You’re about to be fired: Here’s how to handle it

Getting fired is one of the worst experiences you may face during your adult years. It’s humiliating and — if you’re being wrongfully terminated — infuriating.

What you do next could have great bearing on your future, especially if you decide to pursue a wrongful termination claim.

Steps to take when you’re being fired

First, take a deep breath and stay calm. You want reason to prevail over your emotions, and you need to stay focused on the future. Do the following things:

• Ask why you’re being fired. Who made that decision? What reason did they give?
• Go to the exit interview. As tempting as it may be to just walk out, you want to gather as much information as you can. Ask to see your personnel file.
• Return all company property as requested. Leave your former employer with no cause to claim that you misappropriated a company computer or other items.
• Gather all your employment paperwork for review. This includes your employee handbook, past performance reviews, awards or other items of recognition for your work and any contract you may have had.
• Ask for everything in writing. If there are any agreements about your severance, a reference or other issues, try to get them in writing.
• Don’t blast your employer on social media. It’s tempting, but you could say something that will sully your case if you decide to take your wrongful termination claim

Finally, talk to an experienced legal advocate here in Broward County about your situation, what led to your termination and why you believe it was wrongful. That’s the best possible way to gain an unbiased perspective on your options.