Fired After Less Than a Year
I’ll keep this as brief as possible, even though it might end up being quite lengthy. I attended a semi-target school in Canada and secured an S&T internship during my third summer. I got along well with my supervisors, but unfortunately, I wasn’t offered a return position in a highly competitive year. I was determined to land a full-time job during my senior year—spending nearly every weekday networking with 3-5 coffee chats, submitting countless applications, and going through multiple final-round interviews, often only to face last-minute rejections without clear explanations. Finally, while interviewing during finals, I managed to land an ER position, and I was ecstatic to embark on this new chapter of my life.
Sadly, things took a turn for the worse. The learning curve was steeper than I’d anticipated, and despite my best efforts, I made a few mistakes. My analyst seemed unwilling to overlook them, and soon, snarky comments began to surface. Following some additional points of conflict, I received a harsh performance review. Frustrated, I provided my own feedback about my analyst’s unprofessional behavior, especially since a senior colleague was present at the time. The next day, my analyst wouldn’t even meet my gaze and for the first time acknowledged my work with a “thank you.”
In a bid to salvage my position, I requested a meeting with the head of ER, who dismissed my concerns and seemed uninterested in hearing my side. It was common knowledge that my analyst had a reputation for being difficult and had cycled through associates every couple of years. I felt defeated, resentful, and bitter, and I confided in some supportive coworkers about my situation. Unfortunately, this led to a warning from the head, who threatened to fire me if I continued speaking out. I explained I was simply seeking advice, but it felt like a protective measure on her part to avoid accountability for the unfair treatment I was experiencing. Ultimately, she announced plans to hire someone to work alongside me.
With no hope left, I shifted my focus to job hunting, which took longer than anticipated. In late January, I was unexpectedly fired. I was shocked and upset, especially after putting in so much effort to avoid quitting. Just as I had begun to feel more comfortable and confident in my role, everything fell apart. I did manage to obtain a letter of recommendation from one of my coworkers, but with my mind racing, I decided to take a solo trip to clear my head.
Now that I’m back, I feel overwhelmed by the work I need to do to move forward. I’m anxious about explaining my short tenure during the recruiting process, and I’m uncertain about what career path to pursue next. I’ve reached out to former colleagues for help, but the process feels painfully slow, and my anxiety increases each day. I would greatly appreciate any advice on what to do next.
One response
I’m really sorry to hear about your experience. It sounds incredibly challenging, especially after the hard work you put into landing that position. First, it’s important to remember that many people face setbacks early in their careers, and how you respond to this situation can shape your future.
Here are a few steps you might consider taking to navigate the next phase:
Reflect and Learn: Take some time to reflect on what you learned from this experience. Identify specific skills or areas where you feel more development is needed and consider how you can address that in your next role.
Network and Seek Guidance: You mentioned reaching out to previous colleagues, which is great. Continue doing that and expand your network to include professionals in your desired field. Don’t hesitate to ask for informational interviews to gain insights into different roles and sectors.
Craft Your Narrative: When addressing your short tenure in interviews, focus on what you learned and how the experience has prepared you for your next role. Emphasize your resilience, adaptability, and any positive feedback you received from coworkers, like the letter of recommendation.
Explore Different Fields: Since you’re unsure about what field to pursue, consider exploring roles that utilize your strengths and interests. Research industries and positions that resonate with you and might align with your skill set.
Stay Positive and Patient: It’s understandable to feel anxiety during this time, but try to maintain a positive outlook. Job searching can take time, and it’s normal for recruitment processes to be slow.
Consider Temp or Contract Work: If possible, consider temporary or contract positions in your field to gain experience and fill in the gap in your resume. This also allows you to explore different industries without a long-term commitment.
Take Care of Yourself: Lastly, prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Engage in activities that help reduce stress and maintain balance in your life while you navigate this transition.
Remember, this experience doesn’t define your career. Focus on the future, use this time to grow, and keep pushing forward. You’ve already demonstrated your determination and resilience; those qualities will serve you well in your journey ahead. Good luck!