DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel disrespected after being laid off, despite being one of the best performers in my role. It is disheartening to feel undervalued and overlooked, especially when I have dedicated myself to my job and consistently produced high-quality work. The decision to let me go has left me feeling confused and demoralized; I believe I deserved better treatment given my track record. How can I regain my sense of worth and confidence after this setback? -- Disrespected
DEAR DISRESPECTED: Being let go is hard to accept, no matter who you are. I’m sorry it happened to you. Were you told why the company let you go? Sometimes hearing an explanation from your employer for your firing can at least help you get your head around the situation and give you something to study as you move on.
You might follow up with your manager to ask what the cause was and if there is any advice on how you can perform better in the future. I know that may be the last thing you want to do, but that approach may give you answers. Could it be the economy? The fiscal health of your company? The direction in which the company is headed and how your role no longer fits in it? Your attitude?
If there appears to be no legitimate reason for the firing, you can consider suing. But I recommend studying the job and your way of doing it and applying the lessons to your next work experience. Forgive them for not nurturing your great qualities, and move on.