N.Y.C. Daily News, February 25th, 2009: “The manager of the luxurious New York Palace Hotel was fired after obscenely ordering a Catholic employee to clean the ashes from his forehead on Ash Wednesday. According to the New York Daily News, on Feb. 25 the hotel’s managing director told bell captain “Wipe that f—–g s–t off your face,” referring to the ashes an employee had received at an Ash Wednesday service. The 893-room five-star hotel is 55 stories tall and is on Madison Avenue across the street from St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The hotel leases its land from the Catholic Church. Hotel spokeswoman Teresa Delaney told the Daily News that the Managers employment was terminated as of Monday. He had worked at the hotel since May 2007”.
Job Loss comes in many shapes and forms and of course the time, when it happens. The story about the GM in NYC being fired is not an exception; it does happen more frequently than we hear about it. In some cases the reason is obvious and justified, in other cases it is clearly not.
Whatever the reason maybe, being terminated has an impact on everyone. And having worked in NYC myself, I know how treacherous the terrain can be for managers working in a Union Hotel. One of my early Bosses in NYC was trapped in a situation like this and was forced to resign. Being terminated from a position is traumatic and challenging and sometimes career changing. Whether the termination is anticipated or happens sudden. You need the right approach, to overcome this setback and turn it into an opportunity for growth and advancement. This blog post will explore practical strategies and tips to help you navigate this transition with resilience and confidence.
Understanding the Situation:
To begin with, it’s essential to understand the circumstances surrounding your termination. Assess whether the decision was performance-related, a result of company restructuring, or due to other factors. One of the more frequent reasons is management changes at the top of an entire company, for example, a new CEO or, in a single hotel, a new General Manager. Both changes often cause a chain reaction of changes in the personal structure that have little to do with an individual’s performance. In most cases, a termination does not come about out of nowhere.
Did You See It Coming?
In many instances, subtle indicators indicate that changes may be imminent in the workplace. These cues could include receiving less feedback than usual, noticing alterations in workload dynamics, or sensing tension during interactions. While predicting job loss may not always be feasible, recognizing these signs can help you prepare emotionally and psychologically for potential developments. Suppose you are working in a good company. In that case, performance issues will be addressed in advance, and the recipient of the termination has had opportunities to either improve or prepare for the unavoidable. This happens mainly at the line level and in junior and middle management. Most companies have an annual performance review process and usually provide objective assessments. The company documentation system keeps track of employee performance quite objectively. But it is not flawless. In certain regions and many franchised companies, the system is frequently personality-driven, and its objectivity is questionable.
Taking Care of Immediate Concerns:
After acknowledging the situation, you want to review your employment contract, company policies, and legal rights to help you clarify the situation and reasons. Depending on your position and country, the legal framework is usually reliable (Europe, North America) and usually on your side. However if you are an Expat in other regions like the Middle East, Africa or South Asia quite a few companies use pressure tactics like asking you to resign voluntarily. If this happens, you may want to consult a lawyer. I strongly advise against voluntary resignation unless massive irregularities, violations of company protocol, or worse are the reasons for this action. Ultimately, you have to decide whether you will accept a termination. Once you have checked this point, it will be crucial to manage your emotions and also your finances.
Allow yourself a few days to process any feelings of distress or uncertainty. Seek support from people you can trust, such as colleagues, friends, and family. However, keep the discussion confidential. Your termination will not remain a secret. Bad news travels fast, and at this stage, you need to review your severance package, explore available benefits, and address urgent monetary needs to ensure financial stability for the next 3-6 months. Avoid panic mode at all costs and calm yourself. You know the old saying: “One door closes, another opens up.” There is much truth in this quote. So try to relax, no matter how bad you may feel in the moment.
