OK, so being fired is one of the things we fear most in life – but it's not the end of the world.

In most cases, it's a chance to rethink the road you want to take in your career, and sort out your priorities.

Career consultant, Sherridan Hughes, spoke to Marie Claire about what to expect and how to come out on the brighter side of being sacked.

Start asking yourself questions

Sherridan first urges you to ask the question 'was it really my fault?'

"Was there something else going on e.g. cutbacks were necessary, or perhaps you were simply made the scapegoat for someone else’s failings?"

However, if you honestly feel like you just weren't up for the job, then comes the tough questions.

"What were you weak at? What did you do less well? Could you have asked for help sooner?

"Could you have asked for training, researched online or put yourself through a course? Is that worth doing now?" 

Asking yourself these questions will help you figure out whether you want to go back into the same type of work, or look into a different area.

We all know that even if we love our jobs, sometimes going into the office can be an absolute drag.

However, that's completely different from dreading the work you do everyday, which brings Sherridan to her next question – "Were you even right for the job?

"Did you enjoy the work and feel that it was playing to your strengths or did you feel out of your depth and stressed, or alternatively, bored and demotivated?"

 

Now it's time to think positive

If the job wasn't suited to you, or you felt out of your depth, then it's probably best that you are out.

Think of this as your lucky escape and your chance to find something better suited to you.

"Do not be ashamed or embarrassed. It’s best to make light of it and try to laugh it off with friends and family.

"No one is allowed to give a bad reference; they should just write ‘ this person was employed as X from X to Y dates'.

"Let go of resentment and bitterness because it will eat you up and you do not want them to have beaten you. Determine to show them what they have lost!"

 

Be prepared for the next job you walk into

First of all, don't doubt yourself. Once you've thought everything through and know what your next step is, don't be shy when applying for new jobs.

But Sherridan warns that you might have to put a spin on it when being interviewed for another role.

"You cannot admit that you were fired because few employers will want to risk giving you a try, even if appreciating your honesty. 

"Try to think of a reason why you have left (perhaps with no job to go to). If you change location, role, organisation or career, this should be easier to explain."

So, instead of saying out straight that you were fired, you could say that you had aspirations for a new, better suited role.

"You could also complete a project or take a gap activity to cover your tracks," Sherridan explains.

 

Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote, and you can do it right here!