JT & Dale Talk Jobs: Boss accidentally reveals plans for firing

J.T.: I would ask to set a meeting with him and tell him what has happened. I’d then ask if he can provide more details on why you are being fired. Stay calm. The more professional you can be, the better. Then, I would ask for severance. Let him know your firing is coming as a shock and the job market isn’t great, so you are hoping he can provide you with a way to cover your expenses while you gear up your job search. Hopefully, the embarrassment of what he has done might result in some money for you.

DALE: While I’m smiling at the notion of turning the tables and surprising and embarrassing your boss, I’m not sure it’s worth it, at least not yet. Yes, that might get you some severance, but I wonder if your boss even has the authority to grant such payment. I suspect he’ll say that he’ll try to get you paid and then come back later and break the news that HR or upper management won’t authorize it. So, instead of confronting your boss, I’d jump into a job search. It could take weeks or months for your boss to follow through on his firing plan, or maybe it will fall through. Meanwhile, see if there are any company projects you can volunteer for that would take a while to complete — you’re looking for anything that would give your boss an excuse to put off firing you. With a bit of luck, you’ll land something new before your boss can implement his plan. If you do end up getting fired, make sure you understand just what it is you did or didn’t do to put you in that situation. Most people who get a firing surprise are so shocked that they don’t ask the questions that might make them better at the next job. You’ll have that advantage.