This is my reaction/opinion on termination stories from a podcast that features Madam HR. If you are interested more on that topic, go listen to: This podcast: Why did I get fired?
That is what life is about. We do not get redos, but we do get second chances. – Jeffery Fry
Let’s talk brutally real here: do you know what’s an even worse thing to hear during working hours, GETTING FIRED. We all know that termination is more devastating than an actual romantic break-up in our adult lives. Of course, we have seen from movies and television when the main character had committed malpractice in a company, whether a big or small mistake. We assume that they usually pack up their personal belongings and clear off the desks, never say goodbye to your colleagues to prevent shame, after hearing that provoked phrase from your manager.
That’s not the case in the (real) professional world. As every company rule states: “There is always a process” before you get an actual termination from HR. Here are what we have assumed and what we would do.
But first, let it be defined as HR for the first impressions, especially younger people fresh graduates: Human Resources considers as an extensive department of the company. They are also disciplinarians of a company, for the employees. Although, it is a responsibility to manage the culture as its reaches the company’s value.
An employee’s point of view, they always wonder what they have gone wrong. The truth is, no one would ever receive feedback every week from your colleagues or your HR’s. Some employees have worked on their emotional intelligence. I have heard those frequent infamous lines when they are having frustrations, such as, “What would go wrong?” “I work hard for this company!” “I have nothing klutzy this week”. They don’t care how dedicated you are contributing to this company, it’s how your value would apply to the company.
If you notice the signs of being distant or isolated from your colleagues or managers (minimal task/projects) and then HR would often observe and ask you, it means you are potentially discharged.
As what the HR’s employment criteria, they always look out for the employees during working hours, including the trainees who are received 6-month probation, before regularization:
- Culture fit – what perceives on employee’s value and character to bring out the colleagues’ issue in this office department.
- Employee’s performance – how you treat them professionally.
- Company’s performance – how they test your professional limits to reach the company’s value.
From HR’s perspective, it is difficult to confront the ill-conducted employee with harsh notice. Employees are in hunger to succeed. They are preparing other suggestions and plans for the employee. They provide recommendations to referrals from outside companies, so he/she will not get bridged out.
As for the manager’s perspective, he/she will be giving out contacts of colleagues and other staff of the company with emails and phone numbers, just stay in touch for seminars and networking events.
When you have terminated the role, all documents (including salary certificate) will be compiled at the DOLE office, just to get a working relationship closure between the employer and the company. However, if you are brave enough to apply to a different company without HR’s recommendation, you have automatically considered resigning.
Ultimately, getting fired from your company is not that terrible as you think. It is not the end of the world as they speak. Still, I do not encourage you and other employees to commit poor performance (a.k.a slacking off, procrastination) or destroy the company’s reputation as a solution to getting to the next company directly. You will get easily affected by your morals or values, both professionally and personally. Of course, you need to mentally prepare yourself with those questions such as, “What’s happening next?”. Also, you have to understand what went wrong with yourself, your former colleagues, and the company. That’s how the growth mindset works. Make the best things with your skillset to bring out your confident presence to the next chapter of your professional life.
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