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Should you start looking for another job before you get fired?
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
United States
August 16, 2007 4:34pm CST
Personally, I like to be proactive when it comes to job hunting. And, whether that job belongs to me or my spouse, I want to be ahead of the game. I don't want to leave another person, especially an employer, in charge of my financial fate. That's way too much power in one mere mortal's hands! Too much room for error.
So, most times we keep some resumes out on the market just in case something goes wrong with a job. There are always leads to more money and more jobs. The way I look at it, you have to be ready just in case something goes wrong, otherwise you'll end up scrambling around after you lose a job trying to find a way to make money.
What's your opinion on this? Should you start looking for another job before you get fired? Do you think it's fair to the employer to send out resumes and then accept another job behind their back? Would you would actually have more bargaining power with your current employer if they knew that someone else wanted to employ you for more money?
4 people like this
23 responses
@dreamleaper17 (702)
• Philippines
16 Aug 07
I think it is totally understandable to send out resumes whether or not we're getting out of our current company; what's just not readily acceptable is to let our current employer know that we are doing it and that it affects our productivity. Our bargaining power is greatly enhanced once we've proven that we are more of an asset to the company than a liability. In the first place, who would fire an employee if he/she diligently comes to work, beats deadlines and is able to work even way beyond the company's expectations
@AuthenticPeach (283)
• United States
17 Aug 07
I agree with you 100%. You should always have yourself in the position where you will be able to fall on your safety net. I do believe that you should look for a job before you are fired especially if the company is downsizing and you know that your job isn't valued at the company I do believe that is smart to have some back up options so that you can pay your bills. I didn't know that the word Fair was a word when it came to the competition in the job market. Fair goes on the backburner when it comes to surviving. I do believe that you could have some bargaining power in the workplace depending on your work ethnic. I do know of a case where this guy was an excellent worker but he was going to leave where he could get more money, when he told his boss of his future departure, his boss asked him was money the only reason, he stated that is was and then was given so many thousands more to stay. So in some cases I know that you can receive more money if the company values you.
@magikrose (5429)
• United States
17 Aug 07
Honestly if you think you are going to get fired it is in your best intrest to look for another job. If you dont get fired you may want to quit to avoid any problems that may arrise later on. In the end the choice is yours.
1 person likes this
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
16 Aug 07
If you suspect that you are not going to be at your current job much longer, be it because you are going to be let go, or because you want to quit for what ever reason, I think it is wise to start looking for another job before losing the first one. That way you won't be without employment, or without a paycheck.
1 person likes this
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
21 Aug 07
I think if you are unhappy in your job, or if you don’t have job security anymore- then by all means look while you are still there- I know I’m in this boat right now- I’m not actively looking- but am looking and sending out resumes. My company was bought out a bit back—you just never know anymore- I’d rather leave here before they tell me to leave!
@senthil2k (1500)
• India
18 Aug 07
I think it always better to be prepared for any such critical happenings in our lives. Prevention is always better than cure.
With that , I believe its better to have a good job in hand, when you know that you are in the list of people to be fired. As you said, why to let someone else to decide on our fate.
@kgwat70 (13388)
• United States
17 Aug 07
I think it is wise to look around for other jobs if you think you are about to lose your job or if you are just looking for a new job even if your job is not in jeopardy. You should not tell your employer that you are searching for a new job because that could tell them that you know you did something wrong to get fired or you know something is up which could make them let you go even sooner. I always look for a new job before I quit a current job.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
17 Aug 07
I don't know. i guess each person has to do what's best for them - companies don't really look out for their employees' concerns anymore. I've never been fired, but I do keep a lookout for jobs, just so I know what's out there.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
17 Aug 07
being proactive in most things is the smart way to go...my hubby is very dissatisfied with his job (and the way the boss is running his business, he will be closing up anyways!)and hubby has been looking with a few calls of interest, so things are starting to change...he has been looking for quite some time.
@whyaskq (7523)
• Singapore
17 Aug 07
Unless you are ready to leave the company, I do not see the need to look for another job. Why worry about being fired unless the company is fond of firing people? I do update my resume in case I come across a good opportunity. I do not actively seek for another job unless I have the intention to. Otherwise, working will never be pleasant once we constantly live in fear of being fired.