Planning Your Next Steps:
Once you’ve had the opportunity to gather yourself, begin planning for the future. Your “career arsenal” should be ready and include your updated resume (See my post on Career Arsenal). Call five of your closest connections and inform them that you are in the process of leaving your company and will appreciate any leads and contacts they can provide. Ask them to keep it confidential. Then, refine your search criteria on the job portal to which you are subscribed. Reflect on your professional profile, skills, and experiences accurately. Consider your long-term career aspirations; don’t just go for any available job. Maintaining a clear vision and focusing on your long-term objective seems complicated, but it will provide better results in the future. I know there are exceptions, especially in the Expat world, and when You are with family, this can be hard and most challenging. Mastering this stage is the most crucial phase in overcoming the trauma of termination and the biggest guarantor of future success to be on your side soon again.
Networking and Seeking Support:
You can read a lot about networking during a crisis on LinkedIn and many career blogs. Often written by individuals who never faced this situation personally. It is a bunch of hogwash that will hardly help you at the moment: Yes, you need to network, but do it only with those you can trust, and even if you have over 500 connections, few can help and assist. So, keep your networking at a low level for the moment. This is a critical but transitional period. Besides your confidence in your network, you want to connect with your best-known headhunter and let them know, that you are in the market and forward to them your updated resume. But again, be careful here. It all depends on your previous status and track record. My professional advice: do not apply through the platform; instead use them to investigate who and in which company is hiring. The approach here is to investigate properly and find a way to cut thru the line. There are some real life hacks you can use, depending on your personality, location and position. Some of my clients have used this approach successfully.
Finally, there is the career mentor.
Not a coach but a mentor. A mentor is not some 30-year-old kid or young LinkedIn Guru: A good mentor is a veteran who has seen and done it all. Someone, who had a colourful and impressive career, possibly on several continents; with good companies and – this is most important: someone who has seen the good times and the bad times in his or her own career. A person is willing to listen to your story, not clocking hours like a lawyer, and most of all, deeply motivated to guide and help You, partially because of their own experiences. If you are depressed, avoid a Shrink. Seek a mentor, a former colleague with more experience than you. This person will be on your side. A mentor’s true motivation is your success as long you follow the advise you are receiving!
Your foremost objective at this stage is to get emotially back on your feet and prepare for an interview. If your career arsenal is well maintained, you can start the job search sooner than later. However, I honestly advise that you get over any emotional trauma you may have suffered.
Legal Considerations and Rights:
Ensure you acquaint yourself thoroughly with your legal entitlements concerning references, background checks, and contractual obligations with your previous employer. Should you suspect any unfair or discriminatory actions surrounding your termination, seeking legal counsel promptly to safeguard your rights and interests, mainly if you are employed as an expatriate abroad, is imperative.
Consider this scenario: You’ve diligently performed your duties for several years. However, a new manager enters the scene, disliking your demeanor or approach or simply preferring to assemble his or her own team. Consequently, you’re faced with a request to resign voluntarily, predicated on unsubstantiated grounds. In such circumstances, retaining legal representation is essential to vehemently contest this request, aiming to secure your total remuneration and robust compensation, ideally until the conclusion of your contractual term. Regrettably, such scenarios are not uncommon, underscoring the necessity for proficient legal counsel in navigating these intricate matters effectively. During my own career I have witnessed both sides of the argument. The single one and most important advise I have for You: Take it to the next level. Do not give in to the local HR Manager or General Manager and fight for your rights.
Moving Forward with Confidence:
Remember, job loss is a temporary setback, not a reflection of your capabilities or worth. Embrace this opportunity for growth and renewal as you navigate your career journey. Stay resilient, maintain focus, and approach the job search process with confidence and determination.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, job loss in the hospitality industry can be challenging but presents an opportunity for personal and professional growth. By following the strategies outlined in this post you can successfully navigate this transition and emerge stronger and more vital than ever. Here’s to your continued success and resilience in the face of adversity! If you find yourself in such a situation, you are welcome to contact me. I will listen and provide valuable feedback for your next step. Just sign up on my website and share your situation confidentially with me. Until then, take good care of yourself!
Helmut H Meckelburg
As a mentor, I know the power of a professional support. It starts with You making an informed decision to speak with someone you can trust about your situation. There is always a solution, sometimes closer than you may expect.