Marcina wrote:
So today was the worst day ever.
I lost my fucking job today. I just got called up and fired. Just like that. Effective immediately. Being as paranoid as I am I wonder if somehow someone found me on here and read all the bad stuff I wrote about the schedule being whacked out and shit. I dunno I doubt it. Who'd internet stalk me like that? I was just told I wasn't "compatible" for that job.. Whatever that means. Obviously there was someone at work who just didn't like me. That's what I'm thinking. I was nice to everyone.. I don't get it.
I've been in your position a number of times. I know how stressful it can be and I am sorry you landed there. It will be tough dealing with it, no way around that. It helps to remind yourself that you will eventually get another job and one that you like.
Hard working, smart, socially well adjusted and cooperative people sometimes are not aware of how they are coming off to others. Sometimes it isn't on their end, the people at the other end have their own way of viewing things. Either way I think it is helpful to know why a situation deteriorated.
Getting feedback can be tough. People generally don't like giving what they see as negative feedback. It makes them feel uncomfortable. Companies actually hire contractors to do nothing but fire people. Employers are also wary of legal entanglements and angering ex-employees so they are resistant to say too much.
Still, the feedback could be very valuable information to you. I would go to your old boss and ask why you were let go. The worst thing he could do would be to refuse to have the conversation with you. You have nothing to lose. When you approach him you can make it clear to him that you are only interested in gathering information, you aren't looking to blame anyone and that you would be appreciative for the valuable information.
If that doesn't work you can try the same approach with ex-coworkers who you feel didn't like you. No blame, just information gathering.
You can't lose any money or anything else doing this. It may feel awkward and the things they say may rub you the wrong way, but you will likely never have to be around these people again. Even if their opinions are way wrong, it could be valuable to you to know what they are.
The online thing is a possibility.
I've seen articles about HR recruiters turning down candidates after googling for the myspace/facebook/etc pages and finding something unflattering.
If people want to find out about your life through the internet they can do it. It is just a question of how much time and work they want to sink into it. Most people aren't willing to put in more than a casual amount of work unless they are really pissed off and they have no life. Taking some minimal precautions is often enough.