No one plans on getting let go from a job — many times the reasons are beyond your control. There are specific steps you can take, however, to guard against it ever happening to you by addressing the things that are in your control. Here are some suggestions to help you avoid a potentially unhappy situation before you're discharged, and how to get what you’re entitled to if it does happens:

Before

* If the job isn’t right for you, turn it down. Accepting a mis-matched job will do more harm than good, period. It’s certain to do irreconcilable harm to your long-term career goals. Be honest with yourself—are you really going to be able to adjust to something you don’t want to do or aren’t quite qualified for? Besides, the company will be able to find several other, very willing people to do the job; they certainly aren't investing their time and money to groom you for a future situation in a different department or field.

* Find out if the company you’re considering has a formal performance review program. If so, is it set up as a two-way street? If not, consider asking the person who would be your boss if s/he would be willing to work out goals and expectations for the job so there will be no surprises later.

* Keep written record of your daily activities. Take special note if something goes wrong (what happened? could you have corrected it? did you get enough training or direction to be able to avoid it?) and write down if you feel you exceeded your boss’ expectations of you. By having this documented, you’re prepared to debate if your performance is ever called into question.

After

* The person who does the actual firing (be it your boss, someone from human resources, or an outplacement counselor) is there to discuss it, not just do it. Ask questions and get feedback on your performance, the reason behind

* Firing is supposed to be the if-all-else-fails solution to a problem. If it catches you completely off-guard, get as much specific information as you can about what went wrong...and learn from it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—just keep your cool while doing it.

* If you are planning to use your former employer as a reference, be certain that the record reflects an agreed-upon set of circumstances surrounding your dismissal to ensure that you will be correctly represented. Come to an agreement with your employer (in writing, if possible) as to exactly what will be said when future potential employers call.

* If the circumstances allow, ask for (unpaid) time to continue to use company resources to assist your job search—such as using a computer and printer to prepare your resume or using the phone to set up interviews.

But, most importantly, don't panic. Use your 'release' as an opportunity to make things even better in your life. Like many, many people, you might find that your getting fired or laid off was the best thing to happen to your career!

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Kathryn Marion is President of Education for Reality™. in Erie, Colorado. Her book Success in the 'Real World:' The Graduate's Complete Guide to Making the Most of Your Career (and Your Life!) was released in April '05 in e-book format for its tenth anniversary--it was distributed through schools, colleges, and universities to nearly two million new graduates. Jam-packed with savvy insights and helpful advicem it covers everything from careers to money management to handling personal and even legal matters. Visit http://www.EducationForReality.com and sign up for the free monthly newsletter, Dose of RealityTM--it will give you a 'dose' of advice on your career, your money, and your life each month as well as point you to additional online resources which will help you in these areas--so you don't have to surf the Net (we do it for you!).

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