@lexus54 (3572)
• Singapore
17 Aug 07
If I work in a company and feel that my job is in jeopardy (i.e. there is a good chance I may get fired some day), then I will take the initiative and try and look for another job, and if I land that job, I will resign from my present one. I will not wait around to be fired.
I am told that in some companies, they tell their employees that they will be told to go soon if their performance is not up to par. This usually happen for the higher level executives in sales or marketing, who command a high salary. In a way, the company is giving the employee a forewarning that he will be asked to go after a certain time, such as two or three months. This will give the employee time to look for another job, and tender his resignation so that he can exit gracefully instead of being fired. It is not a nice situation to be in, but that's the tough working world we live in nowadays.
@angel_of_charm (4134)
• Philippines
17 Aug 07
yes i had that mentality long time since i had started working..i think its because i cannot afford to be jobless because i got so many people who depends on me..just before time i get fired or i finish my contract i look for a potential job..then when i get fired i see to it that i have a new work to come in daily..i don't wanna get stuck without a job not even a week..if i don't do it then it will take time again before i can go to work and earn..i feel i lost so many if i stop working for a week or more..
@ranitam22 (1146)
• United States
17 Aug 07
I agree with you, you don't want to put all of your eggs in one basket and then be left with nothing if it doesn't work. I always periodically look for jobs and put my resume in just in case something better comes along.
I don't think it's fair for an employee to be looking for someone else behind your back without telling you about it.
As far as having bargaining power, that works sometimes depending on what type of employee you are. If you are a valued employee and exceed expectations and your boss really doesn't have to watch over you to get the job done, i think you would have more power over an employee who does the minimum and isn't much of an asset to the company anyway. The employer would probably love to get rid of that person.
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
17 Aug 07
Yes its better to have your resume out there just in case something happens. For one thing, the employers are sometimes out there looking for talent (under the guise of scouting but its really for replacement). And when you do quit your job or get fired, make sure to disconnect totally. No phone calls or emails. Especially if its your job emailing/phone calling you for help after they got rid of you (I've seen it happen). Guess what, if you were worth keeping on the payroll, then you have no obligation to help them or sort out any issues post-departure. Good luck with your future endeavors queenie.
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
17 Aug 07
Usually when i apply for a job and get it, I am in for the long haul. But that really depends on what is happening in my own personal life. If i got to a stage in my job where i was not enjoying it, or just had enough then i would update my cv and send it out and hope to find something else. I have only done this once when i disagreed with the way management was handling processes at work so i decided it was time to move on. I applied to a few jobs and got it one, then resigned and did finished off then moved on.
I have never used another job as a bargaining chip for more money, pay raise or even promotion as i think that is not the way to go. If I am not able to move up the ranks because of the person I am and the skills I bring to the job isn't enough then I will go elsewhere.
@okwusman1 (2247)
• Abuja, Nigeria
17 Aug 07
it is better to start seeking another job when you feel that you will get fired at any time. if the job is not a secured type also you can start looking for another job. most people don't look for job until they are fired, everybody should be ready to migrate from your present employer to another employer at any time.
@leo_87 (10)
• Malaysia
17 Aug 07
i am fed up with my current job m seekings greener pasture.However i need to stay at my current job untill i find a new job for financil resons.I do all my job searching at home after work.My concern is looking sneaky to a potential employer becouse i am currently looking while still working.Will a potential employer look negatively upon this or is this commonplace activity?Will they think it's something i could do to them if i were i were to work for them?
@iVeers (7)
• United States
17 Aug 07
I personally think you should start looking for a job, I mean if the signs are there, maybe other people around you are getting fired, I think you should at least be prepared for the possibility of you getting fired. Even if you end up backing out of an interview I think thats better than being laid off with no other work for a few weeks.
@greeneyes975 (19)
• United States
17 Aug 07
I'm sure most people don't think about getting fired from their job unless there has been some previous indication that this is inevitable. In which case, I would say, get your butt out there and start looking for another job! If it is just a matter of knowing what your options are, I don't think you need to have your resume circulating. Now, that does not mean don't keep your eyes open for a better opportunity. I think you should always be aware of what is out there for you and be ready to jump on a new and great opportunity.
