Being fired is one of the most stressful experiences in your working life. The first 48 hours are crucial – not for finding a new job, but for taking care of yourself and making sure you act wisely. In this guide, you'll get a concrete plan for the first two days.
Whether the firing came as a shock or you saw it coming, it's completely natural to feel a mix of anger, grief, anxiety, and confusion. These feelings are normal. What matters is that you don't let them control your actions in the first few hours.
The first hours: Breathe and gather yourself
When you've just received the news, your brain is in survival mode. You won't make good decisions right now – and you don't have to.
Here's what you should do:
- Leave the workplace calmly. Say goodbye to the colleagues you meet, but avoid dramatic scenes. You can always reach out later.
- Don't post anything on social media. You may regret it. Wait at least 48 hours.
- Call one person you trust. It could be a partner, friend, or family member. You don't need to explain everything – just say you need to talk.
- Do something physical. Go for a walk, run, or just sit in nature. Your nervous system needs to calm down.
Important: The first hours are not about finding solutions. They're about landing. Give yourself permission to be in shock.
Day 1: The practical minimum
When you've slept on it (or at least tried to), it's time to take the first practical steps. Not all steps – just the most important ones.
Review your termination notice
Find your termination letter or the email you received. Read it carefully. Note:
- Your notice period (how long will you receive salary?)
- Whether you're on gardening leave or need to work
- Any severance pay
- What happens to vacation, pension, and other benefits
If something is unclear, it's okay to wait before asking. You have time.
Contact your unemployment fund
If you're a member of an unemployment fund (called "A-kasse" in Denmark – a form of unemployment insurance), you need to register as unemployed. Most unemployment funds have an online form you can fill out. Don't wait too long – it can affect when you can receive benefits.
If you're not a member, you might consider joining now. Some funds have short waiting periods. You can also contact your local job center.
Create a financial overview
It sounds boring, but it brings peace of mind. Write down:
- What you have in your account now
- Your fixed expenses per month
- When you'll receive your last salary
- Any other income sources
You don't need to create a detailed budget yet. Just get an overview.
Day 2: Start to orient yourself
On day two, you can start looking ahead – but still at a calm pace.
Tell those closest to you
You're not obligated to tell everyone right away. Start with those closest: partner, children, parents. Choose what you want to say. A simple "I've been let go, and I'm working on figuring out what comes next" is fine.
Avoid applying for jobs yet
This may sound counterintuitive, but hold off on sending applications. You're not in the best mental state to present yourself positively right now. Instead, use the time to:
- Update your CV (without sending it)
- Think about what you actually want
- Read the next guides in this module
Book a meeting with your unemployment fund
Many unemployment funds offer guidance and career counseling. Book a meeting if possible. It doesn't commit you to anything, but it can provide perspective.
What NOT to do in the first 48 hours
Just as important as what you should do is what you should avoid:
- Don't write angry emails to your former boss. You can always do it later (but probably won't want to).
- Don't share the news on LinkedIn yet. Wait until you know what you want to say – and how.
- Don't make big decisions. Don't move, don't quit other jobs, don't make large purchases.
- Don't isolate yourself. It's tempting to hide, but loneliness amplifies negative thoughts.
- Don't drink too much. Alcohol feels like a solution but makes everything harder the next day.
Common feelings – and why they're okay
It's completely normal to experience:
- Anger: "It's unfair!" Yes, maybe it is. But anger doesn't bring clarity.
- Shame: "What will people think?" Most people have been there. You're not alone.
- Relief: "Maybe it was actually good?" It's okay to feel relief – it doesn't mean you're not also sad.
- Panic: "What should I do?!" Nothing right now. You have time.
All these feelings can come in waves. One hour you feel okay, the next you're furious. That's normal. It will pass.
Practical tips
- Write things down – it helps the brain process
- Stick to your normal sleep schedule as much as possible
- Eat properly, even if you don't have an appetite
- Move your body – exercise reduces stress
- Avoid constantly checking work email
- Set a timer if you're scrolling job listings (max 15 min)
- Remember: 48 hours is not a deadline – it's a beginning
Try it yourself
Take a piece of paper and write down:
- How are you feeling right now? (There are no wrong answers)
- Who can you call today?
- What's one thing you can do for yourself tonight?
You don't need to show it to anyone. It's just for you.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tell my colleagues that I've been fired?
That's your choice. Many choose to tell close colleagues personally, while others prefer not to. There's no rule. Consider waiting a few days until you know what you want to say.
When should I update LinkedIn?
Wait at least a week. When you do, focus on the future ("I'm open to new opportunities") rather than the past ("I've been fired"). You can read more about LinkedIn visibility in our LinkedIn module.
What if I want to apply for jobs right away?
It's understandable, but wait. Applications written in panic are rarely good. Use the first days to gather yourself. Read our guide on mental coping, and then come back to job searching with fresh eyes.
Next steps
You've made it through the first 48 hours. That's a bigger achievement than you might think.
Now it's time to understand your rights. In the next guide, we'll go through what you're entitled to as a terminated employee – and how to ensure you get it.
Remember: You're not alone, and you will get through this.