Not many people know that one of my more recent jobs ended in termination. The company I worked for decided to terminate my employment after working for them for over 5 years. I was a success; in fact, the most successful person in the position I held. I helped my teammates; I was friends with a lot of other employees in various departments; I was always willing to help where needed. So what went wrong and what did I learn?
For starters, my attitude was an issue. I’m typically a positive person, but I struggled a lot. To say I disliked my manager is putting it nicely. In fact, 75% of the team that was there when I was there felt the same way and is no longer working for the company. Have you ever had a manager that told you how to do your job, yet couldn’t do it themselves? Frustrating. My attitude was sour around him. I let the pure sight of him affect me.
Second, I was over-trusting. I trusted co-workers and friends with opinions, facts and ideas that might have been better left unsaid. One of my personality traits is that I’m an open book. I’m a sharer. And when I’m not speaking, my eyes are telling my thoughts.
So what did I learn?
I still remember the day I was terminated. I knew it was coming; I texted my husband before entering the meeting. I was mad, overwhelmed, disappointed. I had never been fired.
I own my own business now. I do not expect my employees to do anything I cannot or won’t do. Especially the dirty work. We have several means of communication so employees can express their thoughts and ideas whichever way they are comfortable. Taking the things I didn’t like from my previous employment and turning them into positives has definitely helped with running my business.
Getting fired wasn’t a highlight of my career, but it most definitely was a highlight of my life. I was making great money, which is hard to walk away from, but I was miserable. I’ve risked a lot to be where I am today, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Props to my husband for the support and encouragement. If you’ve been fired or are stuck in a miserable spot, control what you can control (your attitude) but know brighter skies are ahead.
