What I Learned From Getting Fired

So the other day I was fired from a part-time job I had been working on my school's campus for almost a year now. I know that if you're reading this you're probably wondering why I got fired. Well, long story short, I made my boss aware that my availability had changed and had become limited. Instead of acknowledging that, he kept scheduling me times to work outside of my availability. After going through this power struggle for a few weeks, I was sent an email that if I didn't show up to a particular shift that I had already stated that I couldn't work multiple times a week prior, that my position would be terminated. I didn't see the email until after I didn't show up to the shift, and simply emailed him that I assume I was terminated and will turn in my uniform.

This email encounter turned into what I felt like was an attack on my character in some respects, and I spent the day acknowledging my former employer's frustration but also making him aware that if he weren't trying to dictate, control, had listened to my needs, acted accordingly, and not pursued a power struggle, then things could have ended differently. I was highly upset by he encounter but given time to think about all that encountered the past few weeks, I was highly grateful for the experience and learned a few things.

1. Always have a plan B or C, or however many letters of the alphabet you would like: If I had not had options at the time, I would have been forced into feeling helpless and would have bent over backwards to maintain this job that was inconsiderate to my needs.
2. What people say is not always what they mean: My boss told me when I first mentioned that I may have to quit if he pressured me to choose between this job and another obligation of mine, he tried to be nice, and mentioned that I deserved better than this job and my personal circumstances. My boss has always admired my hard work ethic and leadership capabilities, but only to the extent that he could take advantage of it. People at times will say things to try to convince you that they are empathetic to you, to allow you be more willing to suffer abuse at their hands. When you realize this, it allows you to see how to make decisions not based on what others feel you should do, but on what you actually should do for yourself.
3. To deflect criticism with class: When someone is debasing your character, always calm yourself before responding to their actions. You do not want to act out of a state of emotion. So remain calm, state the facts, apologize for your shortcomings, point out the breakdown of communication on both ends so that they can see it takes two parties to create a breakdown, and end the conversation professionally with best wishes, and possibly a thank you for whatever role they played in your life.
4. Always Know Your Worth And When To Get Out: Know exactly what value you bring to a person, an organization, or a company, and whenever you feel that your worth is being devalued, allow the other party to make amends and fix things. But if they choose not to, get out, and get out fast. You should never compromise your self-worth and standards. Opportunities and people may come around but many come for a season. It is ok to let go and make room for something else to teach you a new life lesson on your personal journey of growth.

So these are the things I learned, and hopefully this helps someone out in their own personal journey of self-discovery today.