Preparing for the Possibility of Getting Fired

Worried about getting fired?

Don't panic. Prepare.

Here's how:

— Dave Kline (@dklineii) June 24, 2023

Firing people sucks.

The only thing worse is being fired. It is easiest to push the idea from your mind. To ignore it.

But in each life, there are moments that matter 100x more than others. Those worth being prepared for.

This is one of those moments:

— Dave Kline (@dklineii) June 24, 2023

1. Watch the radar

Layoffs rarely surprise.

Internally
-> Slowed spending? Frozen hiring?
-> Leaders distracted by secret projects?

Why? Smart to stop new spending before cuts.

Externally
-> Layoffs at competitors?
-> Fundraising stalled?

Ask: How different is your company?

— Dave Kline (@dklineii) June 24, 2023

2. Build a runway

You'll make better decisions if you're not worried about basic needs. Fast track saving 6 months of living expenses.

How?

Reduce your burn:
-> Cut expenses from big to small

Grow your income:
-> Start your side hustle now

— Dave Kline (@dklineii) June 24, 2023

3. Have a plan

What will you do Day 1, Week 1, Month 1?
-> Immediately start searching?
-> Enjoy a much-needed reset?
-> Go all-in on a side business?

Naming these steps in advance helps:
-> Set the path from logic, not emotion.
-> Avoid scrambling or wasting precious time.

— Dave Kline (@dklineii) June 24, 2023

4. Get out in front

If you have these fears, don't wait.
-> Clean up your profiles, CV
-> Reconnect with old colleagues
-> Build outside credibility in your domain
-> Rachet up the coffees and lunches immediately

You can shape your life or let life happen to you.

— Dave Kline (@dklineii) June 24, 2023

5. Be gracious

There is no other choice if you're fired. None. The decision has been made. You might disagree with it, but that's irrelevant.

So say:
-> I understand
-> Empathise w/ their position

It may take every ounce of your will. But do this because you're going to...

— Dave Kline (@dklineii) June 24, 2023

6. Ask for more

You're being fired b/c:
-> You're underperforming
-> You're part of a layoff

In both cases, they want you to leave on good terms.

Would it help to have:
-> Extended healthcare benefits
-> Another month of severance
-> Outplacement help

So ask.

— Dave Kline (@dklineii) June 24, 2023

7. Have perspective

Your value is not where you work.
You are much more than that.

Companies make choices.
Sometimes you're on the wrong side of them.

Stars are lost in a restructuring b/c it's legally cleaner to eliminate functions than select specific people.

— Dave Kline (@dklineii) June 24, 2023

8. Have a look in the mirror

This may hurt to hear, but it's critical to be honest.

How'd you end up being cut:
-> Wrong company?
-> Poor performance?
-> Refuse to play politics?
-> Rationalize bad behavior?
-> Demand too much money?

Don't beat yourself up, but evolve.

— Dave Kline (@dklineii) June 24, 2023

Ben Franklin famously said:

"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail."

I'm an optimist, not a fear-monger. But I also see the value in seeing reality clearly. And the reality is companies are cutting back.

Are you prepared?

— Dave Kline (@dklineii) June 24, 2023