FIRED FIVE TIMES
Dear Uncle Jimmy
Despite my extensive efforts, training and dedication to my field of employment I have been dismissed 5 times from jobs in one year. I have consulted doctors and mental health professionals and they can find nothing wrong with me. I am not a discipline problem, not an alcoholic, no workplace violence and even the people who
fire me tell that I have a great work ethic. At this point my self confidence is so low I am afraid to accept any position. I now have an offer that in my field would be considered a dream job working in a medical field in a very important area. I must call them tomorrow and decline the offer. Hopefully something less challenging
will come along that will help me get my confidence back, but I will probably not last at that. Do you have any advice for me?
Thank You
Doug,Madison,N.J.
Doug,
Sometimes we overlook the obvious. Example: You run every conceivable test on two pieces of equipment only to find that the connecting wire was not installed. You seem to have covered all the bases in your inquiry. Barring a case of extremely bad luck, totally insensitive management, strange business policies, and a dark cloud that follows you around – something has been overlooked.
Start from ground zero.
Personal Hygiene:
Some unfortunate individuals bathe and maintain themselves but are simply burdened with unpleasant body or foot odors that develop and sour as the day wears on. Culturally, we have an aversion to informing other that they “stink.” Employers might fear a law suit if such was given as grounds for dismissal. Inquire among parents, family, friends, wife, kids, etc. Do people seem standoffish? You took time to see mental health professionals; you could present the possibility to a medical professional just to “clear the air” (pun intended). Sometimes, simply using the wrong deodorant can be socially fatal. Consider contacting the 5 employers that dismissed you. Ask politely, what you could do to improve your employability since no reason was given for your dismissal. Listen not only to the words but the style of the response for a clue.
Bad habits or annoyances:
We all have them, but some don’t fly in the work place. Some people can talk and work at the same time; others are annoyed by unwanted attention or conversation. Unconscious nose picking, body probing, nervous finger tapping, gum chewing, throat clearing can drive an office crazy. Unwanted and inappropriate critiques, personal attention, comment or contact, might be well intended but seen in a different context.
Quote,
“At this point my self confidence is so low I am afraid to accept any position. I now have an offer that in my field would be considered a dream job working in a medical field in a very important area. I must call them tomorrow and decline the offer. Hopefully something less challenging will come along that will help me get my confidence back, but I will probably not last at that.”
This is the only real insight you provide – INSECURITY! Maybe you started off insecure and the succession of terminations compounded an existing mindset. Perhaps five knockdowns in a row created the monster. In either case, you don’t want to accept a “dream” position for no other reason than you are sure you will fail. NOT GOOD!
Best suggestion I can offer is accept the position. Approach the appropriate person with the horror story of five terminations. Ask point blank for a totally honest day to day evaluation and state your ability to handle any critique offered. Spend whatever time you have between accepting the position and starting work to fine tune yourself from every angle. Walk in looking good, smelling good, with a smile and consideration for all around you. Do not be afraid to ask what they want done and how they want it done during the day. At the end of the day ask for that critique.
Any reasonable employer would give such an employee every opportunity to prove himself. Feel free to show them this response if you are so inclined.
Everybody’s Uncle
