take everything personally. You could be proactive trying to help the dept run efficiently, and ultimately make your boss look good (indirectly), but they will see that as you circumventing their authority. We all know once someone "doesn't like you", there's really nothing you can do or say to change their mind. It's worse when they are your boss. Double worse when they have an insecure personality, and power trip to compensate. In this situation, the only thing you can do is do your job as expected. Avoid confrontation. And put in your designated time. It may no longer be a fun job as it was, but you still have one. And there's nothing they can say about it. Short of making things miserable for you forcing you to quit. What can you say, some people are just a-holes to others. And it doesn't take much to set them off. But the one thing you shouldn't do, is let yourself get bullied. The first sign you show submission, it will only get worse. That's how bullies work. They break you, then they control you. Now that doesn't mean you should be butting heads, that almost as bad. Ignore as much as you can. They can only do so much within company policy and labor laws. Now it becomes a matter of patience. And hopefully, at some point, they will just grow tired of trying to break you. And start to lay off.

Guss of CA 3:18PM February 05, 2013

Thank you so much for your insight on this topic. I have worked for this healthcare system for 25 years. I have seen "the signs" for others SO MANY times, prior to their dismissal. I have not had issues with this myself, until just recently. I am seeing and feeling "the signs". I plan to take your advise and have a candid talk with my new manager I am having issues with. Again, thank you for the advise!

A nurse of IA 11:26PM January 29, 2013

Who came up with this? People need to learn to be more assertive yet respectful and appropriate.....boss or not, they should not be affirmed for treating people badly.

BossFL of FL 2:49PM January 27, 2013

I like the advice about being honest with your boss, telling them the job just isn't for you, but that you'll continue to work and do the best job while looking for another job if they just agree to work with you. I hate my job; it's boring, but I can handle that... I just can't handle working for my manager anymore; he makes me hate my job. I think, come Monday morning I'm going to have this discussion with him.

Anonymous of AZ 1:30AM December 14, 2012

Seems like very organized and sound advice. Thank you.

The Sales Rep of CA 1:05AM December 02, 2012

That is the worst advice I ever heard in my life! I would that you get tape and attach it on your forehead in the shape of a letter L.

goodjob of MI 4:06PM October 10, 2011

Boy! have i been your shoes. I was sick with a disability; and I was in construction; and I wasn't on medication: My boss was screaming at me all the time: My boss was jealous of me for some reason; always made fun of me in meetings; and I got word that I was going to lose my job; so I gracefully left because I knew I was a bigger person than them; and I knew I could do better. Well I started drawing my disability which leaving my career for 15 years wasn't easy:I became a christian writer; and now write a lots of letter to a lots of people especially in high places which includes the President; but on this side I more free and I don't have to take people nonsense. Just remember to do your job with all your heart no matter what they do to you at work because God sees your heart and your work and he will promote you: Just pray. I was sick and had to call in quite a bit but I was doing all that I could do; but you know what; I was sick and still was the best that they had in my position: I could run circles around them and they knew that; and that is why they didn't like me; because I was a no nonsense girl: I always respected them and listen to them; but I confronted them in a gentle and in a appropriate way when they were wrong so that I could gain respect even if they didn't show it; they would know deep down in their hearts.

mary sniadecki of TX 11:32AM June 01, 2011

I listen to you about your situation; and if you can not resolve the issue by giving verbal and written notice and even suggesting counseling or anger management classes if applicable: Sometimes you just have to let the person go; but just remember not to harbor bad feelings after the person goes because not everyone is the same because some one might have a legitimate reason even though its not right to carry your job home and your home to the work place sometimes setting and asking that person if there is a reason for his or her behavior and if that don't work then you just got to let them go; they have to learn from their mistakes

mary sniadecki of TX 11:00AM June 01, 2011

I sense it on the wind, and they are preparing the final check which takes about a day. Had a meeting with boss and HR director yesterday about not "fitting into the culture" and a mystery meeting scheduled for tomorrow so it had me wondering, is it better to allow them to terminate me or should I resign? A termination could mean unemployment benefits, but a resignation means less of a smear on the work history, but absolutely no benefits. It may take awhile to get another job. If I am asked to resign, should I refuse and let them fire me? I could drop them from my resume altogether, I have been there only 6 months.

Richard Mill of IL 1:45AM March 24, 2011

I am presently being set-up for termination lane. I was given minimal training if any at all but with high expectations to do a perfect job. Everything I have discussed with my so-called supervisor has been used against me. The documentation stage has begun and I have no recourse since this is a right to work state. Totally unfair and unjustified.

Candy of NH 9:43PM March 17, 2011