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What to do if You are Fired From a Job

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What to do right now!

What to do Next!

What You Can Learn from Being Fired

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Is it Legal to Be Fired For Filing Bankruptcy?
By Louis Z.

If you are planning on filing for bankruptcy, there are many things you need to know and many steps you will need to take. You may have fears about the consequences of such an extreme solution to help you resolve your debt difficulties. One of your fears may involve whether or not you can lose your job, or get fired for filing bankruptcy.

The simple answer to this question is no. No, you cannot get fired for filing for bankruptcy because federal law prohibits an employer to discriminate against you for declaring personal bankruptcy.

In fact, you will probably be happy and relieved to know that your constitutional rights protect you from being fired for filing bankruptcy. Yes, it is a violation of your rights, not to mention a crime to fire someone for filing bankruptcy. So, do not worry, your job is safe.

Times have really changed over a few hundred years. Did you know that in the past, there was no such thing as the ability to file for bankruptcy? In fact, if you couldn't pay your debts, something much worse than losing your job happened. Believe it or not, if you neglected your debts, you would get sent to debtor's prison. Yes, prison! Some people spent many, many years there.

Thank goodness times have changed. However, there are still serious consequences for not paying your debts, none of which include being fired for filing bankruptcy. You can still be sued by your creditors for not paying your debts. If you default on certain loans, your wages can be garnished. This means that money is taken out of your check before you receive it in order to be put toward debts that you owe.

The smartest choice, if you find yourself in an unmanageable debt situation, is to seek the help of a credit counseling agency. Such agencies can educate you on all of your options for your particular situation. In fact, if you do choose to file for bankruptcy, one of the requirements of the court is for you to complete a session with credit counselor from an approved agency.

And, don't worry, if you do choose to file for bankruptcy, your employer can definitely not fire you for filing bankruptcy. At least, not legally. If someone does fire you, they will be the ones in a heap of trouble, and possibly serve some prison time for violating federal law.

For more information about declaring personal bankruptcy, its disadvantages and alternatives to filing bankruptcy go to Filingbankruptcyinc dot com.

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Background Information

Being fired from a job is one of the most devastating and traumatic events that can happen to a person in their lifetime.  Not only can the loss of income lead to serious financial problems there is also the loss of self-esteem and shame that can rob a person of their emotional strength just at the time that they need it the most.  Here is what you need to do:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What to do Right Now!

  • When faced with the bad news don't do or say anything that may wind up working against you later on. 

  • Don't burn your bridges -- you never know when you may need to cross them once again.

  • Quietly gather up your belongings and leave just as quietly. Don't make a spectacle or a scene.

  • Acknowledge your emotions of embarrassment, shame, and fear.  Let them come and let them go.  You are not the first person to be fired and you won't be last.  Accept this an an opportunity to make a change for the better.

  • Dust off your resume and get it updated and looking as professional as possible.

  • Pull out your Rolodex and begin the process of becoming reacquainted with all of business contacts.

  • Begin to network every opportunity that you can.  Attend Chamber of Commerce mixers; join the local Toastmasters club or Kiwanis Club.  This will expose you to many new people.  Volunteer for as much as you can handle and gain a reputation for being a positive, go-getter.  You never know whose uncles, brother's cousin will be looking for someone just like you for their business.

  • If your company has an Employee Assistance Plan call them.  You can talk to someone who can specifically help make your transition easier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What to do next

  • Stay positive and only be around positive people.

  • Don't waste time fantasizing about what might have been. 

  • Think about what you want to do for work.  If you enjoyed your last position and the industry you were a part of then you will want to focus your efforts to gain employment in that area.  However, if you think it's time for a change consider a career assessment test to see what you might have skills or aptitudes that would help in deciding you next career steps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What can you learn from this experience?

Ask yourself (and be honest now) if you contributed in any way to being fired.  Were you often late? Did you fail to get work finished on time? If you can point to any actions on your part that played a role in this outcome think of ways to improve yourself so it doesn't happen again. Take classes, see a therapist, what ever it takes to change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

©2009by Bruce Baron - all right reserved.  No part of this website may be used without permission.

Disclaimer-This website is for information and guidance purposes only and in no way takes the place of professional help to deal with the particular and serious situations listed in this website. This information should be used as an information tool only.  If you or someone you know is in need of help please contact a professional in that field immediately.  We do not personally endorse or recommend any of the resources, links, books, or other references listed in this website unless specifically stated.  This information exists for the user to review and to judge independently the usefulness of the resources based on their own needs and judgments.