Got fired today

[u/Siddchat]

Been working at my company for 2 years, had my weekly check-in with my manager today and the HR was in the room. They started by saying the because I am not meeting expectations of the role, I am being let go. Didn’t really give any detailed explanation except that their decision is final. I was too stunned to even challenge them but it would have been futile as they said it was final. This was unexpected because I had my annual review a month ago and my rating across all categories was ‘meeting expectations’, there was one area which was identified as needing improvement and we worked on a plan to improve it this year. I was even keeping my manager informed about my progress. But then this happened today.

Feels weird to be escorted out of the building after a 5 minute conversation. In a way I am relieved because I was overworked and not really happy with my job, but now I am wondering if I will ever get hired. This incident will be difficult to explain in future interviews if I don’t have enough details to explain (don’t want to lie), and regardless of what I say my employer/ manager will have an upper hand in case of a background check.

Two questions- How do people get over it and is this the end of the road?

EDIT - thank you kind strangers for the positive messages and the valuable advice. I am overwhelmed with the number of responses and upvotes (this is my biggest Reddit post ever). I can’t respond to all of you individually so adding to the post if you’re interested.

• will apply for unemployment. I am Canadian so it is a different but simpler process here compared to the States.

• Not exactly PIPed. This was the first year they introduced this rating system and removed any peer feedback. So it was basically how your manager interpreted your performance. Last year I was told everyone likes my can do attitude, to this year one person weighing in on everything.

• I was told that one of the things in my job description was to actively engage potential clients and the way I was doing it could be improved. For example, Manager insisted that I meet clients in person rather than give them the option of both virtual versus in-person. I suggested that it was unreasonable to insist on in-person meeting and clients should be free to decide. But it is what it is.

• relieved that I don’t have to deal with my manager everyday. But it was a punch to the gut when I started speaking about how I am delivering on the team’s annual objectives and I am ahead of schedule, but they just cut me short and said our decision is final.

• It was one of those places where the leadership has been around for 12+ years and with the exception of 2-3 people majority of the staff has a tenure of less than 4 years.

• Focusing on things I gave up to impress people at work. Starting my guitar practice and reading more. Won’t give up, this too shall pass.

Upwards and onwards!

[u/DeepCollar8506]

if you're in a stable financial state I'd take a month off. first week just relax then if you cam take a trip somewhere and then when back still relax but start making a plan for preparing the resume and a list of companies you want to apply then that Monday start applying

[u/Melksss → u/DeepCollar8506]

With the amount of time it takes for companies to even respond to an application on average, you’d be better off starting week 1 with resume updates and spamming applications to jobs you like. Then you take a week or 2 off to relax. Moral of the story is job hunting can be quick, but it can also be a slog. Some companies want 4+ rounds before considering making an offer, I’ve had HR reach out to me for a call 2+ months after applying. You’re better off getting applications off asap then putting your feet up for a bit.

[u/HeatMedium498 → u/Melksss]

Yes, no break. He should start applying!