You might get fired (and why it might not be so bad)

For those who know me best and for many who have merely met me, there can be little debate that I’m a bit of a hothead. I’m quick to action, slow to apologize, often confused to ignorance, and generally guided by a passion that borderlines precariousness. But am I a product of my environment? Truth be told, culture is a booming voice – once that voice fades, it becomes of the most obvious silences in most any workplace.

Though, where would any of us be if we didn’t make a few hundred or so mistakes along the way. I can’t be too hard on myself, for those twists and turns have found me opportunities, rewards, and friends. Nonetheless, I’ve found, over time, that there are a number of things that always seem to steer the ship toward the pink slip. This being said, below are just a few examples to heed (with a grain of salt, of course).

You might get fired…

…if you bring your personal life to work.

I have a mantra – I call it “Showtime”. No matter how tough the world is outside of my office, I know that once I walk through those doors, it’s showtime. Leave the personal stuff on the steps. When was the last time you were frowning at work because of something that happened at home?

…if you decide to be dispensable.

A CEO once told me that he remembers employees who break the mold. If you sit around all day and merely do your job and nothing more, you won’t be remembered. Seems a bit harsh, but sometimes it makes all the difference when the time to audit the department comes around. Do you take risks?

…if you don’t conform.

I have done this so many times, it’s not even funny. But believe it or not, there are company cultures out there, which require unwavering commitment. It’s important to be a team player and to respect leadership and to strap on your boots and charge into the fray waving your colors proudly. But it’s another to blindly follow because someone told you to. Where do you fall?

…if there are too many spotlights on you outside of the office.

This is a tough pill to swallow but unfortunately, it is very true. You were hired on for a list of duties as assigned. When you start shining elsewhere, even if it’s within the industry, sometimes this can be seen as a threat, or even worse, seen as you not doing your job. Are you balancing your extra-curricular activities?

These are by no means set in stone and I refuse to title myself an expert. However, if you find yourself suddenly jobless, this doesn’t have to be a bad thing. One of my favorite pieces of advice explains that there is always opportunity in a setback, always a way to spin the negative to your advantage. To be fired can actually be a great and wonderful thing, for therein lie the lessons so well hidden before, and from which you can pick and choose when tackling that next great adventure.

Remember to believe in yourself, be true to your employer, have passion for what you do, and don’t be afraid to fail…even miserably…for it is when we are at the bottom that we see the top.

Michael Murdoch

Michael Murdoch

Michael, CUDE, CCUFC, (he/him) has primarily held marketing and communications roles within Pacific Northwest credit unions. Michael serves as a CUNA Diamond Awards and Conference Committees Member, Co-Chair of ... Details