Business
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Prevent Being Fired from a Job?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

The possibility of being fired from a job is a source of stress and anxiety for many people, and may cause damage to both personal life and current job performance. While there is no foolproof way to avoid being fired from a job, there are many strategies that can help reduce the likelihood of this unfortunate event. Being a positive force in the workplace, staying on the cutting edge of industry developments, and having a quick response to mistakes can all help improve chances of retaining a job. If the ax is about to drop, however, consider taking proactive action with employers to help soften the blow.

One of the factors that can greatly affect firing decisions is an employee's place in the workplace atmosphere. Workers who make the work place difficult for others, through gossiping, whining, or a bad temper, are unlikely to soften the hearts of a boss faced with downsizing. While being a friendly and positive person in the workplace can't make up for poor job performance or inadequate skills, it can go a long way to preserving a job in a workplace where most workers are on an equal skill level. Volunteering with morale projects, bringing in a box of cookies, or gaining a reputation as a great communicator may help preserve a job when downsizing is required.

Employees may be fired for a number of reasons.
Employees may be fired for a number of reasons.

Mistakes are inevitable in the workplace, but how an employee responds to a mistake may save him or her from being fired from a job. Pointing fingers at others or refusing to admit a mistake can make a problem situation drag too long and establish a poor reputation. Responding to mistake with a fast acknowledgment and an immediate plan for recovery may actually help an employee gain points, instead of losing them for making a mistake in the first place.

People who gossip at work aren't likely to make a good impression on their boss.
People who gossip at work aren't likely to make a good impression on their boss.

One factor that can lead to being fired from a job is a lack of continuing education. Many industries see major developments on an annual, if not monthly basis, and employers may be quick to replace loyal, existing employees with newer workers who have the hottest, freshest training. Though it can be difficult to balance work with continuing education, subscribing to industry journals, attending new development seminars, or taking night classes can help an employee remain relevant, and thus highly valued, on the job.

Acknowledging and responding to mistakes without delay can help prevent one from being fired from a job.
Acknowledging and responding to mistakes without delay can help prevent one from being fired from a job.

In cases where a parting of the ways is both imminent and unavoidable, an employee can still take some of the sting out of being fired from a job by taking direct, fast action. Firing an employee can harm workplace morale and productivity, and many employers will be willing to compromise with a departing employee in order to create a mutual decision agreement to part instead of an outright firing. Savvy employees may even be able to bargain severance packages, benefit extensions, and even retraining funds by offering to resign rather than be fired. If unemployment is certain, an employee has little to lose by attempting to negotiate a better deal with employers.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Employees may be fired for a number of reasons.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Employees may be fired for a number of reasons.
    • People who gossip at work aren't likely to make a good impression on their boss.
      By: Tyler Olson
      People who gossip at work aren't likely to make a good impression on their boss.
    • Acknowledging and responding to mistakes without delay can help prevent one from being fired from a job.
      By: Sebastian Gauert
      Acknowledging and responding to mistakes without delay can help prevent one from being fired from a job.
    • It is important to be honest to yourself and to your employer when assessing your skills and talents.
      By: taka
      It is important to be honest to yourself and to your employer when assessing your skills and talents.
    • Falling asleep on the job is a surefire way to get fired.
      By: Brian Jackson
      Falling asleep on the job is a surefire way to get fired.