Layoffs can be akin to a clean left hook. You don’t see the punch coming, and it leaves you in a state of shock, disbelief, and anxiety. Then you begin dealing with the distressing struggle of getting back on your feet.
Combat sports analogies aside, we have this set of memes to voice out the stinging emotions of getting fired. Some of these images express the resentment of being let go, while others convey the bitterness that often lingers.
If you’ve ever been in the unfortunate situation of losing a job, these funny yet spot-on memes may hit home for you.
#1
Image source: memedroid_fun
#2
Image source: the.people.wasting.your.time
#3
Image source: youthere1
Some people may confuse, or even interchange, getting fired and getting laid off. The former may involve poor performance or policy violations, while the latter is more about company-related factors, such as financial constraints or downsizing.
Mental health clinician Yvonne Castañeda had a more relatable analogy: getting laid off can feel like a breakup.
#4
Image source: sweet.haunted.soul
#5
Image source: mememaster805
#6
Image source: da_whale_lord
“Employers provide you with their reasons—‘We are reorganizing, downsizing, restructuring, making some changes, getting acquired’—but you hear, ‘You just weren’t worth keeping around,’” Castañeda wrote.
Similar to a romantic relationship, you put the time and effort into a job, which ultimately leads to emotional investment. Castañeda says it’s for this reason that a layoff feels extra personal.
#7
Image source: the_officeinstafans
#8
Image source: sheggedy
#9
Image source: memes.viral.69
Meanwhile, getting fired is oftentimes an avoidable outcome. And whether or not it affects your future career will depend on the circumstances of the termination. As career expert Vicki Salemi explains, having an unfavorable reputation definitely won’t help.
“It’s hard to get a positive reference when you’re not a good employee. People may be honest and tell your prospective employer, ‘Don’t hire this person,’” Salemi said.
#10
Image source: -Rose-From-Riviera-
#11
Image source: KingOfCranes
#12
Image source: rat.mans.memes
As you would when dealing with an abrupt breakup, Castañeda shared the same general advice for dealing with a layoff: give yourself time to be upset and process the emotions, find a support network, and move on when you’re ready.
“It’s healthy to take time to process this experience, and listening to your body will help you realize when it’s time to take control of your future,” she wrote.
#13
Image source: Unkn0wnR3ddit0r
#14
Image source: theonlymemez
#15
Image source: m__a_s_o__n
As for moving on after getting fired, Salemi shared one crucial tip: get serious about your career and make your termination an exception, not the norm.
“Produce exemplary work with a can-do attitude and be humble. You want to show future employers that you were able to bounce back and excel.”
#16
Image source: saltythepooh
#17
Image source: TennisADHD
#18
Image source: zootghost
#19
Image source: 0xgaut
#20
Image source: crazymgmtconsultants
#21
Image source: briancarter
#22
Image source: adalbert090
#23
Image source: uprobablybroke
#24
Image source: 40hrhurtweek
#25
Image source: thelandscapeofmemes
#26
Image source: corporate_mood
#27
Image source: silivalleygirl
#28
Image source: somequeeninmarketing
#29
Image source: rajeshbhat_ds
#30
Image source: MaatRolo
#31
Image source: Jamminmb
#32
Image source: Euikon
#33
Image source: freeze_magazine
#34
Image source: Elna McHilderson
#35
Image source: ruby_diamemes
#36
Image source: reddit.com
#37
Image source: winespirationalthoughts
#38
Image source: mememaster805
#39
Image source: puns.planet
#40
Image source: iVannGarc
#41
Image source: Beautiful-Leave6May
#42
Image source: Starynight_11
#43
Image source: Kabukimansanjoe
#44
Image source: countrydirtu2
#45
Image source: 90s.nostalgia4millennials
#46
Image source: ruby_diamemes
#47
Image source: runescape_daily_memes
#48
Image source: laidoffnowwhat
#49
Image source: reddit.com
#50
Image source: LexFabolous
#51
Image source: helpimemes
#52
Image source: Busy-Government-1041
#53
Image source: silvy_memes
#54
Image source: memebazarr
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