Got Fired, Now What?

I’ve been fired three times. For each of them, I had a premonition that it would happen. I just didn’t know how.

The first, late 1970s. I didn’t know it, but I was dating another flight attendant’s boyfriend. She and her pals decided to make up lies and I lost my job. I re-entered my original field of music and felt success returning. After four hearings, I was offered my stew job back but said no thanks. Someone nailed a fish head to the ring leader’s apartment door. Other people who were involved told our mutual friends that they regretted their involvement. I actually felt sorry for most of them.

The second, early 1990s. The temporary dean at a local college where I taught public speaking part time decided his religious beliefs coincided with my psychic beliefs. Suddenly, I had no classes to teach. Few people realized what had happened, so I kept it on the down low. I just set out to find more teaching opportunities. I still teach to this day.

The third, at the turn of the century. I was teaching music and drama at a private school. The headmaster found out that I quietly worked pro bono on murder cases with police. He fired me. When the parents of students asked why, I said, “I had a disagreement with the administration.” I waited until the most powerful board member prodded me for information, and then told her. “He must have something to hide. Check the money trail.” He got fired a few weeks later.

After my third firing, I decided to be self-employed. This way I can fire myself, or praise my deeds.

Look at being fired as a road that dead-ends and forces you to make a big turn. Find a new direction and take a different road. You’ll get to the right place.