Take a deep breath and say this a few times to yourself: I am not my job. It’s hard to believe this when our jobs take the majority of our waking hours. But we are not our jobs; jobs are what help us keep a roof over our head and food on the table. Sometimes they’re fulfilling and sometimes they’re simply how we make money to live our lives.

Being fired stings because the decision to leave employment wasn’t our own. The anger and sadness that may bubble up are understandable, but you don’t have to linger on these emotions. Take a few hours to grieve the loss and reflect on your situation, then work to switch your mindset towards your future.

No longer being in an environment where you’re not wanted could also feel like a relief. Choose to be positive as you approach a fresh opportunity for a new role.

If you were fired for poor performance, that job was not a good fit for you. While it’s distressing to be terminated by an employer, remember that it’s the result of someone’s opinion and not what defines you going forward. It’s best to put this job in the past and not give it any more of your brain space or energy.

Make a plan for your next steps that includes some healthy and enjoyable activities with people you love. Emphasize self care by finding support through friends, family, or therapy. Once you’re ready to jump into a new job search, prioritize learning or practicing skills that will make you a more attractive candidate and help build up your resume. If there are skills you know are lacking based on previous feedback, this is a great time to quantify them and improve.

The lessons learned from being fired can result in a more resilient you. Let this experience be your catalyst for a better, brighter future.

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