Just got fired from my project, WTF?

[basil]

I'm with you on the HR thing - it is inappropriate. Unfortunately, that's how many places handle things like this. Using HR is a way everyone who's really involved can stay nice and clean. Well, except the guy getting the bad news. Being a manager doesn't mean you have nuts.

In my mind, your wanting to learn the lessons from this is one of the bigger pieces here. Was it office politics? Biting off more than you could chew? A communication breakdown somewhere? Some of these things you can do something about, and some of them, nothing.

Keep moving forward, hold your head up, and you'll be better for all this.

[Cabaiguan Juan]

In my mind, your wanting to learn the lessons from this is one of the bigger pieces here. Was it office politics? Biting off more than you could chew? A communication breakdown somewhere? Some of these things you can do something about, and some of them, nothing.

I spoke with the project director and what i came away from was that office politics has a large roll in this. I took down several pages of notes on what could the issues were, and what to consider in the future. I also took away from my talk with the director a lot of things he considers important for any Project Manager, many of which I've been practicing on my project which I have been closing out. So i guess I'm doing something right.

[Kenyth]

Sounds like someone let you take time off when they really couldn't afford it, and you took the hit for it. It's a bad communication of expectations.

Someone up top probably said they wanted something done yesterday, and all your department had to say was that one of the key players was on vacation. They then assumed you should have known not to take vacation during this particular project.

Being that it's your brothers wedding, you really had to be there, but many businesses don't care about little details like that at the upper levels. They only see the bottom line, and whoever contributes to it.

[ggiese]

Look - you do whatever you want - but at least Read this first...

I've been sent in the "search" mode for postings like yours - and have been on the hiring evaluation side of things. This article covers much of what I know from the corporate world. Companies are rarely anything but intolerant of workers publically airing their grievances.

I especially agree with...

Before using your blog to vent about workplace problems, try to solve them through the usual channels.

Your situation may be frustrating - and in YOUR VIEW unfair - but there are two sides to every story. Viewing something as a "firing" may in fact be a "restructuring".

I don't know your specific circumstances, but from the sounds of what you said about the project - this was a HUGE project for your company. ANY failure on the company's part could jeopardize their whole project - costing lots of bananas.

Reality is - all of us can be replaced. Many of us are doing the job of 2 and 3 people (if we view it that way). Your bosses should have recognized you needed help - but you should have also been planful and requisitioned the needed support as a project MANAGER. If you failed to recognize it - don't be so willing to take it all on the next time. Give careful consideration to the necessary resources.

Take the advice of your company to heart - think about how you can do it better next time and prepare for that moment. And fer cripes sake - DO NOT whine out loud! Your company is most likely closely monitoring you to see what your reaction to this "failure" is - and it's up to you to fall flat on your face - or shine like a star.

Just remember - your actions could cost you far more than your one project...

[FunkyCold5]

Sorry to hear this happen to you, Jon. It looks like it's time to look for a new job, bro!

Look for a company that would recognize your abilities and not put you infront of the bus.

Seems like you are a scape-goat.

Andrew

[Cabaiguan Juan]

ggiese, thanks for the article. It was pretty informative. I definitely am taking my companies advice to heart and will do my best in the future. I intend to be the star, and your other points are well noted.

[WOXOF]

Sorry to hear that Jon. Try to stay positive, it could have been a lot worse. Learn from it and don't let it ruin your confidence in yourself or the company.

[ggiese]

ggiese, thanks for the article. It was pretty informative. I definitely am taking my companies advice to heart and will do my best in the future. I intend to be the star, and your other points are well noted.

Good luck to you - sounds like you have a pretty steep hill ahead of you. However, you wouldn't have been entrusted with the task if they didn't at some level feel confident in your skills.

The glass is half full, my friend...