Thursday, October 28, 2010

TERMINATED

Today I had one of the most humiliating experiences in my life.  I was let go from my new job.  They did not think I was a "good fit".  I did not enter information fast enough and have not learned to do the job to their requirements.  There was more, very non-specific stuff that he said - I was so stunned that I didn't really take it in.

I am so embarrassed and trying hard not to feel like a complete loser.  I am not quick on the keyboard, I never really learned to type.  I had not realized it was causing  problems.  Apparently I was not communicating things properly or to the right people or in the right way - it was not made clear with any examples and no one had corrected me at any point.  So I guess the statement that I was not a "good fit" for them is apt because I did not see this coming.

Is it just possible that I am not employable?  That I don't have the skills and mind set to operate in today's workplace?  I know I am very good at the customer/client interactions, but that is not enough.  I have a lot of education but few skills called for in the workplace now.  I am outdated and feel very uncertain of my future.  Actually, I have felt that way for a long time.  Getting this job seemed so lucky and now I have lost it.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh no, I am so sorry.

I think it was in very poor form that they did not warn you in any way or at least try to talk to you about ways in which they thought you could improve. A good manager wouldn't have sprung this on you from out of the blue.

Would you feel comfortable going back to them to ask for follow up as a way to help you improve? For example, how were you not communicating things properly? What were they looking for?

I don't think that you're not employable. It's just that the economy is still bad and there's a lot of competition for the few available jobs.

As for your job skills, have you thought about taking some classes at the local community college or technical school?

Also, if you want to work on your keyboarding skills, there are online programs/tutorials that you could use.

hokgardner said...

I am so sorry. I was once terminated twice in 9 months from two different jobs. I know how horrible it can be.

Hang in there. You will find or create the right fit for yourself.

mkosboth said...

First of all, that SUCKS. I am so sorry. I was let go from one job, back when I was in college. Turns out I was hired to fill in until the regular kids who were coming back from college later than me were available. Nice.

I seriously doubt that you are unemployable. If the job was a bad fit, you don't want to be there. BUT, as someone who hires and manages people, I work very hard at providing the training needed to the people I have hired. It sounds to me like there wasn't enough management and training and feedback going on. If you were not doing the job to their satisfaction, someone should have been meeting with you regularly and giving you that feedback and providing clarification on what was needed and expected.

You are going to feel like crap for a little while, but try to keep your chin up!

Tricia said...

I'm so sorry. I too have been terminated from jobs and I think I am a really good employee, but I take a while sometimes to figure out the culture of a place and sometimes don't have the technical skills up front.
Don't suppose you watched 60 minutes on the 24th good bit on unemployment? Lots of middle age smart people out of work. I too am middle age and unemployed and it is very hard because employers want someone young, let's face it.

I agree with Jen that the manager could have tried to work with you, but I also find in clerical and lower level jobs they just see the employee as a dispensible commodity.
Keyboarding, and computer programs can be learned, compassion, empathy, personality, can't.

michiganme said...

I'm sorry too. That was very unfair of them to handle it that way, especially after such a short stint. They obviously didn't communicate their expectations very well.

I envision you as a very creative person with an eye on the big picture. And entrepreneurial. It's the darn health insurance that is getting in your way.

lisahgolden said...

I'm so sorry that this happened. The fact that it came out of the blue without trying to work with you or help you to improve makes me think it's more about the organization than about your skills.

Is there anywhere that you can volunteer to regain some confidence?

smalltownme said...

I am so sorry about this. I don't understand why you didn't get any warnings or instructions. In my previous life as a manager, I was required to do that before firing anyone. I only had to fire one person, thank goodness, and he knew it was coming.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

I am so sorry. What a terrible experience.

It does seem like they might have given you some specific things you needed to work on before taking the step of terminating you. It seems quite unprofessional.

Lori R. said...

I had to go back and catch up on your blog... I am just amazed how employers think that we are just a throw away generation. We (in our 50's ) are just asking for a fighting chance. When I got my last job, I went to a Temp agency and was told I was employable but needed to brush up on my skills or I could just forget it! Really? forget it!!! I thought I would have it made. After all, I didn't have to run home to a family or take time off to accomodate my family at all. So I took the typing tests and practiced and practiced. Finally I was "employable". I found out I was very disposable for a younger model....UGGG!!!!
Best of Luck with job searching again if you are heading back out to the trenches... That job wasn't suited for you and the employer is obviously not looking at you as a person. I think the right thing will come along... hang in there ♥